Friday

"I am grateful for the changing of the seasons and the changes in my life."

Happy Friday! Today, we're chatting about:

• The skin benefits of spearmint tea

• How your body uses food as information

• Get a health plan designed just for you

• Why you need “me time”

A Gentle Tea With Surprising Skin Benefits

Spearmint tea has been getting attention for one specific reason: some dermatologists say it may help reduce acne. Unlike trend-driven remedies, this one is rooted in properties the plant already carries—anti-inflammatory effects, antibacterial activity, and compounds that may help regulate excess oil.

Early research shows encouraging results. In a small study, drinking two cups of spearmint tea daily reduced inflammatory acne by more than 50 percent after three months. Dermatologists link these improvements to spearmint’s anti-androgenic effect, which can decrease sebum production and support a calmer, less reactive complexion.

The routine itself is simple. Many experts recommend choosing organic spearmint tea and drinking it twice a day, ideally alongside a skincare routine rather than in place of one. Changes tend to be gradual, but some people notice fewer breakouts and less redness over time.

Because it’s gentle, affordable, and easy to incorporate, spearmint tea can feel like a small daily ritual that supports clearer skin, soothing on the inside and comforting on the outside.

Why Food Is Really Just Information

It can be easy to feel overwhelmed by food advice: the trends, the rules, the opinions that change every season. Functional medicine takes a quieter approach, reminding us that food is simply information. Every meal sends a message about energy, safety, and balance, and your body listens more closely than you think.

Protein, healthy fats, and fiber help steady things behind the scenes: calmer blood sugar, fewer spikes, and a more grounded mood. Colorful plants support repair. Even slowing down while you eat matters. Your nervous system needs a moment to shift out of “go-mode” before it can digest anything well.

Your gut picks up signals, too. Consistent, nourishing meals help the microbes that support immunity, mood, and hormones, which explains why small changes sometimes feel bigger than expected.

This isn’t about eating perfectly. It’s about noticing how different foods and habits make you feel, then choosing the ones that help life feel a little steadier. Small patterns, not strict rules, are often what make the biggest difference.

A Health Plan Designed Around Your Life

Making changes to your health can feel daunting, especially if you’re trying to figure it out alone. Having structured support can make the process feel far more manageable.

Weight Loss by Hers offers access to personalized, clinician-guided weight-loss plans that look at the full picture—your health history, routines, eating patterns, and the factors that influence your weight.

After a simple online intake, a licensed provider reviews your information and recommends a plan designed specifically for your needs. Treatment options can include oral medication kits or GLP-1 injections (if medically appropriate), with ongoing access to your provider, monthly check-ins, and guidance around nutrition, movement, and sleep.

It’s a structured, holistic approach meant to support you at each step—without pressure, judgment, or one-size-fits-all thinking.

Explore Weight Loss by Hers

Compounded drug products are not approved or evaluated for safety, effectiveness, or quality by the FDA. Prescription required. Not available in all 50 states. Weight Loss by Hers is a holistic program that includes nutrition support, technological tools, and medications prescribed based on what your provider determines is medically appropriate and necessary for you. See website for full details, important safety information, and restrictions, including online provider consultation requirements.

Thank you to Hims & Hers for sponsoring Note To Self. 

The Power of “Me Time”

Wanting time alone often gets labeled as selfish, but the brain sees it differently. When you spend the whole day responding to people, pings, and needs, your stress system stays switched on. That’s when small things feel bigger than they should. Even a few minutes of quiet gives your mind space to reset, helping your focus, patience, and mood return to baseline.

Researchers say these small pauses activate the parts of the brain that handle emotional regulation and problem-solving. It’s why a five-minute walk, a few slow breaths, or simply stepping into another room can shift the entire tone of a day. These breaks lower stress hormones, soften reactivity, and make everything feel a little more manageable.

The good news: you don’t need hours of solitude to feel the effects. Pair “me time” with your normal routine: quiet during your commute, a reset before bed, or ten minutes in the morning that belong only to you. Tiny boundaries like these protect your energy in ways people around you may never see, but your mind absolutely will.

Wellness Round-Up

A Note From Us

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: Your body releases stress hormones just by checking your phone too often. Your body releases cortisol, the primary stress hormone, when you check your phone too often—especially for emails, social media, or news updates.

• 🌅 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: Stepping outside your comfort zone is where true growth begins, allowing you to discover new strengths, opportunities, and experiences that you never thought possible.

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]!