Thursday

"Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today."

-Will Rogers

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

• How to prep for high-stress days

• The best way to use a planner

• The stress-free way to stay prepared

• Meal prepping 101

…And more ❤️

How You Can Prepare For High-Stress Days

Stress is inevitable, but there are ways to make the heavy days feel a little lighter. Mental health professionals have mastered the art of preparing for stressful days, and their strategies are simple, effective, and often fun.

First, don’t neglect self-care, even when life feels like it's spiraling. Taking short breaks, going for a walk, or even dancing to your favorite music can recharge your energy and keep you grounded. It’s a reminder that your well-being is key to managing any challenge.

Another key stress-buster is scheduling a moment of fun. Setting aside just 15 minutes a day for something you enjoy—like painting, running, or listening to music—can significantly lower stress and boost mood.

Lastly, breathing deeply can make a world of difference. When stress levels rise, our breath becomes shallow, but a few slow, deep breaths can calm the nervous system and reset your mental state. With these small, intentional actions, you’ll find that you can handle whatever comes your way with more ease and confidence.

Creative Ways to Use Your Planner Every Day

If the thought of using a planner feels overwhelming, it’s time to rethink it — a planner can be your new best friend, even if you’re a beginner.

One trick is using your planner not just for appointments but for creative brainstorming. Add a “dream section” where you jot down wild ideas, whether for travel, hobbies, or future goals. It’ll get your mind out of the to-do lists and spark some joy.

When it comes to choosing your planner, consider experimenting with non-traditional formats. Try a “theme of the week” page that can center on anything from wellness to gratitude. This shift helps break free from the usual work-related focus and makes it feel more like a personal retreat. Plus, it gives you a reason to revisit your planner beyond just keeping track of tasks.

Another unique tip? Use your planner to create “mood maps” for the day or week. This could be a visual way to track your mental state or energy levels, giving you insights into when you’re most productive and when you need to slow down. It’s a simple but powerful way to prioritize self-care.

Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of a fun habit tracker. Instead of just tracking work tasks, make it a game! Track daily habits that boost your well-being, like water intake or moments of mindfulness. When planning becomes playful, it transforms into a tool you can’t wait to pick up every day.

Taking Care of Yourself Means Being Prepared

Life is unpredictable, but feeling prepared brings peace of mind. From sudden storms to power outages, a little planning goes a long way. The Disaster Bundle makes it easy (and even a little fun!) to get ready for anything.

With it, you’ll:

• Create a disaster plan that keeps your family connected

• Gather essentials without the overwhelm

• Plan for special needs & mental well-being

• Stay on top of maintenance with ease

Taking care of the future you is self-care. Get started today—you’ll thank yourself later!

Thank you to Here Comes The Apocalypse for sponsoring Note To Self. 

The Secret to Less Stress? Planning Your Meals

Life’s busy, and meal planning can feel like just another task on your never-ending to-do list. But here’s the thing — planning your meals in advance can actually cut down on stress and save you time. It helps you control what’s in your fridge and makes meal prep less hectic. And it’s not just about the food. Meal planning also teaches valuable skills like decision-making and budgeting, making it a win for everyone in the family.

Start by planning meals one week at a time. Don’t worry about reinventing the wheel — reuse your menus from month to month. Try incorporating budget-friendly ingredients like ground turkey or beef chuck, which are often on sale. Beans, lentils, and whole-grain pasta can help stretch your meals further, making them both affordable and nutritious.

Meal planning doesn’t have to be a solo effort. Get the whole family involved! Set aside 30 minutes to plan meals together, allowing everyone to pitch in with their favorite dishes. This makes shopping, cooking, and cleanup a shared experience, cutting down on stress while teaching everyone some valuable life skills. It’s a fun way to spend time together — and maybe even reduce that dinner table chaos.

Would you try meal prepping?

Wellness Round-Up

1. Feeling anxious after drinking? Here's why

2. This 1 natural remedy can help your cold

3. Why you shouldn't turn your hobby into a side hustle

Poll Results: Would You Try Aromatherapy?

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 👃 I already use aromatherapy! (45)

🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 🌱 Yes I'd like to try (20)

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 🌺 Maybe... (14)

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 👎 I'm not sure (5) 84 Votes

_{“Frankenscense and Pachouli are my daily go to scents. They keep me calm and balanced” -M. Oliver}

_{"Eucalyptus kills germs and I dilute it with water in a spray bottle. It kills odors too!” - Michelle}

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: Laughter not only reduces stress but also boosts your immune system. It increases endorphins, the "feel-good" hormones, making it a simple way to improve your mood.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ 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 you prepare for the days ahead, remember that taking small, intentional steps toward self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Prioritizing your well-being now will help you stay balanced and energized for whatever comes your way.

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 care@readnotetoself.com!