đź’­ What is microneedling?

Monday 7/6: Sponsored by Glamory and Cash App - dance and brain health, microneedling, workday productivity

Monday

"I make room for what truly deserves my attention."

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

  • Why dancing is the best brain workout

  • What is microneedling?

  • Can you do microneedling at home?

  • How to make summer workdays more productive

  • An easier way to save for your goals

Did You Know?

Collagen is the most abundant _________ in the skin.

Scroll for the answer!

Why Dancing Is the Best Workout for Your Brain

If you've ever left a dance class feeling inexplicably better than when you walked in, there's a real reason for that. Neuroscientists describe dancing as one of the most whole-brain activities a person can do. From the moment you walk into a studio, your hippocampus, dopamine system, and mirror neurons are all firing at once, and that's before the music even starts.

When you start learning choreography, different parts of the brain are working at the same time. The prefrontal cortex handles the steps while the limbic system reacts to the music, and neither one waits for the other. That's why it can be hard to nail the technique and feel the music simultaneously. With enough repetition, the brain eventually automates the movement, which frees up mental space to actually express something. That's why experienced dancers make it look effortless.

The benefits go beyond a single class. Over time, regular dancing improves memory, balance, coordination, and body awareness. It also does something the gym and a crossword puzzle can't do on their own: it combines physical movement with music, creativity, social connection, and memory all at once. One neuroscientist puts it simply. A treadmill trains the body and a crossword trains the mind, but dance trains the whole person at the same time.

What To Know About Microneedling

Microneedling sounds a little intimidating, mostly because the word “needle” is right there in the name. But the treatment is a minimally invasive procedure used to help improve the look of skin texture, acne scars, enlarged pores, wrinkles, and stretch marks.

During the treatment, a dermatologist uses a device with tiny needles to create controlled microscopic punctures in the skin. These small “micro-injuries” encourage the skin’s natural repair process, which can help stimulate collagen production over time.

That collagen response is the main idea. Since collagen naturally decreases with age, encouraging the skin to enter repair mode may help it look smoother, firmer, and more even with a series of treatments.

Downtime is usually fairly short compared to some resurfacing treatments, though temporary redness, swelling, flaking, and sun sensitivity can happen for a few days. It’s also not ideal for active breakouts or cold sores until those have cleared. Tiny needles, big skin-care reputation.

Can You Do Microneedling at Home?

Microneedling is one of those treatments people get curious about, especially when they’re dealing with fine lines, uneven texture, dark spots, thinning lips, or skin that doesn’t feel as firm as it used to. The problem is that professional treatments can be expensive, and not everyone wants something that feels intimidating or painful.

That’s where Glamory MicroLift comes in. It’s an at-home micro-infusion device designed to be gentle, pain-free, and easy to use. Instead of just applying serum on top of the skin, MicroLift helps deliver it below the surface, where it can work more effectively.

Here’s how it works: attach the serum vial to the MicroLift device, then glide the roller across your skin. The formula feeds directly to the roller’s micro-needles, helping your skin absorb serum up to 300% better while naturally supporting collagen production.

What MicroLift helps target:

  • Fine lines and wrinkles

  • Textured skin

  • Dark spots

  • Thinning lips

  • Neck concerns

  • Loss of firmness and glow

In a survey, 93% of users reported firmer, plumper, glowier-looking skin, and 94% agreed the treatment is completely painless.

For a limited time, Note To Self readers can save up to 63%. Plus, every order comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Thank you to Glamory for sponsoring Note To Self. 

How To Make Summer Workdays Feel Easier

Summer has a way of making work feel a little harder. The days are longer, the weather is better, and it’s easy to feel distracted when you’d rather be outside, traveling, gardening, seeing family, or simply enjoying a slower afternoon.

The goal isn’t to push through the season like it isn’t happening. It’s to create a workday that gives your energy a little more support. Try saving your most important tasks for the morning, when focus is often stronger, and leaving lighter work like emails, scheduling, and simple follow-ups for later in the day.

A few small resets can help too. Take lunch away from your desk, step outside for a short walk, open a window, work near natural light, or build in a quiet break between tasks. These moments may seem simple, but they can make the day feel less draining and help you return to work with a clearer head.

The real summer productivity trick is knowing when to stop. Write down tomorrow’s priorities before you log off, set a reasonable end to the workday, and protect your time away when you have it. Getting more done doesn’t always mean doing more. Sometimes it means using your best energy wisely so you can actually enjoy the season.

Set It, Forget It, and Save for Your Goals

Make saving automatic with Cash App. Round up your spare change from every purchase, earn up to 3.25% interest, and transfer money between your balances whenever you want—all with no hidden fees or minimum balance requirements.

Make unlimited transfers between your Cash and Savings balances 


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Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See Terms & Conditions. Eligibility restrictions apply to some benefits. See Terms and Conditions for more information.

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.

Summer Recipe: Peach Caprese Skewers. Thread peaches, mozzarella, basil, and prosciutto onto skewers. Drizzle with balsamic.

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

  • âś… Did You Know: Collagen is the most abundant protein in the skin and provides strength and support.

  • 🌅 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: Your skin works hard all season long. Give it the support it needs so you can enjoy every sunny day comfortably.

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