Friday

"I am at ease in my own company."

Happy Friday! Today, we're chatting about:

• How to get out of a rut

• What to know about castor oil

• The easiest way to learn a new language this fall

• Why parents are taking cooking classes

• How to plan a trip to Europe

Stuck in a Rut? Try This

Ever feel bored, restless, or just kind of "blah," even when nothing is technically wrong? You're not alone, and there are simple ways to shake that feeling and start finding your spark again.

Start small. Pick two or three priorities each day, like a 15-minute walk or tackling one messy drawer, and reward yourself when you finish. Movement helps too. A short walk, a few songs danced around your living room, or 10 minutes of stretching can lift your mood more than you'd expect.

Connection matters just as much. Grab coffee with a friend, call your sister, or do something kind for a neighbor. Even small acts of generosity have a way of boosting your own mood right along with someone else's. Spending 10 minutes outside each day, ideally in the morning, can also help you feel calmer and more energized.

Finally, make time for things that genuinely excite you. Book that trip, get concert tickets, or plan a low-key night in with your favorite meal. Having something to look forward to, big or small, can make everyday life feel a little brighter.

Castor Oil: The Multitasking Beauty Staple

Mention castor oil, and most people think of one thing: hair growth. But this thick, golden oil has been used for centuries, all the way back to ancient Egypt, for a lot more than that.

On skin, castor oil works as a rich moisturizer, especially for chapped lips or dry, cracked hands and feet. Some dermatologists say it may also have mild anti-inflammatory properties, though the research is still limited. On hair, it can smooth frizz, tame split ends, and add shine. Many people also use a small amount along the lash line in place of eye makeup remover for softer, healthier-looking lashes.

Castor oil isn't just for topical use, either. It's one of the few natural remedies with an actual FDA approval, as a gentle laxative for occasional constipation.

If you want to try it, do a patch test first, since it can irritate sensitive skin. For hair, warm a small amount between your palms and smooth it through dry ends, or mix it with coconut oil for an overnight mask.

The Best Thing You'll Do for Yourself This Fall

Fall is the perfect season to invest in something just for you. The kind of habit that fits into a quiet morning, a slow afternoon, or any moment you carve out for yourself. Learning a new language is exactly that — rewarding, enriching, and something that keeps giving long after the leaves have fallen.

Built by 200+ experts, Babbel guides you from theory to real conversations with just 5 minutes of learning a day. Bite-sized lessons, bingeable podcasts, and AI-powered speaking practice — everything you need to make this season count, at your fingertips.

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Thank you to Babbel for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Why Parents Are Taking Cooking Classes

Feeding picky eaters can turn "what's for dinner" into a nightly puzzle. Some parents are finding an unexpected fix: cooking classes built specifically around family meals, and the techniques matter more than the recipes.

Presentation and involvement can change everything. Roasting vegetables until the edges crisp up, adding a dipping sauce kids already like, or letting them help season a dish before it cooks all make healthy food more appealing. A little showmanship helps, too. Cooking a dish tableside, like a savory pancake made mostly of vegetables, can turn dinner into an experience kids actually look forward to.

Reusing familiar ingredients in new ways can also break up a repetitive dinner rotation. The same chicken and rice can become tacos one night and a stir-fry the next, keeping meals interesting without introducing anything unfamiliar. Ground beef works the same way, whether it's shaped into burgers, meatballs, or stuffed peppers.

You don't need a class to try this at home. Let your kids help season or plate their food, and give one familiar ingredient a new role at dinner this week, like turning last night's rice into fried rice or a burrito bowl.

Explore Europe, Your Way, with Tourlane

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False: True. Ancient physicians once linked mood to bodily fluids, viewing melancholy as tied to an imbalance involving black bile.

• 🌅 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: You don't need to be a great cook to enjoy cooking. Sometimes it's more about the process than the result.

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]!