Thursday

"I strive for joy, not for perfection."

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

• Signs you might have parental burnout

• Gifts to show your Dad love

• What does it mean to be emotionally unavailable

• The reasons why breakups are so hard

What Burnout Really Feels Like as a Parent

If you're a parent running on fumes, you're not alone. Burnout is more than feeling tired—it’s deep mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion. For many, it looks like guilt, short tempers, and the sense that you’re failing despite trying your best.

Psychologists now define parental burnout as a real condition, often worsened by isolation, perfectionism, and lack of support. Tiny self-care tweaks can help—pausing to check in with yourself, reframing expectations, or simply asking, “What do I need right now?” Even a few mindful minutes a day can offer some relief.

And maybe most important: stop trying to do it all alone. Reach out. Let your “village” support you, however it looks.

If someone in your life has been carrying more than they let on, now might be a good time to remind them they don’t have to do it all. A thoughtful gesture—big or small—can go a long way.

Gifts To Show Your Dad Love

This Father's Day, show your Dad how much he means to you. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite picks for the dads who do a lot—and could use something just for them:

• The Chairman™ Pro from MANSCAPED® – This shaver prevents nicks with two blade heads for precision, is waterproof, and simple to use. Save 15% + get FREE shipping on orders over $49!

• Pretty Boy Moisturizer – This 6-in-1 gel from Simple Derm tackles breakouts, wrinkles, and dark circles—all in one TSA-ready tube. It's sensitive-skin friendly and the first men’s brand with the National Eczema Association seal. Use code FATHERSDAY20 for 20% off.

• Ridge Wallets – These fan-favorite wallets are sleek, secure, and made to last. Choose from 50+ styles in carbon fiber, titanium, and more. Save up to 40% (no code needed) + 10% off extras with code REVEL.

From simple upgrades to small luxuries, these gifts are all about showing appreciation in a way that helps him feel his best.

Take a look at the full guide here and find something that fits.

How to Tell If You’re Holding Back Emotionally

You can care about someone and still struggle to show it. Emotional unavailability isn’t about being cold—it’s often about protecting yourself from vulnerability, sometimes without even realizing it.

Start by asking: “Do I pull back when things feel too serious?” Maybe you change the subject when conversations get deep or feel a little uncomfortable when someone opens up. Or maybe you’re all-in for the fun stuff but tend to keep your own fears, history, or hopes under wraps.

You might also notice that you feel safer keeping things vague. This could mean avoiding labels, long-term plans, or even naming the relationship out loud. Not because you don’t care, but because it’s hard to imagine being fully seen and still accepted.

The truth? Emotional distance often comes from past hurt or learned habits. And recognizing that is powerful. It means you’re paying attention, and from there, you can choose to start softening those walls, one moment at a time.

Why Letting Go of an Ex Is So Hard

Sometimes a breakup sticks with you longer than you expect. Even when it’s over for all the right reasons, you may still find yourself thinking about them.

There are real psychological reasons this happens. If the breakup wasn’t mutual, if it ended with loose ends, or if the relationship lined up with a big life moment, you’re more likely to stay emotionally attached. Even the absence of closure can leave you replaying conversations, imagining alternate endings, or wondering what went wrong.

It also depends on you. If you tend to overthink, romanticize the past, or struggle with anxious attachment, it’s harder to let go. The truth? Moving on is part memory, part emotion, and part habit. And it takes work.

Start by giving yourself space—physically, digitally, and emotionally. Then get honest: What did you learn from this? What did it teach you about what you need next? Moving forward doesn’t mean forgetting. It means making more room for yourself.

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False: False. Even short bursts of physical activity can have significant health benefits.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ 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: It’s important to check in with yourself. Regularly ask, “How am I feeling?” and honor those feelings.

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]!