Friday

Sponsored By:

"I allow myself to feel joy in small things."

Welcome to Friday! Today, we're chatting about:

• How your bedroom layout impacts sleep

• The benefits of having a third space

• A simple way to fit therapy into your life

• Common fears about starting therapy

Small Bedroom Fixes That Improve Rest

If you’re tossing and turning, your bedroom layout could be partly to blame. Designers say the way you arrange furniture affects how restful the space feels and how well you sleep.

Start with the bed. If it’s pushed against the wall, you’ll lose access for one partner and space for basics like a lamp or glass of water. Ideally, both sides should be accessible, with small shelves or sconces if space is tight.

Clutter is another culprit. Overflowing dressers, piles of clothes, or furniture crammed too close together create stress and block movement. Declutter, swap bulky pieces for taller storage, and keep walkways clear.

Don’t forget the environment: rugs should extend past the bed, blackout curtains help block light, and mirrors work best where you can step back and see your full outfit. With a few thoughtful adjustments, your room can feel calmer and your sleep deeper.

Why You Need a Third Place

Home is your first place. Work is your second. But what about the “third place”? Coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg, the term describes a regular spot where people gather for connection and community. Think coffee shops, libraries, parks, or even a friend’s living room.

Research shows these spaces aren’t just nice-to-haves. The World Health Organization has identified loneliness as a public health concern, and studies link third places with better mood, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. They give us a chance to socialize without pressure, build identity outside of work and home, and feel part of something bigger.

So how do you find one? Start with your interests. Love books? Visit the library regularly. Need movement? Join a weekly run club or yoga class. If budget is a concern, remember third places don’t have to cost anything. A park bench or book club counts. The key is consistency: show up often, connect with familiar faces, and let the space become part of your routine.

The Support You Need for Life’s Changes

Change can feel exciting—and overwhelming. Whether it’s a new routine, a big opportunity, or just life throwing something unexpected your way, your mental health deserves steady support.

SonderMind makes it easier to get care that actually fits your life. With affordable therapy and psychiatry options, expert matching to connect you with the right provider, and the ability to start as soon as tomorrow, it’s care designed for real people and real schedules.

Because the right support can make all the difference in how you navigate change. Get started with SonderMind today and feel more confident through whatever comes next.

Get Matched with a Provider Today

Thank you to SonderMind for sponsoring Note To Self. 

How to Handle Nerves Before Starting Therapy

Starting therapy can feel intimidating, but most of the common worries people have are more normal and more manageable than they seem.

One big fear is that strong emotions will surface. In reality, feeling sadness, anger, or shame is part of the process, and many people experience relief once those feelings are addressed. Others worry therapy won’t work for them. While not every therapist is the right fit, the first one you meet can often connect you with someone who is.

Some people dread disliking their therapist, but even those reactions can be meaningful. Therapists call it “transference,” and it can help uncover patterns from past relationships. Another concern? That therapy will feel too hard. The truth: growth is a balance of challenge and support, and sessions should include moments of insight and satisfaction alongside discomfort.

It’s also common to feel embarrassed or unsure what to talk about. Opening up takes time, and your therapist will follow your pace. With patience, fears fade, and trust builds into the heart of the work.

A Note From Us

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False: True. Sleep, movement, and emotional check-ins can all support the process.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ Snapshot Of The Day: We'd love to see moments from our readers’ lives that they are proud of! If you recently accomplished an achievement, experienced a joyful moment, or are proud of a picture you have taken, be sure to capture it on camera and send it to us for a chance to be featured next week! 

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Caring for yourself isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it looks like setting boundaries, unlearning patterns, or sitting with feelings you’d rather avoid.

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!