Thursday

"I am loved and worthy."

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

• National Fun at Work Day

• Tips for healing your microbiome

• The trick to making good smoothies

• The importance of emotional regulation

A Reminder That Work Can Feel Lighter Today

Today is National Fun at Work Day, which is basically a gentle reminder that work doesn’t have to feel serious all the time. No pressure to plan anything elaborate. This is about small moments that make the day feel lighter.

Fun at work can be as simple as stepping away from your desk for a real break, swapping playlists with a coworker, or letting yourself enjoy a laugh without immediately getting back “on task.” Even tiny shifts in routine can change the energy of the whole day.

It’s also a chance to define fun for yourself. Maybe that means finishing one annoying task early, logging off on time, or doing something your own way instead of the “correct” way.

Work will still be there tomorrow. Today’s just a nudge to let it feel a little more human.

Five Ways to Support Your Gut

Gut health can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Supporting your gut is often less about doing everything “right” and more about a few small habits done consistently.

1. Add fermented foods you enjoy.

   Yogurt, kefir, miso, or sauerkraut can support digestion without feeling like a project. Even a few servings a week can help.

2. Eat more fiber—slowly.

   Whole grains, beans, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds help keep digestion steady. There’s no need to overhaul meals overnight.

3. Include prebiotic foods.

   Foods like bananas, oats, onions, and asparagus feed the good bacteria already in your gut. Think of them as quiet support.

4. Keep meals somewhat regular.

   Eating at consistent times helps your digestive system settle into a rhythm, especially during busy weeks.

5. Don’t underestimate rest and movement.

   Better sleep and gentle daily movement can support digestion more than most supplements ever will.

Gut health responds best to patience. Small, realistic changes tend to work better and last longer than extreme resets.

The Trick to Making Good Smoothies (We Tried It)

Our team at Note To Self tests a lot of things, but Beast’s newly released Mini 600 Stainless Steel Blender became one of the items we use most. Here’s what we’ve been loving:

• It’s super cute: The compact design comes in five colors, so it can easily match your kitchen’s aesthetic.

• It’s safe: It uses stainless steel instead of plastic and is BPA, BPS, and PFAS free.

• It’s surprisingly versatile: We’ve used it for quick morning smoothies, protein shakes, sauces, and soups.

• It’s easy to take with us: With the drinking lid, carry cap, and straw-cap system, we can blend something, snap on a lid, and take it with us. It fits right in on morning walks, daily errands, or hikes.

• It lasts the whole day: The new stainless steel design helps keep our smoothies cold for up to 12 hours, and keeps the flavor intact.

• It solves the annoying blender problems: Most blenders we’ve tried struggle with ice or frozen fruit, and cleaning them takes forever. The Mini blends everything smoothly in seconds, and the cups, lids, and caps are all top-rack dishwasher-safe.

And right now, the timing is great: As a Note To Self reader, get 15% off your entire order with code NOTETOSELF15.

Save 15% on the new Beast Mini 600 Stainless Steel Blender and make it easy to make smoothies at home.

Thank you to Beast Health for sponsoring Note To Self. 

What It Means to Regulate Emotions

Emotional regulation isn’t about staying calm all the time or never feeling frustrated. It’s the ability to notice what you’re feeling, pause before reacting, and choose how you want to respond—even when emotions show up fast.

Strong emotions are automatic. The work comes after: naming the feeling, letting it exist without judging it, and giving yourself a moment before acting. That pause can be short like a breath, a step away, or a reminder that the feeling won’t last forever.

Over time, emotional regulation can look like fewer impulsive reactions, clearer communication, and less regret after tough moments. It doesn’t mean suppressing emotions. It means allowing them without letting them steer every decision.

Like most skills, it improves with practice, not perfection. Some days will feel steadier than others. What matters is building the habit of responding with intention, especially when emotions try to take the lead.

Wellness Round-Up

Note From Us

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: Enjoying one small moment at work can improve focus for about 30 minutes afterward. Positive emotion widens attention.

• 🌅 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: Living well isn’t about strict rules—it’s about tuning in, noticing what you need, and making space for habits that help you feel like yourself.

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]!