Monday

"It's safe for me to trust myself."

Welcome to another week of self-care! Today, we're chatting about:

• The benefits of watching a sunrise or sunset

• How to “save the day”

• Caring for your pet without breaking the bank

• What to know about “sunset anxiety”

Give Yourself a Boost by Watching the Sun Rise and Set

Watching the sunrise over the horizon can be a breathtaking experience, as the rays dye the clouds beautiful shades of pink, orange, and red. The sun setting can have a similar effect, as you watch it disappear into shades of purple.

Watching the sun rise and set isn’t only something beautiful — it can improve our mood in many ways, too!

One study linked sunlight and serotonin, our body’s feel-good chemical!

Other research has highlighted the profound benefits of spending time in nature or simply looking at it! Even as little as 10 minutes of sitting or walking in natural settings has been found to positively impact well-being.

Nature can also boost our happiness, and put us in a state of “soft fascination”! One study showed that when shown pictures of the same setting — one with a sunset, sunrise, or rainbow, and another without — people had “substantial bumps in awe, appraisals of beauty” and more, SELF reported.

Furthermore, getting out to enjoy the sunrise and sunset can help regulate your body’s circadian rhythm, which can help you rest and move through the day a little easier!

Take some time out of your day and appreciate the sun!

What to Know About the “Save the Day” Trend

Imagine a day that feels like it has erupted into chaos. It can be tempting to throw your hands in the air, say “I give up!” and wait for tomorrow to begin fresh.

However, one social media trend has encouraged people to take a different perspective, and by taking intentional action, press “reset” in the moment. This is “save the day.”

The “Save the Day” trend gained popularity from creator and life coach Trina, who has the handle @breatheintransformation on TikTok. After a stressful day, Trina and a friend will text each other what they do to “save the day” with one small action for themselves.

The idea is that instead of letting the day happen as-is, you take a moment — even if it’s just a few minutes — to do something for yourself. This allows you to re-center and shift perspectives!

Some of our favorite ways to “save the day” include:

• Stepping away from a task and decompressing through some deep breathing

• Journaling

• Calling a friend or family member

• Cuddling and playing with pets

• Getting a little treat that sparks joy

• Taking a walk outside

“Saving the day” can take as much or as little time as you’d like to commit to it! It’s all about what you need in that moment, and what fills your cup!

Next time you have a stressful or difficult day, challenge yourself to find some way to “save the day”!

Ensure Your Pet’s Well-Being Without Putting a Dent in Your Finances

Welcoming a new pet into your life is an exciting time, but it’s also important to plan for vet visits. Pet insurance may help offset the cost of unexpected surgeries and routine checkups. Give your new pet the best possible care without breaking the bank. View Money’s best pet insurance list to find companies with up to 90% reimbursement options and coverage starting at just $1 per day.

See the list.

Thank you to Money for sponsoring Note To Self. 

What Is Sunset Anxiety?

With the sun rising before many of us go to work and setting before we leave, some people may feel a sense of dread at the lack of sunlight hours.

This phenomenon has become (unofficially) dubbed “sunset anxiety.”

While not a formal diagnosis, sunset anxiety is a phenomenon that some people say they experience in accordance with an uneasy feeling at sunset.

One study found that people with varying chronotypes may feel anxiety throughout different points of the day. Specifically, those with evening chronotypes (or a preference for being awake and alert in the evening) who have generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) were found to have more anxiety in the evening.

Other research found that those who were less prone to worry had the most anxiety in the morning and that it declined throughout the day. However, those more prone to worry had consistent levels of anxiety throughout the day.

As the day goes on and people feel stress over the future, they may also feel pressure that they’re not doing enough, contributing to that anxiety, Israa Nasir, MHC-LP, therapist and author of Toxic Productivity: Reclaim Your Time and Emotional Energy in a World That Always Demands More, told SELF.

There are a number of reasons people may feel anxiety when the sun goes down. However, practicing mindfulness, being gentle with yourself, and journaling are all practices that can help with those anxious thoughts and feelings.

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: The Earth is closest to the sun in January! The Earth is actually 3.1 million miles closer to the Sun in January than in July.

• 🎁 Our Holiday Self-Care Picks: Don’t forget to check out our 2024 gift guide, a collection of thoughtful, wellness-focused products that help you feel your best, inside and out. Shop our gift guide here!

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ 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: Today, enjoy the little things — like watching the sunset, taking a minute to appreciate a meal, or something else!

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]!