Tuesday

"What I give my attention to, grows."

Happy Tuesday! Today, we're chatting about:

• The real reason you dread Mondays

• How to stop a bad skin day spiral

• Empower yourself with a new skill

• The best method for disconnecting from work

• How to get a personalized meal plan

Science Shows We All Hate Mondays

You roll out of bed, stare at the calendar, and boom, it’s Monday. Somehow your body already knows it, and it’s not happy. New research shows that the “ugh, it’s Monday” feeling might be more than just a vibe.

A recent study found that stress levels spike at the start of the week for pretty much everyone, even people who don’t work anymore. Researchers saw a jump in cortisol (your stress hormone) and even noted an uptick in heart issues. Mondays aren’t just annoying; they have an effect on your body, too.

The study suggests that it’s not always about work stress. Mondays have become such a big cultural reset point that our bodies react to them automatically.

So if you feel slower, grumpier, or weirdly tense on Mondays, you’re not being dramatic. You're just human. Maybe give yourself a little extra time, a better breakfast, or at least one less thing to do.

What To Do on a Bad Skin Day

Some mornings your face just...doesn’t feel like your own. A new breakout, red patch, or dryness can throw off your whole mood. Experts say that’s completely valid and actually pretty common.

Instead of avoiding the mirror or canceling your day, therapists recommend gentle mindset shifts. One idea: skip the first mirror check and start your morning with three things you're grateful for instead. Small rituals like that can reset the tone.

It also helps to remind yourself that most people are way more focused on themselves than on your forehead. A few kind sticky notes on the mirror never hurt, either.

Lastly, don’t ditch your skincare routine just because you’re feeling off. Consistency is an act of care, not perfection. Your skin is allowed to change. You’re still you.

A Lifetime Skill for Less Than $200

Some investments stay with you forever. Learning a language is one of them. It’s not just about words—it’s about new perspectives, deeper connections, and the quiet confidence that comes from growth.

For Labor Day, Babbel is offering its best deal of the year: lifetime access for just $199. One payment, 14 languages, and a skill that grows with you at your own pace.If you’ve been waiting for the right time to begin, this is it.

Get Lifetime Access for $199

Thank you to Babbel for sponsoring Note To Self. 

How To Leave Work at Work

Ever close your laptop and still feel like you're working? That’s where the STOP method comes in: a short, daily ritual to help your brain actually shift from work mode to life mode. It takes five minutes, but it helps you feel more present for the good stuff after hours.

S stands for shutdown ritual, like writing your to-do list for tomorrow or tidying your workspace. T means track your wins, even the small ones, to end the day with a little clarity and confidence.

Then comes O: offload mentally. Dump your worries into a journal or voice note so your brain stops carrying them around. And finally, P: plug into the present. Go for a walk, water your plants, cook something, or just sit outside. Whatever helps you feel here.

It’s not about perfection, but about building small habits that help you leave work at work. Even when it’s hard to log off, you still deserve your evening.

Finally, a Nutrition Plan That Fits You

Stop guessing with one-size-fits-all diet plans. Fay connects you with a Registered Dietitian for true 1-on-1 coaching. They work with you to create a sustainable nutrition plan tailored to your unique body, lifestyle, and personal health goals. It’s time to get guidance that actually works.

Find Your Dietitian Now

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False: True. Labeling emotions is shown to decrease stress and increase clarity.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ 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: You don’t have to feel better right away. Sometimes the most caring thing you can do is let your mood be what it is without rushing to fix it.

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]!