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Tuesday

"I am not behind—I am exactly where I need to be."

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

• Tips for storing food in the fridge

• Shyness vs. social anxiety

• Your guide to using AI

• What is a “morning shift”?

• How to keep your home safe

Keep Your Food Fresh Longer with These Tips

Properly storing food in the fridge can make a big difference in how long it stays fresh, saving you money and reducing waste! Start by keeping your leftovers in clear, leak-proof containers to easily see what’s inside. Store them at the right temperature, 40°F or lower, and remember the “first in, first out” rule to use the oldest items first.

For meat, poultry, and fish, place them in the coldest part of your fridge, typically at the bottom or in a dedicated drawer. When it comes to dairy, keep items like milk, yogurt, and cheese in their original containers, and store them in the main section of the fridge, not the door, to avoid temperature fluctuations.

Fruits and vegetables should be kept separate, as some produce releases gases that can cause others to spoil faster. Store fruits like apples and citrus at room temperature to extend their life. For leafy greens, wrap them in a paper towel to absorb moisture and keep them fresh longer.

With these simple storage tips, you’ll keep your food fresher for longer and reduce the need to toss out items prematurely.

Is It Shyness or Social Anxiety?

Feeling uneasy in social settings is common, but when that nervousness takes over your life, it could be more than just shyness: it might be social anxiety.

People with social anxiety often want to interact but feel paralyzed by the fear of being judged. You might hesitate to speak up or even avoid opportunities because of this fear, even though you desire connection. In contrast, shy individuals may still enjoy socializing once they warm up.

Another sign is that socially anxious individuals might seem outgoing but feel disconnected internally. Despite engaging in conversations, the constant worry about being judged can make them feel isolated. Social anxiety also causes physical symptoms, like rapid heartbeats or nausea.

If you notice yourself avoiding important life opportunities out of fear or replaying social interactions with negative thoughts, it's worth considering how anxiety affects your daily interactions. Fortunately, social anxiety is treatable. Small steps, like deep breathing or gradually exposing yourself to social situations, can help reduce its hold on your life.

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Thank you to Hubspot for sponsoring Note To Self. 

How the "Opening Shift" Can Boost Your Day

Tired of feeling rushed in the mornings? The “opening shift” is the antidote to chaos, helping you start your day calm and in control. Inspired by the method used by retail workers, this routine centers on setting the stage for a productive day, both physically and mentally.

Unlike the typical rushed start, the opening shift encourages completing simple, grounding tasks like making your bed, stretching, and drinking water. It’s about feeling prepared, not pressured. Setting up your day in a deliberate way can minimize stress and boost productivity, leaving you more energized and focused.

To make it work, customize it for your needs. If stress reduction is your goal, try a slow morning with a warm beverage and a good book. For productivity, tackle your to-do list and make that bed. Even a quick walk and a glass of water can set the tone for a brighter, more motivated day.

The key is consistency: stick with it, and you’ll notice how an opening shift transforms your mornings from stressful to purposeful.

Go Beyond Homeowners Insurance with a Home Warranty

If you’re a homeowner, you know unexpected expenses are par for the course. One way to help shield your finances is to get a home warranty. Unlike homeowners insurance, which covers natural disasters and theft, a home warranty could help safeguard you against costly repairs of eligible essential home appliances and systems due to normal wear and tear. Check out Money’s list of the Best Home Warranties and take the sting out of appliance breakdowns.

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

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: Saying "no" more often is part of living with intention.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ 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 need a perfect routine to care for yourself well. Small, consistent choices can have a powerful, lasting impact.

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]!