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đź’­ Should you add this to your self-care routine?

Tuesday 9/9: Sponsored by Aescape - massage benefits, holding tension, stress spiral

Tuesday

"I listen to what my body is asking for today."

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

Did You Know?

Releasing your _______ can lower stress signals in the brain.

Scroll for the answer!

Where Stress Can Hide in the Body

Ever notice your jaw aches after a tough day, or your shoulders creep up toward your ears without you realizing? Stress often settles into the body, showing up as tension, stiffness, or even stomach trouble.

The jaw and neck are prime spots; clenching and grinding create headaches and fatigue. Shoulders carry their share too, especially after hours of hunching over a screen. Stress can also slow or upset digestion, leaving the stomach in knots.

Lower backs often tighten when stress builds, while hips stiffen from both sitting and emotional strain. Gentle stretches, mindful posture, and even small rituals, like rolling your shoulders back or pausing to breathe, can help release what your body is holding.

Why a Regular Massage Belongs in Your Wellness Routine

Think of massage as more than a treat—it’s a reset button for your body and mind. Research shows it lowers cortisol (the stress hormone), while boosting serotonin and dopamine, the neurotransmitters tied to mood and relaxation. The result? Less stress, improved sleep, and a calmer nervous system.

On the physical side, massage increases circulation, loosens tight muscles, and can even help ease tension headaches. Making it a routine—whether monthly or more often—helps prevent stress from building up rather than just addressing it once you’re already burned out.

It doesn’t need to mean booking a spa day every week. Even chair massages, at-home tools, or short massage sessions can bring noticeable benefits when practiced regularly. It’s about consistency, not extravagance.

Massage Doesn’t Have to Be a Luxury

Aescape has created the world’s first AI-powered massage that’s actually built for real life. No awkward scheduling, no pricey spa days—just personalized massage sessions you can fit seamlessly into your routine.

You’re fully in control: pick the pressure, focus areas, and even set the mood with music or meditation. Whether it’s 15 minutes after a run, a 30-minute midweek reset, or a full 60-minute recovery, Aescape adapts to exactly what your body needs.

Here’s the best part: sessions start at just $24, making consistent self-care and recovery more accessible than ever.

Book your first Aescape massage with code REVEL20 for 20% off.

Thank you to Aescape for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Simple Tools To Stop Mental Spirals

Ever notice how one small worry can turn into a full-blown disaster scenario in your mind? That’s catastrophic thinking—the habit of leaping from “this went wrong” to “everything will fall apart.” It’s common, but it can quietly wear down your energy and perspective.

The trick is learning to catch it. One way is to pause when you notice an “and then” spiral—like “if this happens, then that…” Write down three facts you know are true, then the one fear you’re imagining. Seeing the difference on paper can loosen the grip.

Reframing also helps. Instead of asking “what’s the worst that could happen?” try asking “what’s the most likely?” You can even give yourself a set “worry window” later in the day, so anxious thoughts don’t take over the present moment.

A Note From Us

Aescape makes massage easier than ever—personalized sessions you control, starting at just $24. Choose the pressure, focus areas, and even the vibe, all without the spa price tag.

Book your first session with code REVEL20 for 20% off.

The Pause

Before you go, take a small pause from your day with this tip brought to you by The Note To Self editors.

Fall Recipe: Pan-fried gnocchi with kale. Sear gnocchi in a skillet until golden, toss in some kale and let it wilt.

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

  • âś… Did You Know: Releasing your jaw can lower stress signals in the brain.

  • 🙋🏼‍♀️ 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! 

  • đź’­ Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: You don’t have to hold it all. Release can be quiet, such as a walk, a sigh, or a moment of stillness between everything else.

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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]!