Monday

"Every day doesn’t have to look the same."

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

• What does grounding really do?

• The emotional power of pictures

• How to feel more connected to your family

• Interests vs. identities

• The whole body benefits of creatine

The Truth About Grounding and Your Health

Earthing is everywhere right now (grounding mats, grounding socks, grounding stickers) all based on the idea that touching the Earth can support your health. Some early research suggests that direct contact with the ground may influence inflammation and stress, but most studies are small or funded by grounding companies, which makes the science far from settled.

Experts say the bigger issue is clarity: we don’t know how much time outside would make a difference or whether grounding products work the same way as actual soil or grass. And because grounding tools aren’t FDA-regulated, trying them can turn into an expensive trial-and-error experiment.

But stepping outside? That part is solid. Spending time in nature has long been linked to better mood, less mental clutter, and a clearer head, no special equipment required. Think of earthing less as a cure-all and more as a gentle reminder to touch something real after a long day online.

If grounding encourages you to take a walk, breathe fresh air, or reconnect with your actual surroundings, that’s already a win.

The Mood Boost Hiding In Your Camera Roll

There’s a reason an old picture can stop you in your tracks. Photos activate the emotional parts of the brain faster than words, which is why they can shift your mood almost instantly. A single image can bring back a feeling, a season, or a small version of you that you didn’t realize you missed.

Therapists sometimes use this through visual journaling, because photos offer a gentle way to notice patterns, strengths, and moments of joy you may overlook in real time. When you’re feeling low, seeing yourself laugh with someone you love or standing in a place that once brought comfort can serve as simple, visual proof that those parts of your life still exist.

A small “wellness album” can help you hold onto that perspective. Snap the ordinary things that make you pause: warm light on the floor, a quiet morning, something you’re proud of. Over time, this becomes an easy reference point for gratitude and grounding.

When your world feels heavy, looking back through these tiny moments can remind you of your progress, your resilience, and the parts of you that deserve more attention. It’s a simple practice, but a surprisingly steadying one.

How to Feel More Connected to Your Family

Research shows families feel 88% more connected when they look at printed photos. But when most of your meaningful moments stay stored on your phone, they’re easy to forget, buried in a crowded camera roll, or lost completely when you switch devices. It’s a common issue: the memories you want to keep end up scattered, hard to find, or never actually printed.

Chatbooks is designed to help you turn the photos already on your phone into clean, high-quality Classic Photo Books without any extra effort. Upload your photos, choose your size and cover, and Chatbooks does the rest. The process is simple, affordable, and made for real life.

For a limited time, Note To Self readers get 20% off with code REVEL20 and free shipping. Chatbooks also promises to replace your photo books if they get damaged.

Print the moments that matter and give your memories a home you can return to with Chatbooks Classic Photo Books. Perfect for cherishing your memories or gifting friends and family this holiday season.

Thank you to Chatbooks for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Why Our Favorite Things Feel So Personal

Sometimes the things we love slip into something bigger without us even noticing. A favorite artist, a show, a niche hobby. They start as comfort, then become a place to belong. When a community forms around that shared love, especially online, it’s easy for the interest to become part of how we introduce ourselves to the world.

Psychologists say this blending happens because fandom scratches two needs at once: feeling connected and feeling unique. That combination creates a strong sense of identity. It also explains why criticism can hit harder than expected. If the interest has become a piece of how you see yourself, someone disagreeing can feel oddly personal.

There’s nothing wrong with caring deeply about something. But it helps to keep a little space between “this is what I love” and “this is who I am.” A good reset is spending time with your people in ways that aren’t tied to the interest itself. It reminds you that your identity is bigger and more flexible than any single passion.

Not Just for Your Muscles: Your Whole Body Needs Creatine

Wellness Round-Up

A Note From Us

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False: True. Familiar faces activate comfort and emotional regulation responses.

• 🌅 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: You don’t always realize a moment is becoming a memory. Let yourself slow down enough to notice.

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]!