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Welcome to Friday! To wrap up the week, we're looking at:
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Did You Know?
Are women or men more prone to stress?
Scroll for the answer!
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Discover Journaling For Stress
We all experience stress — but sometimes, managing it can be much easier said than done.
Journaling is one really useful technique that can help us work through those feelings and unload some of that mental load.
On the whole, journaling is a great way to:
- Intentionally work through your thoughts and feelings
- Manage emotions
- Engage in mindfulness
- Make some intentional time to unplug
One small, 12-week study found that those who did 15 minutes of web-based journaling for just three days a week saw:
- A boost in well-being
- Decreased mental distress
- After 1 month, an association with decreased depression and anxiety
- After 2 months, greater resilience
Another study evaluating the effectiveness of the Three-Minute Mental Makeover, a specific journaling technique with prompts, showed a link with a decrease in stress.
If you're looking for a way to de-stress, journaling could be a great practice to try! Even just a few minutes can have a positive impact.
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Journaling Prompts To Promote Calm
If you're interested in journaling to help with stress but aren't sure where to start, prompts can be super helpful.
Answer different questions in as many or as few words as you'd like. It's a great way to dive into different parts of yourself and put your thoughts down on paper.
Here are a few prompts that we love to help promote a feeling of calm:
- "What helps me feel better?"
- "What do I find relaxing?"
- "What would help me feel safe, secure, and relaxed? What can I do to give that to myself?"
- "What is one intentional thing I can do to help myself feel more balanced?"
- "What am I feeling right now? How can I help myself feel better?"
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5 Reasons We Love Collagen Supplements
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Promotes Healthy Skin: Collagen is a key protein that provides structure to the skin, helping it maintain elasticity and firmness. Supplementing with collagen can improve skin hydration, reduce wrinkles, and promote a more youthful appearance, leading to smoother, radiant skin.
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Supports Joint Health: Collagen is a major component of cartilage, the tissue that cushions and supports joints. As we age, collagen production naturally declines, which can contribute to joint stiffness and discomfort. Collagen supplements help support joint health by promoting cartilage repair and reducing inflammation, leading to improved mobility and flexibility.
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Strengthens Hair and Nails: Collagen is essential for healthy hair and nails, providing the structural support needed for growth and strength. Supplementing with collagen can help strengthen hair follicles, reduce breakage, and promote thicker, healthier hair. Additionally, collagen supports nail growth and can help prevent brittleness and splitting.
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Aids Digestive Health: Collagen plays a crucial role in the structure of the digestive tract, including the lining of the stomach and intestines. Supplementing with collagen can help strengthen the gut lining, improve digestion, and support overall gut health. Collagen supplements may also help alleviate symptoms of conditions such as leaky gut syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
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Boosts Bone Density: Collagen is a vital component of bone tissue, providing the framework for bone strength and density. As we age, collagen levels in the bones decrease, which can contribute to bone loss and increased risk of fractures. Collagen supplements help support bone health by promoting bone density and reducing the risk of osteoporosis and age-related bone conditions.
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Restore Your Youthful Glow
Collagen loss as you age may result in weaker joints, wrinkles, and a decline in overall vitality. It’s a natural process, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do to slow it down. Replenishing collagen can restore your vibrancy and power, and the journey starts with NativePath.
NativePath’s grass-fed collagen powder features a premium formula that absorbs rapidly, rebuilding strength and enhancing beauty from within. Simply add one or two scoops to your daily routine and witness the transformative effects.
Get 55% off today!
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Thank you to NativePath for sponsoring Note To Self.
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Study: How Stress Can Impact Our Skin's Chemicals
Stress can impact so many different parts of our bodies — including our skin.
The different hormone spikes caused by stress may cause our bodies to make more oil, which can lead to acne.
A recent small study of 35 women has also highlighted that the different chemicals released by our skin can change with stress.
VOCs are released gases that are often linked with chemicals and pollution — however, our skin and bodies — naturally put out hundreds of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
The study found that during stress, the participant's skin released more sebum, and the pH decreased.
It also found that three different VOCs — 2-hydroxyethyl acetate, 3-methylpentadecane, and 2-hydroxyethyl propanoate) — were linked with stress!
Researchers noted that more research is needed to understand how these VOCs impact our skin's physiology.
However, the study shows that stress can impact our skin — and our bodies — in more ways than we may realize! That's all the more reason to be intentional in our self-care and find time to slow down.
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5 Ways You Can Start Your Day In A Good Mood
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Practice Gratitude: Begin your day by reflecting on the things you're grateful for. Take a moment to appreciate the small joys in your life, whether it's the warmth of sunlight streaming through your window or the comforting presence of loved ones. Cultivating a mindset of gratitude can shift your focus towards positivity and enhance your overall mood.
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Morning Meditation or Mindfulness: Dedicate a few minutes each morning to quiet reflection through meditation or mindfulness practices. Focus on your breath, observe your thoughts without judgment, and cultivate a sense of calm and inner peace. Starting your day with mindfulness can help reduce stress, increase mental clarity, and promote a sense of well-being.
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Move Your Body: Engage in some form of physical activity to awaken your body and boost your mood. Whether it's a morning yoga session, a brisk walk in nature, or a quick dance party to your favorite song, getting your body moving releases endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals, leaving you feeling energized and uplifted.
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Set Intentions or Affirmations: Start your day with positive affirmations or intentions to set the tone for a fulfilling day ahead. Repeat affirmations that resonate with you, such as "I am capable of handling whatever comes my way" or "I embrace joy and abundance in every moment." Setting positive intentions can help cultivate a sense of purpose and empowerment as you navigate your day.
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Fuel Your Body with Nutritious Foods: Eat a nourishing breakfast filled with wholesome foods that provide sustained energy and nourishment. Choose foods rich in nutrients such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to fuel your body and mind for the day ahead. Eating a balanced breakfast not only supports physical health but also contributes to improved mood and cognitive function.
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Worth Seeking Out
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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Thank you to Mood for sponsoring Note To Self.
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Parting Thoughts:
- Did You Know: Women! As shared by Healthline, they are "more likely to experience more physical signs of stress" compared to men.
- 🏼♀️ 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: Stress may be inevitable at times — but taking steps to care for ourselves can alleviate some of that pressure!
- 5-Day Food Waste Challenge, Day 4: We're diving into Day 4 of our food waste challenge, and today's all about...
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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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