Friday

"I celebrate the freedom to be fully myself."

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

• Self-care tips for the 4th of July

• Tips for celebrating safely

• How to make every weekend count this summer

• Have you done your mid-year check-in?

• The perfect shorts for the summer

Prioritizing Wellness This July 4th

Independence Day is a time to celebrate, but with all the festivities, family gatherings, and outdoor fun, it can get overwhelming. As much as we love fireworks, barbecues, and catching up with loved ones, it’s important to prioritize self-care so you can enjoy the day and feel your best.

Start by staying hydrated. With the summer heat in full swing, make sure to keep a reusable water bottle nearby and sip throughout the day. Proper hydration will help you stay energized and avoid fatigue. Taking moments throughout the day to recharge, even with something as simple as a quick sip of water, can keep your energy up and your mood in check.

Take time for yourself amidst the fun. Whether it's a quiet moment with a book, a peaceful walk, or simply sitting in a cozy spot to gather your thoughts, carving out "me-time" can help you feel more grounded and relaxed. If you’re hosting, don’t hesitate to delegate tasks like setting up, grilling, or cleanup so you can enjoy the celebration without feeling overwhelmed.

Finally, make sure to prioritize sleep. With the excitement of late-night fireworks, it’s easy to lose track of your sleep schedule, but getting enough rest will help you stay refreshed and energized throughout the day. A good night’s sleep will allow you to wake up ready to embrace the freedom of the holiday with joy.

These simple wellness tips will help you enjoy a relaxed, fulfilling Independence Day.

Our Top Celebration Safety Tips

The 4th of July is all about celebration, but it’s important to stay safe while enjoying the festivities. Here are some quick tips to keep your holiday fun and worry-free:

• Fireworks Safety: Fireworks are a highlight, but they can be dangerous. Always follow local laws and light fireworks in open areas, away from buildings and people. Keep a water source nearby in case of fire, and never let children handle fireworks.

• Poolside Attention: Pools are a great way to cool off, but supervision is key. Always watch children closely around water, and ensure your pool area is secure. Having life jackets and knowing CPR can also add an extra layer of protection.

• Grilling Like a Pro: Grilling is a 4th of July tradition, but make sure food safety is part of your plan. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature of meats and avoid cross-contamination. Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold to prevent foodborne illness.

• Pet Anxiety: Fireworks and crowds can scare pets, so keep them inside and away from the noise. Ensure they’re wearing proper identification in case they escape. If your pet is anxious, talk to your vet ahead of time for calming tips.

• Beat the Heat: Stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade. Limit alcohol and protect your skin with sunscreen to avoid dehydration and sunburn. Keep an eye out for signs of heat exhaustion and rest when needed.

By staying mindful of these simple safety tips, you can enjoy a fun, healthy, and memorable 4th of July!

This Summer, Make Every Weekend Count

Groupon brings you thousands of local steals—from family-friendly museums and outdoor adventures to cozy wine tastings and hottest concerts—discounted up to 70%. Browse once and you’ll be planning three weekends ahead, confident that you’re squeezing every drop out of fun out of the season, and not your wallet.

Plan the Weekend

Thank you to Groupon for sponsoring Note To Self. 

It’s Time for a Mid-Year Check-In

The first half of the year is behind us, and now it’s time to take a step back and assess where you stand with your goals. Whether you’re on track, have hit a few bumps, or are feeling a bit off course, a mid-year check-in is your chance to course-correct and refocus.

Start by revisiting the goals you set back in January. Take a good look at what you’ve accomplished so far. It’s helpful to break them down into manageable pieces: What steps have you taken? Where might you need to double down? If some goals feel stagnant, that’s totally okay. This review can be a time to adjust. Perhaps the goal was too big, or maybe your interests have shifted. No harm in tweaking!

Next, revisit your “why” behind the goals. Have your reasons for setting them changed? Life has a way of shifting priorities, and it’s important to make sure your goals still align with what truly matters to you. If not, don’t hesitate to pivot.

Finally, create a plan for the second half of the year. Set new milestones and deadlines. Whether it’s a small win or a major stretch, breaking your larger goals into smaller tasks will make them feel more achievable and keep you motivated. Stay flexible and keep the big picture in mind, but remember, progress is progress, no matter how small.

The Shorts You Didn't Know You Needed

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: Over 150 million hotdogs are consumed on the Fourth of July each year in the U.S.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ 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: Celebration doesn’t have to be loud. It can be a quiet kind of joy—grilling with friends, catching fireflies, or watching the sky change colors.

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]!