Wednesday

"I am allowed to protect my time and energy."

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

• Wellness Postcards: Spain’s ancient traditions

• When should you brush your teeth in the morning?

• What to do about yellow teeth

• If vitamin C actually helps colds

• The mattress designed for better sleep

Wellness Postcards: Spain’s Ancient Traditions

Welcome back to Wellness Postcards. This week, we’re writing from Spain, where wellness has been part of the landscape for centuries. Long before “wellness travel” became a thing, people were visiting thermal springs, coastal towns, monasteries, and quiet mountain regions to rest, recover, and reconnect.

In Granada, Arab baths carry on a tradition of warm pools, steam, and slow ritual. In Galicia and Ourense, natural hot springs offer a more elemental kind of reset, with mineral-rich waters rising from the earth. In the Spanish Pyrenees, wellness can look like hiking, fresh mountain air, and a quiet yoga session after a long day outside.

Spain’s coastal regions bring their own version of restoration. Along Costa de la Luz, the Canary Islands, and the Balearic Islands, self-care might mean swimming in natural pools, walking by the sea, eating simply, or letting the rhythm of the day move a little slower than usual.

The lesson from Spain is that wellness doesn’t always need to be scheduled down to the minute. Sometimes it’s warm water, good food, a long walk, a quiet courtyard, or an afternoon where nobody’s rushing you into the next thing.

When To Brush Your Teeth In The Morning

The morning toothbrushing debate is more controversial than you'd think. Some people brush the second they wake up. Others refuse to let toothpaste and coffee meet in the same timeline, which is honestly understandable.

Dentists generally recommend brushing before breakfast. Overnight, plaque and bacteria build up on your teeth and tongue, which is part of the reason morning breath exists in the first place. Brushing first thing helps clear that buildup and gives your teeth a little fluoride protection before food, coffee, or juice enters the chat.

The tricky part is that many breakfast foods and drinks are acidic, including fruit, coffee, and orange juice. After you eat or drink them, your enamel can be temporarily softened, so brushing right away may be a little too aggressive for your teeth.

If brushing after breakfast is the only way you’ll actually do it, all is not lost. Try rinsing with water after eating, then wait about 30 minutes before brushing. The best routine is the one you can stick with, but your teeth would like to gently vote for brushing before breakfast.

Are Your Teeth Yellow?

Teeth whitening is one of those things many people think about but put off. It can feel expensive, inconvenient, or not worth the sensitivity that often comes with it. Professional, in-office treatments can cost up to $1,000, and still require time, appointments, and follow-ups.

Laughland offers a more flexible, at-home alternative. Instead of a one-size-fits-all formula, you can select the right whitening solution for your teeth, helping reduce sensitivity while still delivering noticeable results.

From there, everything is designed to be simple. The routine takes just 10 minutes a day and can be done at home, whenever it fits into your schedule. Each kit includes a whitening light with phone adaptors and three customized whitening pens, so you have everything you need to get started.

Laughland was formulated by a world-renowned dentist, and is trusted by over 200,000 customers for its natural ingredients and science-backed results. It’s one of the closest things you can get to professional whitening at home, with teeth up to seven shades whiter in as little as six days, guaranteed.

This month, you can get six at-home treatments for just $39 (60% off).

Get whiter teeth today!

Thank you to Laughland for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Can Vitamin C Really Help A Cold?

Vitamin C packets have become one of those things people reach for the second they feel a scratchy throat coming on. It feels proactive, fizzy, and just official enough to make you think, “Great, I’m handling this.”

Vitamin C supports immune function and helps the body fight off germs. Research suggests that higher doses may help shorten a cold a little or make symptoms feel less severe, especially when taken early. The catch is that it’s not a magic shield, and it probably won’t stop every cold from happening.

Many immune-support supplements also include nutrients like B vitamins and zinc, which can play a role in immune function. Some versions include electrolytes too, which may be helpful when you’re sick and trying to stay hydrated.

Still, more isn’t always better. Too much vitamin C can cause stomach cramps, nausea, or diarrhea, and some people should check with a healthcare provider before taking high-dose supplements. Think of it as possible support, not a cure. Rest, fluids, food, and patience still have to do their very annoying jobs.

Most Mattresses Force You To Adapt. Sleep Number Adapts To You.

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False: False. Flossing helps remove plaque even when food isn't visible.

• 🌅 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: Taking care of your teeth is one of those small habits that pays off over time—quietly, steadily, and often when you least expect it.

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]!