Wednesday

"I am not less because I choose softness."

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

• The healing power of the sun

• Sunset of the day: Pacentro

• How to get extra cash when you retire

• Do full moons actually make you crazy?

• Getting a degree from home

Why the Sun is Nature’s Medicine

Even a quick glance at a sunrise or sunset can do more than lift your spirits. It can actually improve your health. Research shows that the unique mix of orange and blue light during dawn and dusk helps regulate circadian rhythms, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up on time.

Psychologically, these moments trigger awe, a state linked to reduced stress and boosted creativity. A 2023 study found that people rate even urban settings more positively when seen under a sunrise or sunset, shrinking the well-being gap between cities and green spaces.

Fall and early winter bring especially vivid skies thanks to shifting weather patterns, thin high clouds, and less humidity. That makes this the perfect season to step outside, even for a few minutes, and let the colors reset your mind and body.

Sunset of the Day

This view comes from Note To Self reader Anna, who shared a glowing sky over Pacentro, one of Italy’s 10 most beautiful little towns. The pink and purple streaks stretch wide above the mountains, casting the medieval towers in soft evening light.

It’s the kind of sunset that makes you stop, look a little longer, and remember that beauty often hides in the quietest corners of the world.

Have a sunset or sunrise worth sharing? Tell us where it’s from and what makes it special. We’d love to see it.

Retired and Need Extra Cash?

If you're retired and finding it tough to make ends meet on Social Security or a pension, a reverse mortgage could help take some of the pressure off. With the "tenure" payment plan, you can receive reliable monthly payments for as long as you live in your home and keep up with basic responsibilities like property taxes and insurance. It’s a way to turn your home’s value into extra income without giving up the place you love, so you can enjoy a more comfortable and secure retirement.

To qualify for a reverse mortgage, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be at least 62 years old.

• You must own your home outright or have a low remaining mortgage balance that can be paid off at closing with reverse mortgage proceeds.

• The home must be your primary residence (not a second home or rental property).

• Eligible properties include single-family homes, FHA-approved condos, townhomes, and certain multi-unit properties (up to 4 units, as long as you live in one).

• You must demonstrate the ability to pay property taxes, homeowners insurance, and maintenance costs.

• You must complete a HUD-approved reverse mortgage counseling session to ensure you understand the loan terms and implications.

View Money’s list of the best reverse mortgage providers to compare some top-rated options.

Thank you to Money.com for sponsoring Note To Self. 

The Truth Behind Full Moon Myths

For centuries, people have blamed strange behavior on the full moon. The word lunatic even comes from the Latin lunaticus, meaning “moonstruck.” Ancient philosophers believed the moon could stir madness, and the superstition has lingered ever since.

Science, though, tells a different story. A review of 37 studies found no link between lunar phases and crime, psychiatric admissions, or accidents. Modern research echoes that conclusion, with some studies even showing fewer violent incidents during full moons. Still, belief persists, likely because of confirmation bias. We tend to notice unusual events when the moon is bright, and then we connect the two.

There may be one subtle effect: sleep. Some evidence suggests the full moon can slightly disrupt sleep quality, which might explain why moods feel off during that phase. Beyond science, the moon carries deep cultural and spiritual meaning. From Native American traditions naming each moon to modern rituals of intention-setting, people have long used lunar cycles as a guide for reflection.

So while you may not turn wild when the moon is full, noticing it can be a reminder to pause, reflect, and reconnect.

Liberty University — Online Learning Designed with Flexibility in Mind

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False: True. Mental fatigue distorts time perception.

• 🌅 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: Mental health isn’t a straight line. Some days feel lighter, some don’t, and both deserve compassion.

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]!