Friday

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"Beauty can be quiet, calm, and steady."

It’s finally Friday! Today, we're chatting about:

• The reason behind the post-holiday crash

• Why your cravings may spike this time of year

• Discover healthier options for your favorite holiday drinks

• Tips to keep your gut happy during fall

The Surprising Reason You Crash After Holiday Fun

You know that buzzy, overly wired holiday feeling? Blame dopamine, the brain chemical behind motivation, excitement, and pleasure. Between sugar-laden treats, endless shopping tabs, and nonstop social plans, dopamine spikes fast. But what goes up must come down, leaving you overstimulated, restless, and strangely unsatisfied.

The fix isn’t cutting out joy. It’s pacing it. Try balancing high-stimulation moments with grounding “anchors” like slow mornings, protein-rich snacks, or time outside. These habits help your dopamine levels stabilize instead of swinging from thrill to crash.

Even five minutes of quiet walking, journaling, or simply stepping away from screens can help your brain recalibrate. Think of it as building in calm between the chaos, so the season feels full, not frantic.

What Cravings Really Mean During the Holidays

Holiday cravings hit hard, but not all hunger comes from the stomach. More often, it starts in the mind. Stress, fatigue, or even loneliness can trigger the same brain pathways that make us crave sugar or comfort food. It’s not a weakness, it’s wiring.

Instead of labeling cravings as “bad,” pause and get curious. Ask yourself: What am I really needing right now? Maybe it’s warmth, rest, or a few minutes without stimulation. When you slow down long enough to notice, it’s easier to choose what truly satisfies, whether that’s a meal, a boundary, or a moment of calm.

Sometimes the most nourishing choice has nothing to do with food at all. It’s simply giving yourself permission to care for what’s underneath the craving.

Holiday Drink Swaps You’ll Actually Love

During the holidays, sugar sneaks in everywhere, especially in beverages like hot cocoa, cocktails, and PSLs. It’s no wonder the average American consumes 57 pounds of added sugar each year. All that sweetness spikes blood sugar and dopamine, leading to fatigue, breakouts, weight gain, and inflammation that dull your holiday glow.

Feel better this holiday season with three beverage swaps from functional medicine nurse practitioner Taylor Dukes to keep your traditions sweet—but balanced:

• 🍫 Organic Hot Chocolate – Just five real-food ingredients, zero sugar, and dairy-free. It’s the cozy cup you’ll want on repeat all season long.

• ☕ Pumpkin Spice Latte Bundle – Cozy flavor with 20g protein + collagen and toxin-tested organic coffee for balanced energy.

• 🍸Functional mocktail – Our Blue Beauty Drink makes the perfect mocktail (or mixer), with collagen, zero added sugar and superfoods like blue spirulina and ginger to make you glow from the inside out.

Enjoy 15% off functional season-favorites with code NOTETOSELF.

Explore the swaps now.

Thank you to Taylor Dukes Wellness for sponsoring Note To Self. 

How to Keep Your Gut Happy This Season

Between late-night snacks, festive drinks, and nonstop social plans, your gut can feel the holidays just as much as you do. Stress, sugar, and irregular routines disrupt digestion and the gut-brain connection, often showing up as bloating, fatigue, or mood dips.

But balance doesn’t require a detox. Small, mindful shifts go a long way: chew slowly, eat without multitasking, and add fiber and fermented foods where you can. Even a 10-minute walk after meals helps your gut process food and stabilize blood sugar.

Your digestive system thrives on rhythm, not restriction. A little consistency, like hydration, movement, and mindful eating, keeps your gut feeling grounded through the season’s chaos.

A Note From Us

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False: True. Scent and visual cues can anchor calm routines and create comfort.

• 🌅 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: Your gut and your energy are more connected than you think. Stress, schedule changes, and heavier meals can all take a toll—but small shifts can help you feel more supported.

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]!