Wednesday

"I am worthy of the same kindness I give to others."

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

• What is a dopamine detox?

• The benefits for umami food

• Filing taxes this tax season

• High frequency wands explained

• How to get personalized women’s health care

Should You Try a Dopamine Detox to Reset?

A "dopamine detox" has become a popular trend, with many claiming it can help reset your brain and break bad habits. The idea is to remove quick pleasures like social media, junk food, or online shopping to restore balance. However, experts say the science behind this is more complex than it seems.

Dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to motivation and reward, isn’t something you can simply "detox" from. Instead, what a dopamine fast can really help with is reducing overstimulation. When you take a break from addictive habits, you create space to be more mindful about where you direct your attention. This can help you reset your habits, but it's not a magic fix.

While dopamine detoxing won’t permanently change your behavior, it can raise awareness of how you’re spending your time. Experts recommend starting small by cutting back on one habit at a time, like limiting social media use, while replacing it with a healthier alternative, such as going for a walk or practicing mindfulness. The key is to build new, positive habits that stick.

Why You Should Add More Umami to Your Diet

Umami, often called the fifth basic taste, adds depth and savory richness to foods. Triggered by the amino acid glutamate, umami is found in foods like aged cheeses, mushrooms, and soy sauce. Eating umami-rich foods can have surprising effects on your body, including changes to your appetite and overall food choices.

One key benefit of umami is its ability to activate reward areas in the brain, enhancing the pleasure of food. This could lead to a greater sense of satisfaction, making meals more enjoyable. Umami also influences appetite, helping you feel fuller for longer, which can result in reduced overall food intake.

Interestingly, umami might help you reduce both salt and fat consumption. By enhancing flavor, it can make lower-sodium or lower-fat foods more satisfying, potentially aiding in healthier eating habits. For older adults, umami can even stimulate saliva production, improving the eating experience for those with dry mouth.

Incorporating more umami into your diet can enhance flavor, reduce cravings for unhealthy ingredients, and support your overall well-being. Adding a simple umami-rich ingredient like miso or soy sauce can make a big difference in your meals.

File with Cash App Taxes

Now that tax season is here, there’s no better time to file with Cash App Taxes. It’s fast, 100% free, and it only takes a few minutes.

Cash App Taxes is a completely free way to file your federal and state taxes—and get your refund.

• Help your children benefit from new government programs

  If you have eligible children under 18, you can take the first step toward opening a Trump account for them and request $1,000 from the government for children born on or after January 1, 2025.

• File your federal and state taxes for free

  Like every year, it costs $0 to file your federal and state taxes. Even if your taxes are complicated, or you've had multiple jobs or side gigs, there are never any fees or upsells.

• Max out your refund-guaranteed

  Every return is backed by our max refund guarantee* and accurate calculations guarantee.** We get you the refund you deserve and do the math the right way.

• Use a service trusted for 12+ million returns and counting

  Millions of people trust Cash App Taxes to get their taxes done, max out their refunds, and get their refunds back faster.

• Get your refund up to 5 days early

  If you deposit your refund into Cash App, it arrives up to 5 days early compared to many banks.***

File with Cash App Taxes.

*Learn about Max Refund Guarantee details and eligibility. **Learn about Accurate Calculations Guarantee details and eligibility. Exclusions apply. ***5-day refund estimate is based on filing data from tax year 2024. Refund windows are subject to change for 2025. We do not guarantee when you will receive your refund. Timing estimates are dependent on the timing of your submission of a complete return and when the IRS submits your refund. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. 
Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Tax Filing Preparation services are provided by Cash App Taxes, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Thank you to Cash App for sponsoring Note To Self. 

How High-Frequency Wands Can Improve Your Skin

High-frequency wands are becoming increasingly popular for acne treatment, but do they really work? These devices use low-level electrical currents to kill acne-causing bacteria, reduce inflammation, and promote circulation. The result? Potentially clearer skin and faster healing.

At-home wands are convenient, but they deliver less energy than in-office treatments, meaning the results may not be as dramatic. However, they’re still a great option for regular use and are effective in reducing inflammation and acne-related redness. You’ll want to follow a few guidelines: always cleanse your skin first, use the device on clean skin, and avoid using it with harsh products like retinoids or AHAs.

While most people tolerate high-frequency treatments well, side effects can include redness or tingling. For best results, use the wand for no more than a few minutes per spot and follow up with moisturizer. Though high-frequency wands are widely recommended for acne, consult a dermatologist if you have sensitive skin or other concerns.

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Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: Exercise, particularly cardio, increases dopamine levels for up to 24 hours after working out.

• 🌅 Sunset Of The Day: Sunsets are more than beautiful—they’re actually good for your mood. Got a favorite one? Reply to this email with your best sunset or sunrise photo for a chance to be featured!

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Food is a connection—to yourself, to your culture, and to others. What matters is how it makes you feel, not how it looks.

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]!