Thursday

"I am learning to listen to what feels sustainable."

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

• The 3-texture trick for a cozy home

• What your body needs more of this summer

• Do you hate shaving in the summer?

• The link between journaling and heart health

• How to get your prescriptions when you need them

The 3-Texture Trick Designers Swear By

A cozy home is not always about buying more stuff. Sometimes it is about making a room feel less flat and a little more lived-in. That’s where the “3 textures” trick comes in.

The idea is simple: add three different textures to the same space. Designers often suggest one natural or rough element, like wood, stone, or rattan; one smooth element, like glass or metal; and one soft element, like linen, velvet, cotton, or wool. Together, they make a room feel warmer and more layered without making it look cluttered.

This can work in any style of home. A woven basket, a soft throw blanket, and a glass lamp can add enough contrast to make a room feel more inviting. Smaller details count too, like plants, books, drapes, lampshades, or objects that catch the light.

The best part is that it does not need to look perfectly matched. In fact, a little contrast is the whole point. A home feels coziest when there’s enough texture to make you want to sit down and stay awhile.

What Your Body Needs More Of This Summer

Summer has a way of making everything feel a little more alive, but also a little more tiring. Longer days, hotter weather, travel plans, and more time outside can all shift what your body needs to feel steady and energized.

A good place to start is with meals that feel light but still satisfying. Complex carbs like quinoa, whole grains, and sweet potatoes can support steady energy, while protein from eggs, tofu, chicken, salmon, or legumes helps keep you full. Healthy fats like avocado, nuts, seeds, and olive oil can make summer meals feel more balanced.

Seasonal produce does a lot of the work for you. Berries, cucumbers, watermelon, citrus, leafy greens, and tomatoes are refreshing, colorful, and naturally hydrating. Think smoothie bowls, chilled quinoa salads, snack plates, or watermelon cubes straight from the freezer.

Hydration matters more when the weather heats up. Keep water nearby, add mint or berries if plain water feels boring, and reach for hydrating foods throughout the day.

Summer self-care does not need to be a full routine overhaul. Sometimes it’s a morning walk, a slower dinner, enough water, and a plate that helps you feel good for the rest of the day.

Do You Hate Shaving in the Summer?

Summer has a way of making us think more about our routines. More time at the pool, weekends at the beach, and spontaneous plans can mean spending even more time shaving, dealing with razor burn, or squeezing in waxing appointments.

LaserAway helps make smooth skin easier to maintain. They have performed millions of treatments using advanced laser technology that works on all skin types. Treatments are designed to target unwanted hair at the root, so hair grows back thinner, softer, and less dense over time.

Laser hair removal also helps soften and smooth skin, while reducing common issues like ingrown hairs and razor burn. Treatments are available for the face and body, including arms, legs, bikini area, and more. LaserAway also offers bundled options if you’re looking to treat multiple areas at once, making it easier to save both time and money in the long run.

For a limited time, Note To Self readers can get up to 75% off select laser hair removal packages. If spending less time shaving sounds like a win this summer, see if laser hair removal is right for you.

Take the quiz to get 75% off.

Valid on purchases made June 2, 2026 to Jul 6, 2026 by phone or in person. Receive 75% off a package of 8 or 10 laser hair removal treatments on a medium area of the body, or a medium area of the face. Medium areas include: Jawline, Lip + Chin, Neck (Front or Back), Bikini Line, or Underarms. Cannot be combined with or applied to any other offer, package, or bundle unless expressly stated on other offer. Not valid on previous purchases. Limit 1 per patient. Not redeemable for cash. Employees of LaserAway clinics and corporate offices cannot combine with employee discount.

Thank you to LaserAway for sponsoring Note To Self. 

How Journaling May Support Heart Health

Taking care of your heart is not just about what’s on your plate or how often you move. New research suggests that the way you manage stress may also play a measurable role in heart health.

Researchers reviewed studies on practices like mindfulness, gratitude journaling, breathing exercises, and optimism training. They found that consistent practice for at least eight weeks was linked to improvements in blood pressure, inflammation markers, and other cardiovascular risk factors.

The idea is not to pretend stress does not exist or force yourself into a good mood. These practices are meant to help your body respond to stress with a little more steadiness. Even a few minutes of deep breathing, writing down something you’re grateful for, or reflecting on a positive moment can help shift the nervous system out of high-alert mode.

It is still important to focus on basics like movement, sleep, nutrition, and medical care. But adding a calming practice to your week may be one more simple way to support both your mind and your heart.

Don’t Wait Days. Get Your Meds Today.

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: Shared meals can help strengthen social connections. Eating together encourages interaction.

• 🌅 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 need the perfect words to start journaling. Sometimes the simple act of writing things down is enough.

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]!