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"I surround myself with people who lift my spirits."
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Happy Friday! As we sail into the weekend:
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Did You Know?
What practice can help raise social awareness?
Scroll for the answer!
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Discover Book Journaling To Read More Deeply
Reading is a fantastic way to learn, enjoy free time, and disconnect from the world as we immerse ourselves in stories.
But how do you take it to the next level?
Book journaling can help you read more deeply.
It's also a great way to learn more about your likes and dislikes in a book, what you'd like to read next, and overall practice this hobby more mindfully!
If you're interested in book journaling:
- Grab a journal that you'd like to dedicate to this practice.
- Grab supplies — like magazine clippings, pens, markers, and anything else you'd like to have as you document your reading journey.
- Decide a format. You can choose a journal-as-you-go practice, a reflective model on your thoughts and feelings, or a more creative approach using bullet points and visuals.
- Have fun! While this is a great way to help process what you're reading on a deeper level, it's also just a great way to get more immersed in reading.
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Image courtesy of Toa Heftiba
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What Is a Silent Book Club? Discover This Quiet Community
Sometimes, you want the company of others... in silence.
For readers, a Silent Book Club does just that.
In these meetings, book lovers gather together at a cafe, coffee shop, library, or other place to bond over a shared love of reading — in silence.
Unlike many traditional book clubs, these meetings don't require participants to all read the same book. Instead, each individual can bring their own book and read what they enjoy!
This allows people to read a book of their choice and still enjoy a love of reading with others — without the stress or commitment of reading the same title as everyone else.
The space is great if you just want to be around others, but it also allows for the opportunity to connect and form bonds with others who like books, too.
Plus, when not reading the same book as everyone else in the community, it gives you a chance to discover a new title you might not have picked up!
The official Silent Book Club has chapters all across the world and online — and it's easy to start one, too!
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Image courtesy of Alexis Brown
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Daily Self-Care Practices to Improve Mood and Reduce Stress
In our fast-paced world, it's crucial to prioritize self-care to maintain emotional balance and reduce stress levels. Incorporating daily self-care practices into your routine can significantly improve mood and overall well-being. Here are some simple yet effective strategies to consider:
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Mindful Meditation: Start your day with a few minutes of mindful meditation to center yourself and cultivate a sense of calm.
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Deep Breathing Exercises: Practice deep breathing exercises throughout the day to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
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Physical Activity: Engage in regular physical activity, whether it's a brisk walk, yoga session, or dance workout, to release endorphins and boost mood.
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Healthy Nutrition: Fuel your body with nutritious foods that support mental health, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
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Hydration: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day to support optimal brain function and mood regulation.
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Quality Sleep: Prioritize quality sleep by establishing a consistent sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine.
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Disconnect from Technology: Take breaks from screens and digital devices to reduce stimulation and give your mind a chance to rest.
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Spend Time in Nature: Get outside and soak up the benefits of nature, whether it's a walk in the park or simply sitting in your backyard.
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Express Gratitude: Take time to reflect on the things you're grateful for each day to shift your focus towards positivity.
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Set Boundaries: Establish boundaries to protect your time and energy, saying no to activities or commitments that drain you.
Incorporating these daily self-care practices into your routine can help you better manage stress, improve mood, and foster a greater sense of well-being. Remember that self-care is not selfish but essential for maintaining optimal mental and emotional health.
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Another Way To Boost Your Mood...
If you've ever struggled to enjoy cannabis due to the harshness of smoking or vaping, you're not alone. That’s why these new cannabis gummies caught our eye.
Mood is an online dispensary that has invented a “joint within a gummy” that’s extremely potent yet federally-legal. Their gummies are formulated to tap into the human body’s endocannabinoid system.
Although this system was discovered in the 1990’s, farmers and scientists at Mood were among the first to figure out how to tap into it with cannabis gummies. Just 1 of their rapid onset THC gummies can get you feeling right within 5 minutes!
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Thanks to Mood for sponsoring Note To Self.
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Simple Ways To Support Your Community in the Name of Social Self-Care
Community is so important — not just for individuals to connect but for the areas we live in, as well! They give us safe places to go and help provide support.
This is all very important as we consider social self-care and our needs.
If you're looking to give back to your community, here are some ways you can nurture some social self-care in your area:
- Get a library card: Even if you don't read, libraries have movies, games, and other community resources!
- Volunteer: This is a great, free way to give back and support a cause.
- Organize a neighborhood get-together: Whether it's a picnic or a community garden, this is an excellent opportunity to connect with those in your area.
- Shop local: Small businesses are often the heart of a community! This is an amazing way to show your support for your neighborhood or town — and you may discover some new favorites while doing it, too!
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Image courtesy of Kylie Lugo
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Incorporating Mindfulness into Your Financial Habits
Mindfulness, the practice of being present and aware in the moment, isn't just reserved for meditation sessions. It can also be a powerful tool for managing your finances and enhancing your overall well-being. Mindful spending involves making intentional and conscious choices about how you use your money, aligning your financial habits with your values and goals. By incorporating mindfulness into your financial practices, you can cultivate a healthier relationship with money and promote better self-care.
Start by practicing awareness of your spending habits. Take the time to pause and reflect before making purchases, asking yourself if the item aligns with your priorities and brings value to your life. This mindful approach can help you avoid impulse buys and unnecessary expenses, leading to more mindful use of your financial resources.
Additionally, practice gratitude for what you already have. Cultivating appreciation for the things you own can reduce the desire for constant consumption and foster contentment with what you have, ultimately leading to more mindful spending habits.
By practicing mindful spending, you can make more intentional financial decisions that support your well-being and long-term goals. It's not just about saving money; it's about investing in what truly matters to you and finding greater fulfillment in your financial choices.
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Hands Down Some of the Best Credit Cards for Balance Transfers
Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? Yes, it sounds crazy. But it’s true.
The secret: Find a card with a “0% intro APR" period for balance transfers. Then, transfer your debt balance and pay it down as much as possible during the intro period. No interest means you could pay off the debt faster.
Check out the full list of cards you can use to do this here.
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Thanks to FinanceBuzz for sponsoring Note To Self.
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Parting Thoughts:
- Did You Know: Volunteering! It helps shape our perspectives and raise our social awareness.
- 🏼♀️ 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!
- Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Reading is an amazing way to connect with ourselves and our community. If reading isn't your thing, there are so many other amazing ways to connect.
- 🪴 Transparent Solar Panels Could Revolutionize Solar Energy: Picture this: a world where the windows of your home, office, or even the skyscrapers in big cities do more than just offer a view...
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Share the love
Know a fellow self-care lover who would benefit from joining the Note To Self Community? Forward this email or refer them at readnotetoself.com!
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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 care@readnotetoself.com!
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