Monday

In today’s issue, we’ll take a look at:

• Using AI for meal planning

• Why you should have a little treat

• The future of hearing technology

• A guide to making your own sourdough

• Make money off of current events

True or False?

Letting meat rest after cooking keeps it more tender.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

Can AI Help with Meal Planning?

Planning meals for the week doesn’t have to be a stressful or time-consuming task. By using AI to assist with your meal planning, you can save time, reduce food waste, and stay on budget—all while ensuring that your meals meet your dietary preferences and nutritional needs.

To start, provide the AI with detailed information about your preferences, dietary restrictions, any allergies, and goals. You can also specify the number of meals you need and whether or not you want to repeat meals or plan for leftovers.

Once the meal plan is created, you can ask the AI for recipes for each meal. You can even ask for a grocery list that organizes ingredients by category, such as produce, dairy, or protein, which can make shopping more efficient and less overwhelming.

While the AI-generated meal plan may need a few minor tweaks as you go, it offers a great starting point that makes meal planning faster, more organized, and less stressful.

The Surprising Benefits of Little Treats

Little treats are more than just indulgences—they’re an important part of self-care that can benefit both your physical and mental health. Whether it’s enjoying a piece of chocolate, sipping your favorite coffee, or taking a quick walk outside, these small acts of pleasure can help reduce stress and improve your overall mood.

Experts agree that these little moments trigger the release of dopamine, the brain's "feel-good" hormone, which boosts your mood and helps regulate your nervous system. Psychotherapists like Rachel Wright note that engaging in these small treats allows you to take a break, fostering a sense of relaxation and balance throughout your day.

Even if food isn’t your go-to treat, small activities like a stroll in the sun or a moment of mindfulness can provide similar benefits.

It's not about the size of the treat, but the intention behind it. By finding simple ways to nurture yourself, you can improve your mood, reduce stress, and boost your overall well-being. After all, you deserve a little joy in your day!

Brain-Boosting Hearing Innovation

When your hearing struggles, your brain works overtime to fill in the gaps, which can affect memory, focus, and energy over time. Horizon IX from hear.com lightens that load. This tiny, virtually invisible device uses advanced German dual‑processing technology to separate speech from background noise, so conversations feel effortless again. Built for modern life and all‑day comfort, it’s available with a 45‑day no‑risk trial so you can hear the difference for yourself.

Qualify Today

Thank you to Hear.com for sponsoring The Canopy.

A Sourdough Crash Course

Getting started with sourdough baking is easier than it sounds, and it all begins with creating your own sourdough starter. Simply mix equal parts flour and water in a clean container—about 4 ounces of each is a good starting point. Stir it well, cover it loosely, and let it sit in a warm spot (around 70°F to 75°F) for 24 hours.

Over the next few days, feed your starter daily with the same amount of flour and water. The key here is to discard half of the mixture before each feeding to maintain the right balance. By day 5 or 6, you should see some bubbly activity and notice a tangy smell—it’s a good sign that your wild yeast is developing!

Test your starter's readiness by checking if it doubles in size within 4 hours of feeding or by doing the "float test." Simply drop a spoonful of your starter into a glass of water—if it floats, it’s ready to bake with!

Once your starter is active, use it for baking and continue to feed it regularly. If you're not using it often, store it in the fridge and feed it once a week. With a bit of care, your sourdough starter can last for months, helping you bake delicious bread with ease.

Thank you to Kalshi for sponsoring The Canopy.

The Pause:

Before you go, take a small pause from your day with this tip:

Look around the room and name five things you like.

Wellness Round-Up

• 🌸 Core exercises for women to try

• 💇‍♀️ How to care for hair as you age

• 🌊 Ocean-inspired nails for a summer look

Final Thoughts:

• ✅ True or False: True. Resting allows juices to redistribute, so the meat stays moist.

• 🌅 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 don’t need fancy ingredients or perfect timing. Even a simple meal, made with care, can feel grounding and good.