Thursday

"I let today be lighter than yesterday."

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

• When should you eat protein?

• Skincare is being redefined

• Why happy tears happen

• Our favorite men’s cologne

The Best Time To Eat Protein

Protein supports muscle repair, metabolism, and overall body function. Most adults need roughly 0.45 to 0.9 grams per pound of body weight per day, depending on activity level. That often works out to about 15 to 30 grams per meal. Eating significantly more than that at once doesn’t necessarily increase benefits, since the body can only use so much in a single sitting.

Many people load up on protein at dinner and get very little earlier in the day. Dietitians recommend spreading protein evenly across meals to support steady energy, muscle maintenance, and appetite control. Large, protein-heavy dinners can also feel uncomfortable for some people.

There isn’t one perfect hour to prioritize protein, but breakfast is often the most overlooked opportunity. Adding protein in the morning and including it in snacks can help stabilize blood sugar and prevent extreme hunger later. In most cases, consistency throughout the day matters more than the clock.

How Gen Alpha Is Redefining Skincare

Generation Alpha—born between 2010 and 2025—is growing up in a beauty market built specifically for them. Recent surveys show that a majority of 11- to 13-year-olds are already interested in skincare. Unlike previous generations who borrowed products from adults, today’s preteens have access to brands designed with younger skin in mind.

What sets this group apart is their approach. Beauty is less about correction and more about experimentation. Social platforms make skincare a shared activity, and packaging plays a major role in product appeal. Brands targeting this age group focus on playful design, community-building, and age-appropriate formulations.

The broader shift is cultural. Beauty routines are framed as creative expression and social connection rather than obligation. In that sense, Gen Alpha is influencing the industry not just through what they buy, but through how they define self-care.

5 Billion Pounds of Cat Litter Ends Up in Landfills Each Year

Most traditional cat litters are made from strip-mined clay or silica. Both end up in landfills when thrown away and are not biodegradable.

A new natural cat litter called Tailfeather is changing this with their eco-friendly, plant-based, clumping cat litter made from coconut and cassava.

Why coconut? The husk of the coconut absorbs liquid up to 9 times its weight! This makes for a soft, luxurious litter that cats love and is 70% lighter than traditional litter, but also doesn't track and bounce out of the box.

It's fully biodegradable and 100% plastic-free, including the packaging. Tailfeather is delivered conveniently to your door, and each package lasts for 8 weeks, double the amount of other litters.

For the next 24 hours, Note To Self readers get a $15 credit on your first order with code NTS15.

Try Tailfeather for your cat and the environment today.

Thank you to Tailfeather for sponsoring Note To Self. 

The Science Behind Happy Tears

Crying is often linked to sadness, but many people tear up during joyful moments. Research suggests this reaction is common, with most people reporting they’ve cried in response to positive events. So-called “happy tears” are a normal emotional response.

One theory is that crying helps regulate intense feelings. Emotional tears may contain stress-related hormones, and releasing them could help the body return to balance. Crying can also signal vulnerability, strengthening social bonds and inviting empathy from others.

Another explanation is simpler: powerful emotions, even joyful ones, can feel overwhelming. Tears may act as a release valve, helping the nervous system settle. Beyond emotional relief, crying has been linked to stress reduction, mood boosts, and even better sleep.

Gravité Cologne for Men: Confidence in a Bottle

No gimmicks, no fluff. Just a great scent. Gravité Men’s Cologne by Particle blends citrus, amber, and rosemary for a formula that lasts all day and stands out without overpowering. Fresh yet masculine, it's a solid pick for you or someone you're gifting. Get 20% off with the code BH20!

Get 20% Off Today

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: Your taste buds regenerate roughly every 10-14 days. This can make preferences shift quickly.

• 🌅 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’re allowed to have specific cravings, rituals, and combinations that make no sense to anyone else. That’s part of the joy.

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]!