Tuesday

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

• Every fee-free National Park day in 2026

• A simple formula to stop overpacking

• How your cells are linked to your strength

• What is “house hushing”?

• Why vet bills are so expensive

True or False?

Candlelight emits no pollutants indoors.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

Every Fee-Free National Park Day in 2026

Visiting a national park is one of the easiest ways to slow down, reconnect with nature, and appreciate the landscapes protected for all of us. In 2026, the National Park Service is offering several fee-free days to make those experiences even more accessible.

More than 420 national parks exist across the U.S., and while many are already free year-round, about 110 normally charge entrance fees. On fee-free days, those entrance fees are waived, making it a great time to plan a visit, especially for popular parks.

In 2026, there are eight fee-free dates tied to holidays and historic moments, including Presidents Day (February 16), Memorial Day (May 25), Independence Day weekend (July 3–5), the National Park Service’s birthday (August 25), and Veterans Day (November 11).

It’s also worth checking other public land agencies, like the Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management, which occasionally offer their own fee-free days.

Whether it’s a long-planned trip or a spontaneous day outdoors, these dates are a simple reminder that nature is meant to be shared.

A Simple Formula to Stop Overpacking

Overpacking is easy to do, especially when “just in case” outfits start piling up. Luckily, a simple day-based packing formula can help cut down what goes into a suitcase without leaving you unprepared.

The idea starts with two basics: checking the weather and having a rough sense of your itinerary. Knowing whether you’ll be walking, dining out, relaxing, or attending events makes it much easier to pack intentionally.

From there, the formula keeps things realistic. Pack one top or dress per day, plus one extra for every three days to allow flexibility. Bottoms stretch further, so aim for one to two pairs for every three days, choosing styles that mix well with multiple tops. Outerwear doesn’t need frequent swapping: one jacket for every five days usually does the trick.

Shoes are where overpacking often sneaks in. Instead of packing options, pack by purpose. One pair per activity: walking, dressing up, or lounging. For essentials, stick with one pair of underwear per day, adding a buffer every few days, and bras every two to three days unless you’re working out daily.

Packing this way lightens luggage, reduces decision fatigue, and cuts down on unnecessary consumption. Fewer items, fewer “what ifs,” and a lot more room in your suitcase.

Are You Too Young to Think About How You’re Aging? Probably Not

Starting in our 30s, some key cellular processes begin to slow down, making us feel tired and weak over time. This decline affects not just our physical strength and endurance, but significantly reduces our quality of life making everyday activities harder to enjoy.

Luckily, scientists have discovered a way to shape how we age. Mitopure®, by Timeline, targets the root cause of this cellular decline and is clinically proven to increase cellular energy, giving our bodies the energy they need to function optimally. The results? Double-digit increases in muscle strength without any change in exercise.

Take aging into your own hands. The Canopy readers get 30% off with code 30NEWSLETTER for a limited time, while supplies last.

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*500mg Mitopure® have been shown to (1) induce gene expression related to mitochondria function and metabolism and (2) increase the strength of the hamstring leg muscle in measures of knee extension and flexion after 4 months in overweight 40-65 year olds.

Thank you to Timeline for sponsoring The Canopy.

What is “House Hushing”?

If clutter feels overwhelming but traditional decluttering hasn’t stuck, “house hushing” offers a gentler reset. The idea is simple: temporarily remove nonessential items from one room for about 24 hours, then only bring back what truly belongs.

Unlike a full purge, house hushing focuses on creating breathing room. You keep what you need (like furniture or everyday essentials), but move decorative extras, piles, or unused items out of sight for a day. That pause helps break emotional attachment and lets you feel how calm a simplified space can be.

Organizers say the real benefit is psychological. Experiencing a quieter room makes it easier to decide what adds value and what simply adds noise. Many people find they don’t miss as much as they expected.

Start with high-stress areas like the living room, kitchen, or entryway (spaces that collect clutter fast). After a day, bring items back intentionally, choosing comfort and function over habit.

House hushing isn’t about perfection. It’s about noticing what supports your life, and letting the rest stay quiet.

Protect Against Rising Vet Costs with Pet Insurance

The cost of veterinary services has been rising recently, with some common surgical procedures costing up to $7,000. Pet insurance can help cover accidents, illnesses, and even routine care, with some plans reimbursing up to 90% of costs. Our Best Pet Insurance list can help you find affordable coverage starting at just $10 a month so you can focus on what matters most – your furry friend's well-being.

See providers.

Thank you to Money.com for sponsoring The Canopy.

Final Thoughts:

From slow winter moments to feel-good refreshes, here are today’s cozy picks:

• 📚 Inspirational books to curl up with this year

• 💪 How to keep your strength as you age

• 🧩 Indoor hobbies to make winter feel fun again

• 🧥 Build a simple, cozy winter capsule wardrobe

Reflections:

🌎 True or False: False. Conventional candles can emit VOCs; beeswax or soy candles are cleaner-burning options.

🌅 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!