Friday

"I allow myself to enjoy where I am without looking ahead."

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

• Why anxiety might spike in the summer

• What is earthing?

• You might be paying too much for car insurance

• How have more self-compassion

• Help your kids build smart money habits

Why Your Anxiety Might Spike in the Summer

Summer is supposed to feel carefree, which is exactly why anxiety during this season can catch people off guard. Heat, routine disruptions, social pressure, and constant exposure to everyone else's highlight reels can quietly add up. And because the season is culturally associated with fun and freedom, it can feel harder to admit when it's not feeling that way.

A few things make a real difference. First, set realistic expectations for the season. You don't need a packed bucket list or a vacation worth posting about. Giving yourself permission to rest and say no to things is just as valid a summer plan as anything else. Second, keep your basics as steady as you can. Sleep, meals, movement, and some daily structure help regulate your mood even when your schedule gets looser than usual.

Social media is worth watching too. Scrolling through other people's best moments creates a comparison that isn't fair to yourself. Taking breaks from it, even short ones, tends to shift your mood more than most people expect. And when anxiety does creep in, tuning into what you're actually feeling and why helps more than trying to push through it. Sometimes just naming the source takes some of the pressure off.

How Does Earthing Work?

Earthing, also called grounding, is the practice of physically connecting your body to the earth's natural electric charge. Think walking barefoot on grass, lying on the ground, gardening, or swimming in natural water. The idea is that direct contact with the earth helps stabilize your body's electrical system, which may reduce stress, inflammation, and sleep disruptions.

Early research is promising. Studies have linked earthing to improvements in fatigue, sleep quality, blood pressure, and mood, though the research is still limited in scale and needs more replication before any strong conclusions can be drawn. Most experts suggest starting with at least 30 minutes to begin noticing a difference.

If getting outside isn't always an option, indoor grounding products like mats, blankets, and socks are designed to mimic the same connection. They're easy to incorporate into a daily routine and relatively low cost. Earthing isn't a replacement for medical care, but as a simple addition to a wellness routine, it's low risk and accessible to almost everyone.

Are You Paying Too Much for Your Car Insurance?

Insurance rates have climbed, and if you haven't compared recently, there's a good chance you're overpaying. Insurify lets you see real quotes from top carriers in minutes, so you know exactly where you stand.

Just enter your car make and ZIP code to instantly pull up rates side by side. No phone calls, no agents, no fees — just a fast, clear look at what's available in your area.

Drivers are finding rates starting as low as $39/month. The only way to know is to look.

See Rates on Insurify

Average potential savings based on initial quotes received by 151,494 customers seeking insurance through Insurify. Actual savings may vary depending on state of residence, individual circumstances, coverage selections, and insurance provider. Savings and lowest rates do not reflect typical results.

Thank you to Atwave for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Learning Self-Compassion Is Possible at Any Age

Most of us are pretty good at showing up for the people we care about. Being that same person for ourselves is a different story. Self-compassion doesn't come naturally for a lot of people, and that's not a personal failing. For many, it simply was never modeled growing up.

The good news is that it's a skill you can build. A few small practices can help get you started. When you're having a hard moment, ask yourself what you'd say to a close friend in the same situation and then actually say it to yourself. Notice the gap between how you'd treat them and how you're treating yourself. That gap is usually where the work is.

It also helps to become aware of what's blocking you. Common beliefs like "being kind to myself will make me lazy" or "I don't deserve a break until I've earned it" are worth examining. Self-compassion research consistently shows the opposite is true. People who treat themselves with more kindness tend to be more motivated and resilient, not less. When you're struggling, a simple reframe helps: remind yourself that you're doing the best you can, that making mistakes is part of being human, and that you don't have to earn the right to feel okay.

Help Your Kid Build Smart Money Habits Early

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: The 5-4-3-2-1 method uses your senses to help redirect your focus to your surroundings.

• 🌅 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: A slower summer can still be a good summer. Rest, quiet mornings, early nights, and simple routines count just as much as big plans.

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]!