Friday

"A room without books is like a body without a soul.”

-Cicero

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

• Why you need a hobby

• Healthcare is self-care. Here’s why…

• Cozy hobbies to try this winter

• 10 books to get you back into reading

• Poll results

You Deserve a Hobby—Here’s Why

Remember the last time you did something? Maybe you doodled aimlessly or tried a new recipe, just because. These moments of leisure aren’t just indulgent—they’re essential. Hobbies, those little pockets of joy, give us something work never can: a reminder that life is about more than productivity.

Research shows hobbies do wonders for our well-being. They reduce stress, boost creativity, and even improve physical health. But too often, we’re pressured to turn every passion into profit. Love knitting? You should sell scarves! Enjoy painting? Time for an Etsy shop! This mindset robs hobbies of their magic—being just for you.

So how do you start? Think small. Try something you’ve always wanted to explore but never felt “good enough” to do—like gardening, learning a language, or just baking cookies from scratch. There’s no need to perfect it or monetize it. The goal is simple: have fun.

Leisure isn’t lazy; it’s transformative. By making space for hobbies, you might just rediscover the joy of being unapologetically yourself. Now, what’s stopping you?

Healthcare Is Self-Care

Taking care of your health shouldn’t feel like a chore. Imagine a world where staying on top of your sexual and reproductive wellness is easy, convenient, and hassle-free. That’s what Wisp offers. It’s healthcare on your terms, period.

What Wisp can do for you:

• Browse Wisp’s Glow-Up Shop: A curated selection of Wisp’s top-selling wellness essentials that include products to support your vaginal health, achieve glowing skin, and maintain metabolic & gut health.

  Understand your body better: Identify your susceptibility to yeast infections and BV, uncover fertility insights, and gain a deeper understanding of your gynecological health with the Daye x Wisp At-Home Vaginal Microbiome Screen. Order now and take control of your health today! Plus, if needed, you can get same-day prescription treatment from Wisp.

• Stay on top of your sexual health: Easily test for common STDs like Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Trichomoniasis from the privacy of your home with the 3-Panel Test from TBD Health. Don’t wait—get tested today for peace of mind. And if treatment is required, Wisp offers same-day prescription options to help you start recovery fast.

Why spend time on in-person appointments, long waits, and wasted time off from school or work? Connect with a healthcare provider online at hellowisp.com and get the care you need fast. Same-day prescriptions, holistic wellness, and effective prevention are all at your fingertips.

See why over 1.3 Million people trust Wisp today and take 15% off your first order with promo code NOTETOSELF.

Thank you to Wisp for sponsoring Note To Self. 

11 Cozy Hobbies to Try This Weekend

Self-care doesn’t have to mean big changes—it can be as simple as finding joy in small, cozy hobbies. These activities are perfect for slowing down, getting creative, and recharging your energy. Here are 11 ideas to spark your interest:

1. Journaling: Whether it’s guided prompts or bullet journals, this hobby helps you reflect and unwind.

2. Crocheting: Create scarves, blankets, or even adorable stuffed animals. It’s meditative and rewarding.

3. DIY Terrariums: Make a tiny indoor garden with succulents and decorative stones for a peaceful touch.

4. Upcycling Clothes: Give old clothes a new life with mending, patchwork, or natural fabric dyes.

5. At-Home Spa Day: Indulge in DIY scrubs, relaxing baths, or deep conditioning treatments.

6. Scrapbooking: Turn printed photos and keepsakes into creative, memory-filled pages.

7. Coloring: Whether using pre-made sheets or creating your own designs, it’s a mindful way to relax.

8. Snail Mail: Send decorated cards or postcards to loved ones for a personal and heartfelt connection.

9. Reading: Borrow books from your local library or explore new recipes for inspiration.

10. Candle Making: Craft your own scented candles for a cozy atmosphere.

11. Yoga: Stretch and breathe your way to relaxation with beginner-friendly poses.

These hobbies are more than just pastimes—they’re a way to nurture yourself and add calm to your day. Which one will you try first?

5 Books to Rekindle Your Love for Reading

Rediscovering the joy of reading can feel like finding a long-lost friend. If it's been a while since you've curled up with a good book, these 10 reads—spanning romance, mystery, historical fiction, and more—might just reignite that spark.

1. Accidental Beauty Queen by Terri Wilson
A delightful rom-com where a bookish librarian steps into her twin sister's beauty pageant. Hilarious, heartwarming, and full of charm.

2. One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid
What happens when your late husband isn’t dead after all? A heartfelt journey through love, loss, and moving forward.

3. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
Dive into this gothic classic with its gripping suspense, mysterious characters, and haunting atmosphere.

4. The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee
Set in 1890s Atlanta, this historical fiction gem tells the story of Jo, a Chinese-American woman navigating race, identity, and ambition.

5. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Relive (or discover) the adventures of Anne, the imaginative orphan who steals hearts in her idyllic world.

Pick one (or a few!) and see where the pages take you. Your next favorite story might just be waiting!

A Note From Us

Poll Results: What is your favorite way to get outdoors?

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False: True! Engaging in activities we enjoy helps reduce stress, improve mental well-being, and boost self-esteem. Hobbies often promote relaxation, creativity, and mindfulness, allowing individuals to recharge and find balance.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ 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! 

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Step out of your comfort zone and discover new hobbies that spark creativity and excitement.

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]!