Wednesday Afternoon

" I am optimistic because today is a new day."

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

• The case for trying something new

• How to deal with hormonal acne

• Can your immune system fight tumors?

• Tips for taking feedback more easily

What Happens When You Try Something New

Trying a new sport as an adult can feel uncomfortable in ways familiar routines don’t. Movements feel awkward, progress is slow, and confidence takes a hit. But that beginner stage may be doing more for the body and brain than sticking only to what already feels easy.

Learning unfamiliar physical skills challenges coordination, focus, and emotional patience all at once. Instead of running on autopilot, the brain has to stay engaged, adapt quickly, and problem-solve in real time. That mental effort can feel frustrating, but it’s also stimulating in a way repetitive workouts often aren’t.

There’s also an emotional benefit to struggling a little. Being new at something builds frustration tolerance and resilience, especially when perfection isn’t the goal. Small improvements start to feel rewarding, and confidence grows from progress rather than performance.

For overall well-being, mixing familiar movement with something entirely new can help keep motivation high and routines feeling fresh. Sometimes, starting from zero isn’t a setback. It’s a way to reconnect with curiosity, adaptability, and the joy of learning again.

What Actually Helps With Hormonal Acne

Hormonal acne often appears as deep, painful breakouts along the jawline, chin, and lower cheeks, especially around hormonal shifts like menstruation or major life changes. Because it’s driven internally, it tends to follow a cycle, which can make it feel hard to get ahead of.

Dermatologists typically recommend starting with targeted topical treatments. Ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid help reduce bacteria, unclog pores, and calm inflammation. Keeping skincare simple and consistent can make a noticeable difference over time.

Daily habits matter, too. Stress, lack of sleep, and highly processed foods may worsen inflammation. Supporting the body with rest, stress management, and gentle routines can help reduce flare-ups.

For acne that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter care, prescription options may help. Hormonal treatments and oil-regulating medications are commonly used under medical guidance. While hormonal acne can be persistent, steady, supportive care often makes it far more manageable.

The Lost 1891 Tumor Cure

In 1891, a Harvard surgeon found that mimicking high fevers melted tumors. This "thermal purge" worked—until chemotherapy buried it. Dr. Al Sears dug up the original research. Now, he reveals the specific biological trigger that turns your immune system into a furnace for malignancies, without harming healthy tissue. This is how you activate your ancestral defense.

Discover the truth.

Thank you to Al Sears MD for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Why Feedback Can Feel Harder Than It Is

Feedback can feel uncomfortable, even when it’s thoughtful or well-intended. The body often reacts before the mind does, treating feedback like a threat instead of information. That tension can show up as defensiveness, over-explaining, or a strong urge to shut down.

One helpful shift is remembering that feedback isn’t a verdict on worth or capability. It’s usually about a moment, a behavior, or a specific situation, not the whole person. Creating a small pause before responding can help the nervous system settle enough to actually hear what’s being said.

It also helps to separate awareness from self-criticism. Noticing patterns with curiosity leaves room for growth. Judging them harshly tends to block it. Growth works better when mistakes are treated as part of learning, not something to hide from.

Feedback isn’t proof of failure. It’s evidence of participation. Listening, reflecting, and choosing what to take forward is often more powerful than reacting perfectly in the moment.

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: Your skin has its own daily rhythm that shifts about every 24 hours. Your skin follows a circadian cycle.

• 🌅 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 body holds you through everything. When you treat it with kindness—through movement, rest, or a little balm—you remind it that it’s safe.

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]!