Friday

Welcome to Friyay! We’re wrapping up the week with:

• The benefits of embracing body neutrality

• Tips to navigate difficult body image days

• Our holiday picks for the self-care enthusiast

• What it means to have a healthy relationship with food

The Benefits of Embracing Body Neutrality

Body neutrality is a powerful way of thinking that can help us improve our relationship with our physical selves.

This practice acknowledges all of the wonderful things our bodies do for us — from talking with friends to enjoying the outdoors to tasting our favorite foods.

Body neutrality also leans into gratitude for how they help us move through the world, experience different emotions, and more! Research has shown that practicing gratitude can ease anxiety, depression, and stress.

This act can also help us work through conflicting or challenging thoughts and feelings we have about our physical selves. By taking a step back, body neutrality can help us get out of some of those less helpful thoughts we may have by placing less emphasis on our appearance.

Body neutrality also helps us acknowledge our feelings — rather than pushing them away or forcing ourselves to think an opposite thought, it encourages us to allow that thought to be, and reframe it in a way that’s more neutral.

On the whole, body neutrality can be a great way to improve our relationship with our bodies by thinking less about our appearance and embracing how our bodies allow us to be our unique selves!

Navigating Difficult Body Image Days

You’re not alone if you struggle with body image. There are times when we may all not feel 100% about our relationship with our bodies.

However, knowing how to support yourself and move through these days can make it so they don’t have as much impact:

• Acknowledge how you feel: Instead of trying to push those feelings away, let them be. Validate yourself, and know that those feelings are okay.

• Wear something that makes you feel comfortable: This can help you focus less on your body.

• Embrace body neutrality: Thank your body for the things it allows you to do, rather than its appearance.

• Steer clear of social media: When we’re on social media, we may compare our appearance to others. Try to take a break and see if it helps you feel better.

• Try to reframe your thoughts: When you notice a less positive thought about your body, try to reframe your thoughts to be more neutral.

The Best Self-Care Gifts for Your Mind, Body, and Soul 🎁

At Note To Self, we believe the holidays are the perfect time to give yourself—and those you love—the gift of self-care. We’ve curated a collection of thoughtful, wellness-focused products that help you feel your best, inside and out. Whether you’re unwinding after a busy year or setting intentions for the new one, these picks will support you in making self-care a priority.

Check out a few of Note To Self’s top self-care picks:

✈️ FlyKitt Travel Kit – Jet lag? Not anymore! Give the gift of seamless travel with FlyKitt’s AI-powered app, blue-light blocking glasses, and custom supplements that keep energy levels high and circadian rhythms in check. Perfect for anyone who loves to explore the world without the exhaustion. ✨

🌿 BloomsyBox – Brighten someone’s day with fresh, ethically harvested flowers delivered right to their door. BloomsyBox brings seasonal blooms straight from eco-friendly farms, adding a touch of nature and joy to any space. A wonderful way to bring some calm and beauty into your life!

✨ Treat yourself and others to thoughtful, wellness-centered gifts this holiday season. Explore our full gift guide for exclusive deals on products that elevate self-care, wellness, and relaxation. 💖

Shop more of our 2024 Gift Guide Now!

What Does It Mean To Have a Healthy Relationship With Food?

It can be challenging to know what a “healthy” relationship with food looks like. How do you know if you have a solid relationship with the way you nourish your body?

Experts point to intuitive eating as the pinnacle of what an ideal relationship with food looks like.

First, practicing listening to your body’s hunger cues — including eating when you’re hungry and listening to signs you’re full — is a great way to improve your relationship with food.

Another core principle of intuitive eating is eating a variety of foods that both sound good and support your overall health. Rejecting diet culture, including behaviors like restriction, food rules, and so forth, is another core ideal.

Some things that could signal an unhealthy relationship with food may include calorie counting, fad dieting or crash dieting, or cutting specific foods or entire food groups out of your diet.

If you feel like your relationship with food could use some improvement, don’t stress. Remember that just like friendships and other connections, this might be another relationship that needs work.

Be gentle, and give yourself grace. Remember that all relationships take time!

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: Nearly 65% of women struggle with body image. However, body image can be a challenge for people of all genders.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ 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: Taking steps to better your relationship with food and move away from diet culture can have profound and positive impacts on your mental and physical health.

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]!