Wednesday

"I am allowed to feel settled where I am."

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

• The health benefits of olive oil

• How to eat seasonally this spring

• Do collagen supplements actually work?

• Outdoor hobbies to try as it warms up

• Farm-to-door flowers

Olive Oil Is Doing More for You Than You Realized

Extra-virgin olive oil has been a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet for a long time, and a recent study adds another reason to keep it in your kitchen. Researchers found that people who consumed more of it tended to perform better on cognitive tests and showed greater gut microbial diversity, which is generally a sign of a healthier gut.

The connection runs through the gut-brain axis, the communication network linking your digestive system and your brain. Extra-virgin olive oil is rich in plant compounds called phenolics that act as antioxidants and may help reduce inflammation in the brain over time. It's worth noting that the study was observational, so it can't prove olive oil directly caused the benefits, but the pattern is consistent with what researchers have been seeing for years.

The amount tied to better outcomes in the study was about two teaspoons to four tablespoons per day, which is pretty approachable if olive oil is already part of how you cook. Sautéing vegetables, whisking it into a salad dressing, or drizzling it over roasted grains all count.

The key is sticking with extra-virgin specifically. Unlike refined olive oils, it retains the phenolic compounds that seem to do the most work.

A Guide to Spring Seasonal Eating

Seasonal eating isn't a new concept but it's having a moment, and spring is a great time to get into it. As temperatures warm up, produce like strawberries, asparagus, peas, and leafy greens hit their peak, and the difference in flavor compared to off-season versions is noticeable.

The nutritional case for it is real too. Fruits and vegetables are at their highest nutrient content when harvested at peak ripeness. Produce that's shipped out of season is typically picked early and travels long distances before it reaches you, which means it's had more time to lose both flavor and nutrients.

Beyond your plate, seasonal eating tends to be easier on your wallet since higher supply means lower prices at the grocery store. It also supports local farmers and cuts down on the fuel and refrigeration needed to transport food from far away.

The easiest way to start is a trip to a local farmer's market to see what's actually growing near you right now. If that's not an option, most grocery stores label seasonal and local produce, and the Seasonal Food Guide website lets you search by state to see exactly what's in season where you live.

Do Collagen Supplements Work?

Collagen is one of those things many people add to their routine expecting to see a difference, but not all collagen works the same way. Many formulas only include one or two types, which can limit what you actually notice over time.

Ancient Nutrition takes a more complete approach. Their formula includes 10 types of collagen, designed to support multiple areas of the body at once.

Here’s what this formula is designed to support:

• Hair, skin, nails, joints, and gut health

• The appearance of fine lines and crow’s feet

• Joint comfort and flexibility

• Daily protein intake with 9g per serving

• Absorption support with 100% daily value of Vitamin C

One reader shared: “My crow’s feet are diminishing and my skin just looks healthier.”

It’s also easy to add to your routine. The powder is tasteless and fully dissolvable, so you can mix it into coffee, smoothies, or meals without changing the flavor.

For a limited time, Note To Self readers can get a 30-day supply for just $20 with free shipping.

See all the benefits here.

Thank you to Ancient Nutrition for sponsoring Note To Self. 

The Best Outdoor Hobbies to Pick Up This Spring

The weather is finally cooperating and that's genuinely all the excuse you need to get outside more. Whether you want something active, something social, or something that just gets you off the couch, there's an outdoor hobby for every version of that.

If you want movement without the gym, hiking, cycling, and racket sports like pickleball and tennis are all easy to ease into and more fun with a friend. Running clubs have also become a surprisingly social way to get moving if you'd rather not go it alone.

For something lower key, bird watching, outdoor yoga, stargazing, and photography are all solid options that double as a reason to slow down and actually notice your surroundings. Geocaching is worth a look too if you liked scavenger hunts as a kid since there are millions of hidden caches worldwide and an app that shows you what's near you.

And if all you really want is a blanket on the grass with snacks and good company, picnicking absolutely counts. Sometimes the simplest version of getting outside is the one that actually sticks.

Unlocking $100 Billion in Flower Power

One company has developed a "farm-to-door" floral supply chain with the potential to revolutionize the $100B floral industry. The result is a booming subscription business with over 270 million stems sold. Invest in The Bouqs Co. as they aim to open 70+ retail studios and dominate same-day delivery across the U.S.

Invest in The Bouqs Co.

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Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False: False. It often shifts with light and temperature.

• 🌅 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: Let your plate reflect the season: lighter, brighter, and a little more in tune with what your body needs right now.

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]!