Friday

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

• How to overcome productivity guilt

• Six summer skincare tips

• How to know if you’re paying too much on car insurance

• When is it okay to cancel plans?

• Can you get paid for checking the weather?

Did You Know

After-sun care often focuses on restoring the skin's ______.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

The Mindset Shift That Makes Rest Feel Less Guilty

If you've ever closed your laptop for the day and immediately felt like you should be doing something else, you're not alone. Productivity guilt is the nagging sense that rest is something you have to earn, and it's more common than most people realize. For a lot of us, it traces back to a deeply ingrained belief that our worth is tied to what we produce.

The problem is that it backfires. Research shows emotional burnout is linked to increased productivity loss, meaning the pressure to constantly do more can actually make you less effective. Therapists describe it this way: you can't expect to perform well when you're running on empty, the same way you wouldn't expect your phone to make a call on a dead battery.

Reframing rest as part of productivity, not a break from it, tends to help. That means counting a walk, a good meal, time with friends, or an afternoon reading as things that genuinely support your ability to show up and do good work. It's not wasted time. It's maintenance.

When the guilt gets loud, it also helps to just name it. Admitting to a trusted person that you're in a rut tends to take some of the pressure off, and more often than not, people are more understanding than we expect. And when you catch yourself in a spiral of negative self-talk, the question worth asking is: whose standard are you actually measuring yourself against? You don't have to earn the right to rest.

Dermatologist-Approved Tips for Your Best Summer Skin

Summer calls for a lighter, more intentional skincare routine, and dermatologists say a few simple adjustments can make a noticeable difference. Here's what they actually recommend for keeping your skin healthy all season long.

• Wear SPF everywhere. That includes your scalp, lips, and any exposed skin you might overlook. A mineral powder SPF works well on the scalp, and swapping your matte lipstick for an SPF lip balm protects your lips without skipping the glam.

• Reach for cooling ingredients. Aloe vera, cucumber, and chamomile-based products can calm and soothe skin after time in the heat, especially if you've had too much sun.

• Add an antioxidant to your routine. Vitamin C helps prevent premature aging and protects against environmental damage. Niacinamide is another solid option that helps repair the skin barrier and fights free radicals from UV exposure.

• Try self-tanner instead of sun tanning. Bronzing drops, mousses, and contour-friendly self-tanners give you that sun-kissed look without the UV damage. UPF-rated clothing is also worth considering for long days outside.

• Exfoliate regularly. Heat and humidity increase oil production and can clog pores faster than usual. A gentle exfoliant with AHAs, BHAs, or salicylic acid a few times a week keeps things clear.

• Use multi-tasking products. SPF-infused moisturizers and foundations add a convenient layer of protection, though dermatologists still recommend applying a standalone sunscreen as your last skincare step for full coverage.

Are You Paying Too Much for Your Car Insurance?

Insurance rates have climbed, and if you haven't compared recently, there's a good chance you're overpaying. Insurify lets you see real quotes from top carriers in minutes, so you know exactly where you stand.

Just enter your car make and ZIP code to instantly pull up rates side by side. No phone calls, no agents, no fees — just a fast, clear look at what's available in your area.

Drivers are finding rates starting as low as $39/month. The only way to know is to look.

See Rates on Insurify

Average potential savings based on initial quotes received by 151,494 customers seeking insurance through Insurify. Actual savings may vary depending on state of residence, individual circumstances, coverage selections, and insurance provider. Savings and lowest rates do not reflect typical results.

Thank you to Atwave for sponsoring The Canopy.

Canceling Plans Isn't Always Bad

We've all stared at a calendar event at 6pm and thought about how much better the couch sounds. Canceling plans is tempting, especially when you're tired, but psychologists say the reason behind the urge matters more than the urge itself.

The first question to ask is whether you're genuinely depleted or just avoiding something uncomfortable. If it's nerves about a big social event or reconnecting with someone you haven't seen in a while, going anyway is usually worth it. Research backs this up through something called behavioral activation: mood often improves because of the activity, not before it. Waiting until you feel like it can keep you stuck longer than just showing up.

The other thing to consider is what the plan means to the other person. Rescheduling a casual hangout is usually fine. But backing out of a friend's milestone moment, or leaving someone who organized an event around your commitment, sends a different message. Trust gets built through repeated acts of showing up, and people do notice patterns over time.

If you're genuinely sick, burned out, or grieving, staying home is the right call. Just say so early, keep it honest, and offer a real alternative. Occasional cancellations are a totally normal part of life and most healthy friendships can handle them. It's the pattern of repeatedly bailing that tends to do lasting damage.

Thank you to Kalshi for sponsoring The Canopy.

The Pause:

Before you go, take a small pause from your day with this tip brought to you by The Canopy editors.

30 Second Reset: Stand in the sunshine for a few moments and soak in the light.

Wellness Round-Up

• 🗣️ What scream therapy actually feels like

• 💧 How to use hair oil without overdoing it

• 🧠 Why “mom brain” might be more misunderstood than people think

Reflections:

🌎 Did You Know: After-sun care often focuses on restoring the skin's moisture after time spent outdoors.

🌅 Sunset Of The Day: The sun can provide the most beautiful photography. That's why we're eager to see your favorite sunrise or sunset photos. Reply to this email with your best sun-based pictures for a chance to be featured!