Tuesday

"Believe you can and you’re halfway there"

-Theodore Roosevelt

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

• Why you should laugh more

• The link between mental health and your menstrual cycle

• Better health and balance start here

• Massage techniques for anxiety

…And more ❤️

The Surprising Ways Laughter Boosts Your Health

Ever laughed so hard you couldn’t breathe? Turns out, that’s not just a great moment—it’s a wellness boost.

Laughter doesn’t just lighten the mood; it actually rewires our brains and bodies. Researchers have found that laughing releases endorphins reduces stress hormones and even improves heart health. It’s basically a workout for your nervous system, but way more fun than a treadmill.

Laughter is also social glue. Studies show that when people laugh together, they bond faster and feel more connected. Even animals do it—dogs, foxes, and even rats have their own versions of laughter. And ever notice how someone else laughing can set you off too? That’s because laughter is contagious, much like yawning.

The best part? You don’t need a reason to laugh. Watch a funny video, swap silly stories with a friend, or even try laughter yoga (yes, it’s a thing). However you do it, let yourself laugh more—it’s free, it’s easy, and it just might be the best medicine after all.

The Link Between Mental Health and Your Menstrual Cycle

If you’ve ever felt extra anxious before your period or mentally foggy mid-cycle, you’re not imagining it. Hormones fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, influencing mood, energy, and even stress levels. Dr. Kerry Krauss, an expert in hormonal health, explains that understanding these shifts can help you work with your cycle rather than feel like it’s working against you.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Menstrual phase (Days 1–5): Estrogen and progesterone drop, which can lead to low energy, sadness, or even irritability. This is a good time to rest and prioritize gentle self-care.

Follicular phase (Days 6–14): Estrogen rises, bringing a boost in mood, focus, and motivation. Many people feel more confident and energized during this time.

Ovulation (Days 14–16): Estrogen peaks, making this a great time for socializing and productivity. But for some, the hormonal spike can also trigger anxiety.

Luteal phase (Days 17–28): Progesterone rises, which can promote calmness but also lead to PMS symptoms like mood swings, fatigue, or heightened stress.

Tracking your cycle can help you notice patterns and plan accordingly—maybe scheduling big tasks when you feel sharp and allowing more rest when your body needs it. Small adjustments, like getting enough sleep, managing stress, and eating nourishing foods, can also help balance your mental well-being throughout the month.

Your cycle isn’t just about your period—it’s a full-body experience, and learning how to support yourself through each phase can make a big difference in how you feel every day.

Better Health and Balance Starts Here

Have you ever wondered why your mood, energy, or focus changes throughout the month? These fluctuations are tied to your cycle—and understanding them can transform how you care for yourself.

That’s where Natural Cycles steps in. As the first FDA-cleared birth control app, it’s much more than a period tracker. It empowers you with personalized insights by analyzing your body temperature and cycle data to:

• Understand your cycle: Track when you're fertile, ovulating, or in hormonal phases that influence mood and energy.

• Recognize patterns: Identify how your cycle affects you emotionally and physically, from energy dips to heightened focus.

• Make informed decisions: Use it as a hormone-free birth control method (93% effective with typical use, 98% effective with perfect use) or as a tool for pregnancy planning.

If you’ve been searching for a simple way to feel more in tune with your body and make confident health choices, Natural Cycles has you covered.

Take charge today! Use code NoteToSelf at Naturalcycles.com for 15% off an annual subscription and a free thermometer.

Natural Cycles is for 18+ and does not protect against STIs. Always read and follow the Instructions for Use.

Thank you to Natural Cycles for sponsoring Note To Self. 

This Massage Technique Reduces Anxiety

Stress has a sneaky way of creeping in—tight shoulders, a racing mind, that feeling like you can’t quite catch your breath. But relief might be in your own hands—literally. An ancient Ayurvedic technique called Vyakapa Nyasam uses gentle, rhythmic hand movements to calm the nervous system and bring you back to center. It’s quick and simple.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Start by sitting or standing comfortably in a quiet space. Take a few deep breaths to center yourself.

2. Bring your palms together at your heart, pressing lightly to feel the connection.

3. Slide your right hand down the inner side of your left forearm, moving slowly and mindfully.

4. Glide your left hand up the outer side of your right forearm.

5. Repeat on the other side—left hand down the inner right forearm, right hand up the outer left forearm.

6. End by bringing your palms together again, and taking a deep breath.

7. Repeat this sequence 9 times, syncing your movements with your breath.

This kind of intentional self-touch signals safety to your brain, quieting stress and boosting body awareness. Experts say it can help clear mental clutter, regulate anxiety, and even improve focus.

A Note From Us

Wellness Round-Up

1. What you can do to help people impacted by the LA wildfires

2. Should you do this with your hobbies?

3. 10 benefits of sleeping with an eye mask

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False: True. Sleep is crucial for emotional regulation and cognitive function.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ Snapshot Of The Day: We'd love to see moments from our readers lives that they are proud of! If you recently accomplished an achievement, experienced a joyful moment, or are proud of a picture you have taken, be sure to capture it on camera and send it to us for a chance to be featured next week! 

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]!