Tuesday

"It’s safe to show up as I am."

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

• It’s officially fall

• Why fall may make you sad

• The secrets hiding in your laundry detergent

• Do you need a color analysis?

• Record-breaking gold

What Fall Means for Your Wellness

Fall officially began yesterday with the autumn equinox, a moment when day and night line up almost evenly across the globe. It’s not just an astronomical marker; it’s also a nudge from nature to slow down and find balance.

Our bodies notice the shift. Cooler, drier air often brings dry skin and chapped lips, a reminder to hydrate more than you think you need. The shorter days can also mean changes in mood or energy, with some people feeling the first hints of seasonal affective disorder.

This transition can be a chance to reset your routines. A gratitude journal, gentle indoor movement, or simply soaking in morning light can keep both mind and body steady. And if you’re leaning into cozy rituals like baking or candle lighting, consider them part of your seasonal self-care toolkit.

Why The Smell of Fall Is So Nostalgic

The first whiff of fall (crisp air, earthy leaves, maybe a hint of wood smoke) has a way of pulling you straight into your feelings. It’s not your imagination. Science shows smell is directly wired to the brain’s emotional and memory centers, which explains why autumn’s fragrance often feels like nostalgia in real time.

Falling leaves release compounds as they decompose, giving the season its musky-sweet aroma. Cooler, drier air also makes scents feel cleaner and sharper, heightening the sensory shift. But the real magic lies in how those smells travel: unlike other senses, scent signals go straight to the amygdala and hippocampus, the parts of the brain tied to emotions and memory.

That’s why a fall breeze might remind you of childhood leaf piles, football games, or apple picking, and why cinnamon or pumpkin spice can instantly boost your mood. Consider it nature’s way of inviting you to pause, breathe deep, and savor the season while it lasts.

This Is The Most Toxic Thing In Your Laundry Room

You wash your clothes to keep them clean and safe, but what if your detergent is doing the opposite?

Experts now warn that many top-selling detergents leave behind toxic residues that stick to your clothes and soak into your skin, even after rinsing.

These chemicals are absorbed into your skin, breathed into your lungs, and even transferred onto your bed sheets, underwear, and baby clothes.

Some of the worst offenders are hidden behind vague labels like “fragrance” or “brighteners,” which often contain hormone disruptors, carcinogens, and synthetic chemicals banned in other countries.

And the most shocking part is detergent companies aren't even required to list most of these ingredients.

Which is why thousands of families are ditching traditional detergents and switching to this safer, non-toxic alternative.

Read the full story here.

Thank you to Truly Free Home for sponsoring Note To Self. 

The Basics of Seasonal Color Analysis

If you’ve seen people trying on fabric swatches to see which shades make them glow, you’ve stumbled into the world of color analysis. This method groups people into four “seasons: (Spring, Summer, Autumn, or Winter) based on undertone, hair, and eye color. The idea is simple: wear colors that match your natural features, and you’ll look more vibrant and feel more confident.

Springs shine in warm, bright tones like coral and chartreuse, while Summers glow in cooler, softer shades such as dusty blue or gray. Autumns lean earthy, with olive, chocolate brown, and cream working best. Winters stand out in bold contrasts like true black, white, and jewel tones. Jewelry and makeup follow the same rules: gold for warm seasons, silver for cool ones.

Experts note that while DIY tests and AI tools are trending, professional draping is the most accurate way to determine your season. The payoff? Shopping becomes easier, less expensive, and a lot more fun.

Gold Can’t Stop Breaking Records

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: Shifting your bedtime by 30 minutes can help align with seasonal rhythms.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ 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: As the world cools and quiets, you’re allowed to do the same. Let this be a time of steady transitions, not sudden changes.

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]!