Monday

"The perfect moment is this one" - Jon Zabat-Zinn

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

• How to romanticize the new year

• Tips for feeling effortlessly put together

• An easier way to enjoy fresh sourdough bread

• Why dental care is important for longevity

• Hidden Prime perks

Small Rituals That Make the Year Feel New

January can lose its shine fast. The calendars are no longer crisp, the resolutions feel heavy, and the routines come rushing back. But the new year doesn’t need to be loud or dramatic to feel meaningful. Sometimes, the most grounding thing you can do is add a little intention to the small places in your day.

Try something new just because it interests you: an art class, a recipe you’ve saved for months, a low-pressure hobby you can pick up in five quiet minutes. The goal isn’t a reinvention; it’s choosing something that brings you back to yourself. Invite friends into the process, too. A casual vision-board night or a check-in about early-year hopes can make the season feel lighter.

A tiny refresh at home helps, whether it’s rearranging a corner or finally framing a photo you love. Even a blank planner can give you a sense of possibility when you use it gently, not as a pressure tool.

And if winter feels especially heavy, shift into connection like volunteering, donating, or lending your time. Sometimes romanticizing life is simply paying attention to what makes it feel fuller.

How To Feel Put Together, Effortlessly

Some mornings just feel rushed, no matter how early the alarm goes off. The secret isn’t working harder. It’s building a few small habits that make you feel pulled together even when you’re moving slowly. Think of it as giving your future self a softer landing.

Start with the basics you reach for most. Swapping worn-out tees for a couple of elevated, comfortable staples can make getting dressed feel calmer. A quick layer (an open cardigan, a light jacket, even socks that add a bit of personality) can turn something simple into something intentional without extra effort.

A fast steam or smoothing wrinkle spray works wonders, too. It takes less than a minute, but the psychological lift lasts all day. And if you add one “slightly dressier” piece like better shoes, a favorite necklace, or a structured bag, your whole outfit feels more put together.

On mornings when your brain feels foggy, borrow from your own Pinterest saves. A few pre-picked “backup outfits” make decision-making lighter. And keeping a tiny five-minute routine (skincare, a swipe of brow gel, a hint of blush) can help you feel more like yourself before the day speeds up.

Sick of Bread Getting Moldy Before You Can Finish It?

Today’s newsletter is sponsored by Wildgrain. They make it easier for you to enjoy bread that’s both delicious and better for you than typical grocery store options. All of Wildgrain's breads are slow fermented for 20+ hours, which not only delivers incredible flavor but also makes them naturally easier to digest.

In addition to the delicious breads, fill your Wildgrain box with slow-churned butter, fresh pastas, and seasonal artisanal pastries. Everything bakes from frozen in just 25 minutes or less. They have an all new gluten-free box with the best gluten-free breads you’ve ever had. Wildgrain is giving Note To Self readers $30 off their first box plus free croissants in every box!

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Thank you to Wildgrain for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Why Dental Care Matters More Than You Think

Longevity conversations usually focus on sleep, movement, and the occasional green smoothie—but dental care is quietly becoming part of that picture. Experts say inflammation in the mouth doesn’t stay there; it can ripple through the rest of the body, adding to the overall load your system has to manage. When the mouth is out of balance, everything downstream works harder.

What’s changing now is how personalized this care is becoming. New tools, like salivary microbiome tests and imaging that examines airway health, help dentists understand what’s actually going on beneath the surface. Some practices are moving toward a whole-body approach, looking at structure, inflammation, and even how you breathe at night.

But accessible steps still matter most. An electric toothbrush. A water flosser if flossing never sticks. Tongue scraping to clear bacteria that linger.

It’s less about chasing “perfect health” and more about tending to the small systems that quietly support you every day. If you’re looking for one gentle longevity practice to add in the new year, this might be an easy place to start.

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Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: Most resolutions fade after 6 weeks unless they’re tied to routines. Habits matter more than ambitions.

• 🌅 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: 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]!