Friday

"Less effort can still feel radiant."

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

• Why women’s friendships are so strong

• What is the infinite workday?

• What to do if you hate cleaning the gutters

• Fitting in exercise during the day

• Achieve whatever mood you want

The Secret Strength of Women’s Friendships

Friendships can be every bit as life-shaping as romance, and for many women, close friends are the steady center of it all. According to psychologist Joy Harden Bradford, PhD, female friendships often carry a unique depth that comes from the way they’re built.

Women are more likely to bond by talking and confiding in one another about daily stresses, milestones, and the little details of life. This steady sharing creates emotional intimacy that feels less common in friendships built only around activities. Vulnerability plays a role, too. While men have often been discouraged from openly expressing feelings, women are generally socialized to do so, making it easier to lean on friends for comfort and validation.

Then there’s the attention to detail. Remembering the small things (a presentation, a doctor’s visit, a first date) shows care in ways that strengthen trust over time. These subtle gestures create a sense of being deeply seen, helping explain why women’s friendships so often feel like soul-level connections.

The Rise of the “Infinite Workday”

The workday used to have an ending. Phones stopped ringing after dinner, and emails waited until morning. But today, messages keep coming, sometimes at midnight, and Microsoft’s Work Trend Index calls it what it is: the “infinite workday.”

According to their report, the average employee sends or receives more than 50 messages outside of business hours. Many check emails at 6 a.m. and again at 10 p.m., while weekend inbox sweeps have become routine. Add hybrid schedules and cross-time-zone teams, and late-night meetings are up 16% compared with last year. The result? Focus is constantly interrupted, with the average time between distractions now just two minutes.

The flexibility of remote work can give us freedom, but it can also blur the line between personal and professional life. Experts say the fix starts with boundaries: time-blocking, silencing notifications after hours, and resisting the urge to send “just one more email.”

What If You Never Had to Clean Gutters Again?

Most gutter guards promise the world but still leave you climbing ladders to clear debris.

LeafGuard takes a completely different approach—instead of adding another layer to your existing gutters, they replace your entire system with a one-piece design that's engineered so debris never gets inside.

The science is pretty straightforward: water follows the curved hood into the gutter using liquid adhesion, while leaves, pine needles, and debris roll right off. No joints mean no leaks, and the aluminum is 20% thicker than standard gutters. With over 650,000 ladder-related injuries happening annually, eliminating gutter maintenance isn't just convenient—it's smart.

Note To Self readers can take advantage of 75% off installation plus an additional $200 off. That's significant savings on a system backed by a lifetime no-clog guarantee and 25+ years of proven performance.

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Thank you to Leafguard for sponsoring Note To Self. 

How to Sneak In Extra Movement Daily

Most of us spend more time sitting than we’d like to admit, whether at a desk, in the car, or on the couch. Even if you already work out, too much sitting can raise risks for health problems. The good news? Small, simple bursts of activity throughout the day can make a big difference.

Experts say “exercise snacks”, short two-to-ten-minute breaks like walking after lunch or doing a few squats while coffee brews, help boost energy and focus. Even seated moves, like heel raises, can improve blood sugar and circulation. Standing up every hour or stretching at your desk restores posture and keeps muscles active.

Other changes are surprisingly easy: take the stairs, carry groceries in multiple trips, or walk while listening to a podcast. Staying hydrated adds more natural breaks since each refill gets you moving.

The goal isn’t to sweat. It’s to disrupt long stretches of sitting. Over time, these tiny shifts add up, supporting your heart, mood, and long-term health.

Buying Cannabis Online Is Now Legal, And Incredibly Convenient

Thanks to changing laws buying THC online is now 100% federally legal.

And when it comes to quality, reliability and ultimate convenience, Mood is leading the way…

Because, instead of memorizing confusing strain names – you simply choose how you want to feel: Creative, Social, Focused, Relaxed, Happy, Aroused, and more.

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Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: Meaningful friendships take an average of 40 hours together to form.

• 🌅 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: There’s something grounding about being seen by people who just get it—who hold space for the mess, the joy, and everything in between.

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]!