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đź’ Is a weekly crying session the key to happiness?
Thursday: 12/26/2024 - Sponsored by Plan To Eat - humidifier, weighted blankets for sleep; weekly crying session
Thursday
"Today, I reflect on how far I've come."
It’s Thursday! Today, we're discussing:
The benefits of a humidifier
How weighted blankets can help us sleep
An easier way to meal prep
Should you schedule a weekly crying session?
True or False?
Crying can help us regulate our emotions.
Scroll for the answer!
Should You Have a Humidifier? What to Know
While the winter can be a beautiful season of reflection. However, even though the snow it brings may be beautiful, there’s often one inescapable and less-than-pleasant element that comes with this season: dry air.
Dry air is practically a guarantee this time of year, and it can cause a number of uncomfortable symptoms. Some signs that you might have dry air in your home include:
Nosebleeds
Dry, cracked lips and skin
A slightly dry or sore mouth or throat in the mornings
Getting “shocked” when you touch metal, like a doorknob
So — how do you combat this? Many people choose to get a humidifier. A humidifier puts moisture into the air, helping combat much of the natural dryness that may come with winter (or any time of year, if you live in a dry climate).
In addition to helping keep your skin soft and your airways moist, research has also shown that humidifiers may help deactivate influenza virus particles, making them less likely to spread!
If you get a humidifier, experts note it’s important to clean it regularly, as not doing so may cause bacteria and mold to grow. Using distilled or demineralized water, cleaning the machine regularly, and keeping the area near it dry can all help it do its job!
How Weighted Blankets Can Help Us Sleep
Weighted blankets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with people sharing praises for how calming they can be.
And it’s not a placebo effect — experts say there’s science behind why they calm and relax us.
Deep Touch Pressure: Deep touch pressure can help ease over-sensitivity and anxiety, which can help people feel more calm and prepared for sleep.
Comfort: Weighted blankets may help someone feel a sense of comfort in a similar manner to a newborn being swaddled.
Better rest: Some research has found that individuals could fall asleep more easily and wake fewer times throughout the night when using a weighted blanket.
Insomnia: One study evaluating the rest of those with insomnia found that those who slept with a weighted blanket saw a significant decline in their insomnia symptoms, and had less depression and anxiety symptoms.
If you’re looking for more quality rest, a weighted blanket could be just the thing to try!
Plan Ahead, Stress Less, and Enjoy Dinner Again!
Meal planning makes life easier - and you deserve that! Knowing what’s for dinner every night can feel like a small victory in a chaotic week. With Plan to Eat, you can streamline your meal planning, feel prepared, and it only takes a few minutes!
Thank you to Plan to Eat for sponsoring Note To Self.
Is a Weekly Crying Session the Key to Happiness?
If you are one who holds in your emotions until you hit a breaking point and then you let it all out, you may want to rethink this approach.
Instead, it could be helpful to make it a regular habit to get in touch with your emotions and let it all out.
In fact, one expert, Hidefumi Yoshida has gone around encouraging people to cry once a week, sharing the importance of having a good sob session.
Other experts would echo the importance of allowing yourself to feel big emotions.
“I actually agree that it can be very therapeutic to express your emotions once a week," Licensed Professional Counselor Sara Banks told CBS News.
There are so many benefits of crying, including that it activates our parasympathetic nervous system, which is calming, and releases endorphins and oxytocin.
If you struggle to cry, sitting with your feelings and allowing yourself to explore them can prompt you to work through some of those things you may be experiencing — and have a healthy outlet through some tears.
Parting Thoughts
âś… True or False: True! Crying has a soothing effect and can help ease distress.
🙋🏼‍♀️ 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!
đź’ Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Even if you don't schedule a weekly crying session, allow yourself to feel all your feelings!
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