Thursday

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

• The benefits of holiday decor

• Ensure you have enough vitamin D in the winter

• Take on a winter language challenge

• The key to avoiding family drama during the holidays

The Mental Health Benefits of Holiday Decorating

Holiday decorating can be a fun way to embrace seasonality. Whether you like to celebrate a specific holiday or simply embrace the season, decorating isn’t just something to enjoy — it can actually benefit your mental health!

Decorations often feature lots of color, which, according to research, can reduce feelings of anxiety!

Seasonal music can also cause happiness, as it’s something that’s not a part of our everyday routine and can give us something to look forward to!

The sense of nostalgia inspired by holiday decorating can further make us think of fond memories.

While the holidays may not be an easy time of year for everyone, finding small things that bring you joy — whether that’s decorating, listening to your favorite music, or enjoying a warm drink — can benefit your mental health.

How To Get More Vitamin D as the Days Get Shorter

While we can get some of our vitamin D from our diets, most of it comes from one source: the sun. However, as the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, it can be difficult to get enough vitamin D.

Vitamin D supports healthy bones and immune health and helps regulate cellular functions!

So — how do you ensure you get enough vitamin D in the fall and winter? Here are a few ways you can get a boost:

• Use a sun lamp: Studies have shown these can be effective in helping our bodies produce more vitamin D.

• Sit near a window: While we may not be able to physically be outside due to the cold and short sunlight hours, it can be helpful to sit near a window.

• Consider a supplement: Supplements can be a great way to ensure your body has enough vitamin D. Be sure to chat with a professional to be sure it’s a good fit!

Empower Yourself Through Language Learning

Looking for a meaningful holiday challenge? Babbel offers an engaging way to sharpen your mind with bite-sized language lessons that take just 10 minutes a day. Studies show that learning a new language can boost brainpower and improve memory—so why not gift yourself this healthy habit? Whether you're traveling this season or just exploring a new passion, Babbel has everything you need to succeed. With podcasts, games, and live online classes, Babbel makes it fun to stay motivated. Subscribe now and save 55%! Your brain—and your future travels—will thank you.

Confident Travel Starts Here

Thank you to Babbel for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Avoiding Family Drama During the Holidays

The holidays are often a time spent with family — however, for some, that’s more enjoyable than others.

Whether it’s a discussion you don’t want to be a part of, arguments that happen, or something else, family time and the holidays can be a point of contention. This can make the holidays a little less enjoyable and something you may even dread.

Luckily, knowing a few simple tips can help you avoid family drama during this season — or at least not be as affected by it.

First, it can be helpful to prepare yourself. We know our families well and will often know ahead of time what topics or situations may come up — and which ones may cause some drama.

Once you’ve brainstormed a list of potential things to be mindful of, think of how you’d like to handle them. Some tools are changing the subject, politely disagreeing, setting boundaries, and walking away.

Remind everyone that you’re together to enjoy each other’s company, not to have a day full of disagreements.

If you find yourself getting overwhelmed, find a way to get some alone time, whether it’s sitting in the bathroom, the car, or on the front porch for a few minutes. Lastly, having someone in on your plan — whether it’s a partner, a sibling, or even a friend you can text or call — can help you feel supported.

While disagreements are sometimes unavoidable, remember that you have the tools, knowledge, and power to care for yourself!

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: It's estimated that consumers spent $184 on Small Business Saturday in 2023. This is a great day to show support for local businesses and practice care in your community!

• 🎁 Our Holiday Self-Care Picks: Don’t forget to check out our 2024 gift guide, a collection of thoughtful, wellness-focused products that help you feel your best, inside and out.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ 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: Whether you celebrate the holiday today or not, find one intentional way to practice self-care!

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]!