Monday

Welcome to Monday! We're beginning another week of self-care with:

• Sustainable swaps to save money — and the planet

• The best way to dry your hands

• How you can develop better communication skills

• Items you can always buy secondhand

Sustainable Swaps To Save Money — and the Planet

Planet-friendly swaps are a simple way to practice self-care for your finances. Plus, they’re great for our earth, too!

While they may be a slight bit of an upfront investment, in the long run, it saves money as you don’t have to keep replacing single-use items over time.

Here are a few simple, sustainable swaps to practice financial and environmental self-care:

• Reusable napkins and cloths: These are the perfect alternative to paper napkins and paper towels

• Wool dryer balls: These replace dryer sheets

• Tote bags: Instead of using plastic or paper at the grocery store, invest in some quality totes to haul your groceries and other items

• Quality storage containers and beeswax wraps: Instead of plastic wrap and single-use storage bags, lean for reusable options

• Air drying: The impacts of air drying your clothes goes a long way — not only does it save money from not using energy, but it also helps keep your clothes lasting longer!

The Best Way To Dry Your Hands

When you dry your hands, do you reach for a paper towel, a hand dryer, or shake them out?

While it may seem neither here nor there, science says that the way you dry your hands can actually have an impact!

One review found that using paper towels was more hygienic than traditional blow dryers.

However, another more recent study found that there is no data linking health risks with different hand-drying methods.

When it comes to environmental impacts, a different study pointed to dryers that run for just 10 to 15 seconds having the least. If you’re looking for the least environmental impact, shaking your hands dry is probably the way to go!

Some research has also linked hand dryers as being more likely to irritate the skin and cause dryness.

All in all, the best method for hand drying is a little dependent on what factors matter to you — whether it’s soft skin, environmental impacts, or whatever is most comfortable!

Strengthen Your Relationships with Therapy on Your Terms

Feeling distant from your partner, frustrated with family communication, or disconnected from friends? You deserve fulfilling relationships. BetterHelp therapists specialize in relationship counseling, helping you develop better communication and conflict-resolution skills. Take a 5-minute quiz to get matched with the right therapist in 48 hours and connect on your terms—by phone, video, or text. You can even use FSA/HSA funds to cover therapy and save 30% on your first three months. Start today and invest in the connections that matter most.

Thank you to BetterHelp for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Items You Can Always Buy Secondhand to Save Money

When it comes time to buy something, we may lean toward buying something new off the shelf or search online to “add to cart.” However, shopping secondhand is a great way to save some cash!

Whether it’s at a thrift store or at a yard sale, these items are easy to find. Plus, secondhand searching can help you find some more eclectic pieces to bring into your home.

• Books

• Dishes and cookware

• Clothing

• Board games and puzzles

• Dressers, lamps, and furniture

• Art and home decor

While there are some items you may want to buy new, plenty of items are even better bought secondhand!

Next time you’re looking to buy something, consider if you could find it secondhand to practice financial wellness and add some character to your space!

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: Leaves turn color in the fall because of a lack of chlorophyll that gives them their green color! This leads to leaves turning into beautiful shades of orange, red, and yellow!

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ 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: Sustainable swaps are not only amazing for the planet — they also are a great way to practice financial self-care and can save you money in the long run!

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]!