Tuesday

"I give myself room to feel without fixing."

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

• The real benefits of hot workouts

• Houseplants and air quality

• What most collagen supplements are missing

• What to do when your meal gives you the ick

• A course to understand the stock market

What To Consider Before Trying Hot Workouts

Heated workouts are everywhere right now: from hot yoga to sculpt and Pilates classes that promise deeper stretches, stronger muscles, and a powerful post-class high. The heat can make muscles feel more flexible and may slightly increase cardiovascular demand, which is why these classes often feel intense and efficient.

But heat also adds stress. Exercising in high temperatures increases fluid loss and can strain the nervous system, especially for people who are new to heated workouts or sensitive to dehydration. Dizziness, fatigue, or feeling wiped out afterward isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s feedback from your body.

For some, hot workouts feel grounding and energizing. For others, they feel overwhelming. Both responses are valid. Movement doesn’t need to push the body to extremes to be effective, and more sweat doesn’t automatically mean better results.

The most supportive workout is the one that feels sustainable. Paying attention to how the body responds, during class and hours later, matters more than keeping up with any trend. Heat can be a tool, not a requirement.

Do Houseplants Really Clean Your Air?

Houseplants are often credited with “cleaning” the air, but the reality is more nuanced. While plants can absorb small amounts of airborne chemicals in controlled lab settings, research shows they don’t significantly reduce pollution levels in most homes on their own.

That doesn’t mean plants are useless. Indoor greenery has been consistently linked to lower stress, better focus, and improved mood. Plants also slightly increase humidity and oxygen levels, which can make indoor air feel more comfortable, especially during dry winter months.

There are also practical considerations. Some popular houseplants are toxic to pets, and overwatering can contribute to mold if drainage isn’t managed well. Choosing pet-safe plants and allowing the soil to dry between waterings helps avoid common issues.

Think of plants as supportive, not corrective. They won’t replace ventilation or air filters, but they can make a space feel calmer, fresher, and more livable. When paired with clean floors, airflow, and regular upkeep, plants contribute to a home that simply feels easier to breathe in.

What Most Collagen Supplements Are Missing

Most collagen supplements are designed to support skin or joints only. But what if your collagen could do more?

MetaGlow™ by Zend Wellness is the first daily collagen supplement designed to support multiple parts of your wellness at once*. Along with supporting skin and joint health, MetaGlow™ also:

• Naturally Boost GLP-1*

• Decrease Stress*

• Reduce Appearance of Wrinkles*

• Curb Cravings*

• Boost Metabolism*

MetaGlow™ is odorless and tasteless, so it blends easily into coffee, tea, smoothies, or oatmeal without changing your routine. Just one scoop a day supports energy, appetite balance, and healthier-looking skin. It’s also backed by Clinicians’ Choice, with support from over 265 clinicians.

For a limited time, Zend Wellness is offering a New Year’s Sale with 40% off your first order plus free shipping.

Try MetaGlow™ Collagen and support energy, stress, and skin all at once.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. MetaGlow™ is designed to be used in conjunction with a balanced diet and regular exercise for optimal results.

Thank you to Zend Wellness for sponsoring Note To Self. 

The Reason Meals Sometimes Give You the Ick

It happens fast. One moment you’re enjoying a meal, and the next, you can’t take another bite. Suddenly, the texture feels wrong, the smell is off, or the food just doesn’t appeal anymore. This experience, often called a food “ick”, is more common than it seems.

Sometimes, it’s simply boredom. Eating the same foods on repeat can dull enjoyment, especially when meals are chosen for convenience rather than craving. Other times, the shift happens when attention turns toward the food itself. Once hunger fades, textures or ingredients can feel more noticeable and, occasionally, less appealing.

Mental state matters too. Stress, fatigue, anxiety, or feeling emotionally overloaded can quickly dampen appetite. When the nervous system is already taxed, eating can feel like one more demand rather than nourishment. Past experiences also play a role. If a food is linked to feeling sick or uncomfortable before, the brain may quietly flag it as something to avoid, even years later.

Occasional food “icks” are usually harmless. But if aversions become frequent, intense, or start limiting food variety, it may be worth checking in with a healthcare provider or therapist. Appetite changes are often the body’s way of communicating, not something to ignore or fight.

How the Rich Pick Stocks

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False: True. Longer exhales activate calming 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: Health isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about building a routine that supports you, even on your off days.

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]!