Tuesday

"My beauty grows from the way I care for myself."

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

• Why cats are pros at self-care

• How is cat litter made?

• Sunrise of the day: Jacksonville Beach, Florida

• This tool helps juggle your meetings

What We Can Learn About Self-Care From Cats

Cats have a way of moving through the day that feels effortless, and honestly, a lot healthier than the way most of us do. They take care of themselves in small, steady ways: grooming, stretching, slowing down when they need to, and seeking comfort without guilt. It’s simple, but surprisingly grounding.

They also protect their calm. A sunny spot, a warm blanket, a quiet corner. Cats instinctively create moments that lower their stress. We forget how much those small resets matter until we finally pause long enough to feel the difference.

And when cats need activity, they don’t overthink it. They stretch, wander, play for a minute, then settle back in. It’s movement without pressure, which is something most of us could use more of.

Maybe that’s the real lesson: care for yourself in small, honest ways. Rest when you need rest. Move when it feels good. And let the simple things count more than you think.

How is Cat Litter Made?

Most cat litter on the market is made from either clay or silica, both of which require environmentally damaging mining processes.

Strip mining, the primary method for extracting sodium bentonite clay, harms ecosystems by removing topsoil, destroying habitats, and polluting waterways. Silica-based litters also require intensive energy to produce, contributing to carbon emissions.

Once used, cat litter ends up in landfills, where clay-based litter does not decompose. Traditional litter is not biodegradable and can take decades to break down, adding to the growing waste crisis. Silica-based litters also remain in landfills indefinitely.

Fortunately, there are eco-friendly alternatives to traditional litter. Plant-based options offer biodegradable solutions that reduce landfill waste and mining impact.

5 Billion Pounds of Cat Litter Ends Up in Landfills Each Year

Most traditional cat litters are made from strip-mined clay or silica. Both end up in landfills when thrown away and are not biodegradable.

A new natural cat litter called Tailfeather is changing this with their eco-friendly, plant-based, clumping cat litter made from coconut and cassava.

Why coconut? The husk of the coconut absorbs liquid up to 9 times its weight! This makes for a soft, luxurious litter that cats love and is 70% lighter than traditional litter, but also doesn't track and bounce out of the box.

It's fully biodegradable and 100% plastic-free, including the packaging. Tailfeather is delivered conveniently to your door, and each package lasts for 8 weeks, double the amount of other litters.

For the next 24 hours, Note To Self readers get a $15 credit on your first order with code NTS15.

Try Tailfeather for your cat and the environment today.

Thank you to Tailfeather for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Sunrise of the Day

Shared by Note To Self reader Madilyn, this sunrise over Jacksonville Beach feels like a quiet reset. The first light stretches across the water, catching gentle waves as the sky shifts from deep blue to gold. It’s calm, steady, and full of possibility. The kind of morning that reminds you to start slow and breathe it in.

Have a sunrise or sunset worth sharing? Tell us where it’s from and what makes it special. We’d love to see it.

An AI scheduling assistant that lives up to the hype.

Skej is an AI scheduling assistant that works just like a human. You can CC Skej on any email, and watch it book all your meetings. Skej handles scheduling, rescheduling, and event reminders. Imagine life with a 24/7 assistant who responds so naturally, you’ll forget it’s AI.

Free to try at Skej.com

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False: True. These areas, like Okinawa and Sardinia, share common lifestyle patterns linked to longevity.

• 🌅 Sunset Of The Day: Sunsets are more than beautiful—they’re actually good for your mood. Got a favorite one? Reply to this email with your best sunset or sunrise photo for a chance to be featured!

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s sustainable. Your future self is shaped by the consistency, not extremes.

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]!