Friday

"There is beauty in every day."

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

• Why we may have mood swings

• Tips to choose the best birth control for your body

• Here’s how to feel your best while supporting your health goals

• How to elevate your bath experience

Why We May Have Mood Swings

We all have likely had days where it feels like we wake up “on the wrong side of the bed.” However, sometimes, our shifts in how we feel can be more intense — and we can have “mood swings.”

Mood swings, or sudden changes in how we feel, can happen for a number of reasons:

• Hormones: A menstrual cycle, starting or stopping birth control, and bodily changes like menopause, can all cause fluctuating hormones that may cause us to have more intense moods.

• Medications: Some medications may cause mood swings. However, sometimes, it’s just temporary.

• Mental Health Conditions: Mood swings may be linked to mental health conditions, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, PTSD, and more.

• Lack of sleep: Not getting enough rest can make us irritable and may make us feel drained and have difficulty processing our emotions.

• Stress: External factors that cause stress may also impact our mood, and can cause a sudden shift in how we’re feeling.

Occasional mood swings likely aren’t anything major to stress about. However, if they are frequent or impact your quality of life, it’s a good idea to chat with a professional.

Some ways you can help ease those intense waves of emotion include mindfulness practices like journaling or meditation, deep breathing, and taking time for yourself to try and feel calm.

Choosing the Best Birth Control for Your Body

Choosing birth control can feel like a daunting decision. And while it may seem overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be.

Here are a few ways you can decide what kind of birth control is best for you and your body:

Get informed: Research is your best friend when it comes to choosing birth control options. Be sure to get your information from trusted sources that empower you with the facts to make the best decision for your body.

Consider your routine: Some birth control methods will be in the moment, others are daily or monthly, and some you don’t have to change for years at a time! There is a wide range of options that can work with your routine.

Ask yourself what you want from your birth control: Some birth control methods can help with heavy periods, acne, and other factors. Others are purely contraceptives. This is a great time to ask yourself what you want from your birth control and chat with a trusted professional who can guide you through the process.

Consider side effects and efficacy: Birth control methods may have a variety of side effects and efficacy rates, which is important to consider when evaluating your options.

Weigh hormonal vs. non-hormonal options: Some people prefer the benefits of hormonal birth control — for example, some hormonal options may make periods lighter for some people. However, others would rather have a non-hormonal option.

Regardless of what you decide, there are dozens of options to choose from. Take time to consider what would work best for your body and your routine!

Feel Your Best While Supporting Your Health Goals—Here’s How

Have you ever noticed how your mood, energy, or even focus changes throughout the month? These shifts are linked to your cycle, and understanding them can transform how you care for yourself. That’s where Natural Cycles comes in—an app that helps you track your cycle, make informed decisions, and ultimately feel better.

More than a period tracker, Natural Cycles is the world’s first FDA-cleared birth control app, designed to give you personalized, science-backed insights into your body. By analyzing your body temperature and cycle data, it helps you:

• Understand your cycle: Know when you’re fertile, ovulating, or in different hormonal phases.

• Track emotional and physical symptoms: See how your cycle impacts your mood, energy, and health to feel more in tune with your body.

• Make informed decisions: Use the app as hormone-free birth control (93% effective with typical use, 98% effective with perfect use) or as a tool for planning pregnancy.

With Natural Cycles you can feel your best while supporting your health and goals.

This New Year, take control of your health and begin reaching your goals today! Exclusive to our readers, use code NoteToSelf at Naturalcycles.com for 15% off an annual subscription and a free thermometer.

Natural Cycles is for 18+ and does not protect against STIs. Always read and follow the Instructions for Use.

Thank you to Natural Cycles for sponsoring Note To Self. 

How To Have The Most Luxurious Bath Experience

Transform your bath into a soothing retreat with these specific tips to enhance your self-care experience.

• Create a serene atmosphere: Light a few candles to set a calming ambiance and play soft, soothing music. The flickering candlelight and gentle tunes can help relax your mind and body.

• Make sure the bath is set up right for you: Adjust the water temperature, and add a handful of bath salts, or a few drops of your favorite essential oils for a touch of luxury. Lavender, eucalyptus, or chamomile can enhance relaxation and promote peace.

• Use products: Consider adding a gentle exfoliating scrub. Massaging your skin with a soft, scrub or loofah will leave it feeling smooth and refreshed.

• Practice deep breathing or mindfulness meditation: Let go of any tension by focusing on your breath, allowing your thoughts to drift gently.

• Continue your self-care ritual after your bath: Invest in a soft, cozy robe or towel and apply a hydrating body lotion.

• End your luxurious bath by reflecting: Spend a few quiet minutes journaling or reading. This can help extend the calm and bring a sense of peace beyond the water.

By incorporating these simple yet intentional steps, you’ll create a bath that nourishes your body, mind, and soul.

A Note From Us

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: False — self-care may not feel good in the moment, but it will help you feel your best in the long run!

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ 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: Our emotions and moods can have a strong impact on the way we feel and those around us. Remember to be gentle and give grace to yourself, and others.

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]!