Tuesday

"I can find joy in small, ordinary moments."

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

• Unlearning old beliefs

• Making peaceful fall weeknights

• How to wear deep V tops without fear

• Brain games for better focus

• Where to find debt relief

How to Finally Unlearn an Old Belief

We spend much of childhood learning how to move through the world, and much of adulthood realizing how much of it no longer fits. Old beliefs like “I have to be perfect” or “Things never work out for me” can run quietly in the background, shaping choices and relationships long after they stop serving us. According to psychoanalytic theory, the real work isn’t replacing these thoughts; it’s unlearning them.

Unlike quick-fix approaches that promise to “reframe” your mindset, psychoanalytic therapy invites something slower and deeper. It’s a process of speaking freely, hearing yourself, and uncovering where those beliefs came from in the first place. Once seen clearly, they begin to loosen their hold. Forgetting, in this sense, isn’t avoidance. It’s integration.

We can all practice this kind of release. Notice the phrases you repeat to yourself, the small rules you follow without question. Ask: Does it always have to be this way? That’s where the shift begins. Unlearning isn’t about erasing your past; it’s about giving yourself permission to live beyond it.

How To Create More Peaceful Evenings This Fall

As summer fades and fall routines kick in, evenings can quickly blur into a rush of work emails, dishes, and to-do lists. Finding ways to make weeknights less hectic and a little more enjoyable starts with small, sustainable shifts.

It begins with just enough prep: washing fruit, chopping veggies, and cooking simple staples like boil-in-bag rice or quinoa for easy dinners. From there, add light structure such as a 10-minute tidy before bed, a quick stretch while dinner cooks, and a short ritual to mark the end of the workday (closing the laptop, lighting a candle, changing clothes).

The goal is breathing room, not perfection. Whether it’s ordering groceries guilt-free, pairing chores with music, or ending the night with tea and a journal, these small moments of intention create space for calm. A peaceful evening comes from doing what matters, just a little more gently.

The Sticky Not Icky Solution for Deep Vees and Loose Tops

Discover the comfort of sticky not icky™ — reusable, seamless covers made with non-toxic silicone and dermatologist-approved medical-grade adhesive. Designed for 10+ wears with proper care, they feature our unique adhesive-free nip nook™ for gentle stick without the rip, so you never have to “rip your nips off” again. Safe for sensitive skin and crafted with an infinity edge for flawless coverage — we said we’d never go sticky, but we did it better.

Shop now.

Thank you to CAKES body for sponsoring Note To Self. 

How To Train Your Brain To Focus Better

If staying focused feels harder than ever, science has some good news. A new study suggests you can actually train your brain to concentrate better by spending just 30 minutes a day on certain cognitive exercises.

Researchers at McGill University found that older adults who played neuroscience-based brain-training games for 10 weeks showed increased activity of acetylcholine, the brain chemical linked to attention and learning. While the study focused on participants over 65, experts say the same principle applies to all ages. Like a muscle, the brain grows stronger with targeted practice.

Games that adapt to your skill level, such as those that require quick decision-making or problem-solving, are most effective. Simple puzzles like Wordle or crosswords don’t offer the same benefit because they lack time pressure or progression. But the takeaway is simple: challenge your brain a little every day. Whether through adaptive games, learning new skills, or breaking out of routines, focus improves when curiosity meets consistent effort.

Could you go from being $50k in debt to $20k?

If you feel you're languishing in debt, debt relief companies can take over negotiations with your creditors and potentially get them to accept up to 60% less than you owe. Sounds too good to be true? Our debt relief partners have already helped millions of Americans just like you get out of debt. Check out Money’s list of the best debt relief programs, answer a few short questions, and get your free rate today.

Find debt relief

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False: True. We often interpret facts through the lens of existing beliefs.

• 🌅 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: Beliefs aren’t set in stone. They’re formed, tested, reshaped. You’re allowed to outgrow the ones that no longer fit.

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]!