Friday

"Sleep is the best meditation."

-Dalai Lama

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

• The magic of weighted pillows

• How this pillow manages daily stress and anxiety

• How to make your bed more cozy

• A simple breathing exercise to help you sleep

The Secret to Better Relaxation? A Weighted Pillow

If you’ve ever used a weighted blanket, you know how comforting they can be. But have you heard about weighted pillows? These compact, pressure-filled pillows offer similar benefits, helping to ease stress, promote relaxation, and even improve sleep quality.

The secret lies in deep pressure stimulation—a gentle, even pressure that mimics a calming hug. Research suggests this can reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) while boosting serotonin and melatonin, which regulate mood and sleep. Unlike a weighted blanket, a weighted pillow is more versatile. You can rest it on your chest, cuddle it, or place it under your head for a steady, grounding effect.

Many people find weighted pillows especially helpful for anxiety, racing thoughts, or trouble unwinding before bed. They can also provide gentle relief for tension headaches or sore muscles. Plus, they come in different weights and materials, so you can find one that feels just right.

If falling asleep feels like a nightly struggle, a weighted pillow might be the small but effective change you need. Cozy, compact, and designed to soothe—what’s not to love?

How This Pillow Manages Daily Stress and Anxiety

Struggling to unwind after a long day? When stress and anxiety make it hard to relax, your sleep suffers too.

Quiet Mind weighted pillows are a simple, effective tool for managing daily stress and anxiety. Simply place the weighted pillow on your lap or hug it close for instant comfort.

Reasons we love these weighted pillows:

• Promotes deeper sleep: the gentle pressure signals your body to unwind, promoting a grounding effect that quiets racing thoughts so you can drift off with ease.

• Relieves daily stress: provides an instant sense of calm, whether at home or on the go.

• A natural solution: supports better sleep and relaxation without medication.

If you’re looking for a natural way to unwind and improve your sleep quality, a Quiet Mind weighted pillow is the perfect addition to your routine.

Enjoy 20% off your purchase with code HUGS20 — but don’t wait! This offer expires in 30 days! 

See how a weighted pillow can transform your day when you browse the Quiet Mind collection.

Thank you to Quiet Mind for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Your Bed Deserves a Cozy Makeover—Here’s How

Your bed should be the coziest place in your home, but if you’re waking up sore or struggling to fall asleep, a few simple upgrades could make a world of difference. The best part? You don’t need to buy a whole new mattress to feel the impact.

A mattress topper can instantly change the feel of your bed, adding plushness or extra support. If your sheets are scratchy or too warm, swapping them for breathable, high-quality cotton or linen can make bedtime much more inviting. And don’t underestimate the power of a good pillow—your neck and spine will thank you.

Beyond bedding, the foundation beneath your mattress matters. A sturdy base prevents sagging and extends mattress life. And for the finishing touch? Layer on soft, inviting blankets and pillows that make you actually look forward to crawling into bed.

Upgrading your bed doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With a few thoughtful changes, you can turn your sleep space into the restful retreat you deserve.

Tossing and Turning? Try This Tonight

You know that feeling—lying in bed, exhausted but wide awake, staring at the ceiling, willing yourself to sleep. If counting sheep isn’t cutting it, it might be time to try something simpler: breathing. Turns out, certain breathing techniques can actually help calm your nervous system, slow your heart rate, and get your body into sleep mode.

One of the easiest methods is the 4-7-8 technique. Inhale for four seconds, hold for seven, and exhale slowly for eight. This pattern helps shift your body from stress mode to relaxation mode. Another trick? Alternate nostril breathing—a yoga technique where you breathe in through one nostril and out through the other. It might sound odd, but it can help quiet a racing mind.

The key is consistency. Pair your breathing exercises with a wind-down routine—dim the lights, put away your phone, and take a few deep breaths. Over time, these simple habits can train your brain to recognize bedtime cues. So next time sleep feels impossible, just take a deep breath.

A Note From Us

Wellness Round-Up:

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False? False! Cooler temperatures (around 60-67°F) actually promote better sleep by helping your body regulate its internal temperature.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ 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: Rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether it’s a deep night’s sleep, a quiet moment of stillness, or simply allowing yourself to breathe, relaxation is how we reset, recharge, and show up as our best selves. So tonight, give yourself permission to rest. Your mind and body will thank you.

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]!