Wednesday

"I don’t need a reason to rest."

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

• Does money really buy happiness?

• How to save money at the grocery store

• A “fresh” seafood myth debunked

• Tips for preventing impulse buys

• The trick for getting restful sleep

Can Money Buy Happiness?

Money doesn’t buy happiness, but it can remove some of the weight that makes happiness harder to access. Having enough to cover basics like food, housing, and healthcare creates a sense of safety. And safety matters more than it gets credit for. It lets the nervous system relax. It gives the mind room to breathe.

After that point, though, more money doesn’t automatically lead to more joy. Research suggests happiness becomes less about how much is earned and more about how it’s used. Spending on experiences, shared moments, or things that genuinely support daily life tends to feel better than chasing upgrades or status.

There isn’t a single number where happiness suddenly appears. It shifts depending on where someone lives, what they value, and what makes life feel meaningful.

Money works best as a tool, not a finish line. When it supports comfort, connection, and peace of mind, it quietly does its job.

How To Spend Less At The Grocery Store

Grocery shopping doesn’t need to feel like a test you’re constantly failing. Prices fluctuate, routines change, and some weeks cost more than others. The goal isn’t to spend perfectly. It’s to spend with a little more intention.

Start with what’s already at home. A quick look in the fridge, freezer, and pantry helps avoid buying duplicates and makes meal planning feel less overwhelming. Writing a short list, even a rough one, can also curb impulse buys and make the trip faster.

Buying store brands, checking unit prices, and choosing organic selectively can quietly lower your total without changing what you actually eat. Coupons and loyalty programs still work, too, especially digital ones that don’t require much effort.

Reducing food waste matters more than finding the lowest price. Using what you buy, freezing extras, and planning one or two flexible meals each week can save more than cutting items entirely.

Think of grocery savings as small, repeatable choices, not restrictions. Over time, those add up.

The “Fresh” Seafood Myth You’ve Probably Fallen For

A lot of people think frozen seafood is the backup plan — something you buy when you can’t get it fresh. But here’s the truth: when it comes to quality, frozen can actually be fresher than what’s behind the grocery store counter.

Most “fresh” fish has already been frozen for transport, and is then thawed for display (sometimes even thawed and refrozen many times!). By the time you see it on ice at the seafood counter, it may have been sitting there for days. Not exactly what you pictured when you thought “fresh,” right?

For fish that’s truly fresh, “frozen” should be your go-to choice. Wild Alaskan Company freezes wild-caught seafood from Alaska just hours after harvest, locking in peak flavor, texture, and nutrients — perfectly preserved until you’re ready to cook.

It’s not a shortcut. It’s the smart way to enjoy top-quality seafood at its best.

How to Make Frozen Fish Your Go-To

Thank you to Wild Alaskan Company for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Small Habits That Reduce Impulse Purchases

Impulse buying doesn’t usually start with bad intentions. It often shows up when things feel overwhelming, boring, or emotionally charged, and shopping offers a quick sense of relief. The problem isn’t the occasional splurge. It’s when those purchases quietly add stress later.

One of the simplest ways to interrupt impulse spending is time. Waiting 24 hours, or even a few days, creates space between the urge and the action. What feels urgent in the moment often fades once the emotional spike passes.

Another helpful pause is asking a few grounding questions: Is this something that’s been wanted for a while? Can it be afforded without creating pressure elsewhere? Is it solving a real need, or responding to a feeling? These questions aren’t meant to shame. They’re meant to clarify.

Reducing temptation also helps. Unsubscribing from sales emails, unfollowing shopping-heavy accounts, and removing saved payment information can make spending feel less automatic. When buying requires a little more effort, it’s easier to choose intentionally.

The Key To Quality Sleep

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: Automating savings improves consistency by around 40%. Removing decisions makes habits stick.

• 🌅 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: Financial goals don’t need to be dramatic to be meaningful. Even small shifts—like checking in weekly—can help you feel more grounded and in control.

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]!