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đź’ Ways to add variety to exercise
Tuesday 1/27: Sponsored by AG1 and Cash App - workouts, saying no, collagen
Tuesday
"I trust that rest helps things settle into place."
Welcome to Tuesday! Today, we're chatting about:
Adding variety to your exercise
The power of saying “no”
An easy way to support your gut health
The truth about collagen
A financial tip
Did You Know?
Smiling during hard effort can reduce perceived exertion by ___%.
Scroll for the answer!

Your Body Likes a Little Variety
If exercise ever feels repetitive or uninspiring, there’s good news: sticking to just one type of workout may not be the goal. New research suggests that people who mix up how they move tend to live longer, even if they don’t spend more time exercising overall.
The idea is simple. Different activities support different parts of the body. Walking and cycling help the heart, strength training supports muscles and bones, and activities that involve coordination can help with balance and mobility as the years go on. Together, they create a more well-rounded foundation for long-term health.
What’s especially encouraging is that this doesn’t require extreme routines or intense training. Moderate movement still counts, and benefits appear to level off before workouts get overly demanding. It’s less about pushing harder and more about moving in more than one way.
If routine has been the biggest barrier, variety can help. A walk here, some strength work there, maybe a class or two that feels fun instead of forced. Longevity doesn’t seem to come from doing more. It may come from doing things differently.


The Power of an Intentional No
Saying yes can feel automatic, especially when you don’t want to disappoint anyone. But over time, those reflexive yeses can quietly drain your energy, leaving you stretched thin, resentful, or overwhelmed without fully knowing why.
When you start saying no more often, something surprising happens: very little falls apart. Most situations resolve themselves, relationships adjust, and the discomfort fades faster than expected. Pausing before committing creates space to check in with what you actually have the capacity for, not what you feel pressured to offer.
That space matters. Fewer obligations mean less stress carried through the body and mind. When your schedule isn’t packed with things you never wanted to do, it becomes easier to rest, focus, and show up where it truly counts.
Over time, your yeses feel different, too. They’re calmer, more intentional, and less resentful. Saying no isn’t about shutting people out. It’s about staying connected to yourself, protecting your energy, and making room for the parts of life that actually nourish you.


One Simple Scoop For Better Health
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Thank you to AG1 for sponsoring Note To Self.

Do You Really Need Collagen?
Collagen gets a lot of credit in skincare, often framed as the key to plump, youthful skin. But the truth is a little quieter. Collagen naturally declines with age, and while products can support skin, they can’t fully replace what your body once made on its own.
Topical collagen mostly works as a moisturizer. The molecules are too large to rebuild collagen deep in the skin, but they can help skin feel smoother and more hydrated on the surface. Supplements may offer some benefits for skin and joints, but research is still evolving, and results vary from person to person.
What consistently helps protect collagen is less glamorous: daily sunscreen, gentle skincare, and ingredients like retinoids or vitamin C that support skin renewal over time. These habits help slow collagen breakdown rather than trying to undo it.
If collagen products feel good in your routine, there’s no reason to avoid them. Just think of collagen as a supporting player, not a miracle fix. Skincare works best when expectations are realistic, and routines are simple, steady, and kind to your skin.


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Thank you to Cash App for sponsoring Note To Self.

The Pause
Before you go, take a small pause from your day with this tip brought to you by The Note To Self editors.
Winter Recipe: Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons. Cut grilled cheese into cubes and drop them into your soup like grown-up Goldfish.

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts
âś… Did You Know: Smiling during hard effort can reduce perceived exertion by about 10%. Facial feedback affects effort.
🌅 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!
đź’ Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Not every workout needs to be intense. Some days, the best move is just pressing play and seeing where your body wants to go.

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