Wednesday

Welcome to the midweek! Today, we're chatting about:

• The benefits of humor and laughter

• Holiday rituals for your well-being

• Our holiday picks for the self-care enthusiast

• Ideas to incorporate more laughter

How Laughter and Humor Benefit Your Health

Laughter is fun, feels good, and can help us embrace joy! But that’s not all — humor has some seriously great impacts on our health, both in the short- and long term!

Some of the many ways laughter is good for our minds and bodies include:

• Boost oxygen: As we chuckle, laughter boosts our oxygen intake.

• Lowers blood pressure and heart rate: When we’re done chuckling, it decreases heart rate and blood pressure and can help us relax.

• Mood boost: Laughter activates our brains’ reward systems!

• May help our immune systems: Laughter boosts immunoglobulins A and E, and research has shown it may boost killer cells, as well!

• Pain tolerance: Laughter can increase our pain tolerance!

• Might boost cognitive function: Studies have also shown that watching a 20-minute humorous movie boosted cognitive function in adults!

Embrace those incredible benefits of humor and find something that makes you laugh today!

Little Acts of Comfort: Holiday Rituals for Your Well-being

The holiday season can be magical, but it can also feel overwhelming with all the to-do lists, parties, and expectations. That’s why it’s important to carve out little moments of peace, comfort, and emotional care. Simple holiday rituals can help you find that balance and recharge during the busy season. These small, intentional acts can make all the difference in how you feel.

One simple ritual is sipping a warm cup of tea or hot cocoa. The warmth of your drink can instantly calm you, and the act of slowing down to enjoy it can help center your thoughts and clear your mind. Another easy yet powerful practice is journaling. Take a few minutes each day to jot down your thoughts, things you’re grateful for, or your hopes for the season. It’s a great way to check in with yourself, stay grounded, and release any stress or worries.

And don’t forget the power of lighting a candle. The soft flicker of a flame can create a peaceful ambiance and help you create a cozy atmosphere in your home. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet moment alone or setting the mood for a gathering, a candle can be a simple yet powerful way to cultivate calm and well-being.

These little rituals are reminders to slow down, reflect, and create space for your emotional health during the holiday hustle. Embrace them, and let them help you recharge your mind and spirit throughout the season.

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 the Revel Gift Guide Now!

How To Incorporate More Laughter in Your Life

If you’re looking to reap more of those incredible benefits of laughter in your life and relationships, it can help to find small ways to incorporate more humor.

Here are a few ideas to spark some laughs into your day:

• Spend time with friends and family that make you feel good

• Seek out some silly videos of animals

• Go to a comedy show

• Journal about some of the silliest things that have happened (Tip: When you’re feeling down or need a laugh, this can be helpful to look back on!)

• Don’t take yourself (or others) too seriously. When something happens, try and laugh at it!

• Explore your inner child. Kids laugh significantly more than adults. Try shifting perspectives and find humor in the things that a child might — even if it feels silly.

While it may feel unnatural to seek out some laughs, this helps you embrace the humor that can be found every day!

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: Adults laugh an estimated 15 to 20 times a day!

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ 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: Laughter is more than a way to express that something is funny — it has real benefits, so find something that makes you chuckle today!

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]!