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Friday

"When the sun is shining, I can do anything; no mountain is too high, no trouble too difficult to overcome."

-Wilma Rudolph

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

• Have you got the Sunday scaries?

• A Danish habit to beat the pre-Monday blues

• How to deal with hidden pet expenses

• 3 tips to banish the Sunday scaries forever

• This coffee is made out of… mushrooms?

Dreading Monday? Here’s How to Cope

If you find yourself dreading Monday before Sunday night even ends, you’re not alone. The "Sunday Scaries" are a real thing, where work anxiety sneaks in as the weekend winds down. It’s that moment when you’re suddenly consumed by thoughts of meetings, deadlines, or an overwhelming to-do list, ruining your peaceful end to the week.

The trick to tackling these Sunday night worries is mindfulness. Instead of letting your mind race through scenarios of what might go wrong, try focusing on the present. A few minutes of meditation or deep breathing can help calm your thoughts and bring you back to the here and now.

Another helpful technique is to write down your worries. It sounds simple, but putting your thoughts on paper can help you see them for what they are: just thoughts. This can help take the power out of the anxiety and prevent it from consuming your entire Sunday evening.

Next time the Sunday Scaries come knocking, try these quick fixes. You may not eliminate stress altogether, but you’ll be better prepared to handle it with a clearer mind and a calmer heart.

A Danish Habit to End Your Sunday Stress

The Danish concept of hygge has become popular worldwide as a way to embrace comfort and simplicity in everyday life. One aspect of this philosophy that’s especially useful is søndagshygge, or a relaxing Sunday at home. The idea? Turn off the hustle and enjoy the slow pace of the weekend, free from obligations. It’s about dedicating time to simply rest, whether that means sipping tea, reading, or catching up on your favorite shows.

The beauty of søndagshygge is its focus on comfort. Picture yourself in your favorite cozy pants (hyggebukser), no makeup, and a soft blanket—just the perfect setting to let your mind relax. The goal is to create an environment that makes you feel at ease, whether that involves dim lighting, candles, or a warm beverage in hand.

Research supports the idea that taking intentional downtime is good for mental health. Experts stress that rest isn’t laziness—it’s essential for recharging your brain, especially in our fast-paced, hyper-connected world. So, instead of feeling guilty for not being productive, embrace this Danish ritual and give yourself permission to do absolutely nothing.

Pets Are Cute. Expensive Vet Bills Aren’t.

Our pet’s curiosity is adorable—until it gets them into trouble. Whether it’s sneaking a taste of something they shouldn’t or testing their daredevil skills, life with pets is full of unexpected twists that can turn into thousands in vet bills.

Pet insurance covers the costs of eligible accidents, illnesses, and even routine care for as little as $10 a month. And with some plans offering up to 90% reimbursement, it can keep everyone’s tail wagging. Check out Money’s top pet insurance picks to find a plan today.

View plans.

Thank you to Money.com for sponsoring Note To Self. 

3 Tips for Ending the Sunday Scaries Cycle

We’ve all been there: the anxiety that creeps in on Sunday afternoon, knowing the workweek is around the corner. The Sunday Scaries are a real thing, but they don’t have to take over your weekend. Here are three ways to reclaim your Sundays and set yourself up for a calm week ahead.

First, it’s all about being present. Rather than letting worries about the workweek invade your thoughts, focus on enjoying the moment. Whether it’s family time, a quiet walk, or practicing mindfulness, immersing yourself in the now can help you feel more grounded and less anxious.

Second, get a jump start on the week by preparing ahead. It doesn’t have to be a full-on meal prep session, but reflecting on the past week and setting small goals for the upcoming one can give you a sense of control. Knowing you’ve thought about the week ahead can ease your mind.

Lastly, set an intention for how you want the week to feel. Whether it's ease, focus, or balance, writing down your goal can remind you to stay on track. This simple practice can make the week feel more manageable and leave the Sunday Scaries behind.

Wellness Round-Up:

Poll Results: What is your favorite little luxury?

🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 🧖‍♀️ A self-care spa night (15%)

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ 🍝 A delicious meal (23%)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 ☕️ A fancy cup of tea/coffee (38%)

🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ 🤷‍♀️ Something else! (25%)

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False: False! Feeling anxious at work is common and can happen to anyone. It’s a natural response to stress and does not reflect personal weakness.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ 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: As the weekend winds down and the Sunday Scaries start to creep in, remember that it’s okay to feel a little anxious about the week ahead. Instead of focusing on what's coming, take a moment to breathe, reset, and remind yourself that you’ve got this. 🌟✨ 

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]!