Treating yourself doesn’t have to mean maxing out your credit card and going on a shopping spree. It can be something as simple as enjoying a scoop of your favorite ice cream or having a hot dog slathered in onion rings.
Another great way to treat yourself is to get physically active, which could be anything from a REJUV class to just taking a walk during sunset. It will leave your body feeling refreshed and recharged.
1. Read a Book
Whether for fun or to learn something new, reading is good for your brain and health. One study by the University of Sussex found that just six minutes of silent reading can decrease heart rate and muscle tension, and it’s a great way to treat yourself to a calm moment away from your busy life.
Indulge in a book that you’ve been meaning to read, or pick up the latest issue of your favorite magazine. Reading can be a great way to relax, but it also allows you to escape into another world. Just make sure to set aside enough time for this relaxing hobby, so you don’t feel overwhelmed by it. You could even try a new genre or subject to keep your interest.
2. Write Out Your Thoughts
Writing out your thoughts can be a great way to relieve stress. It’s helpful for reducing negative emotions because it allows you to focus on your feelings and observe them from multiple angles. This can help you find patterns that you may not have noticed before — such as the way you think about a certain subject, according to Galanti.
Treating yourself doesn’t have to mean a Zara spree or a magnum of wine. Instead, try some of these healthy ways to treat yourself that won’t crash your bank balance or cause you a hangover. Plus, many of these ideas are free or inexpensive. So why not start treating yourself today? Your body (and mind) will thank you.
3. Take a Bath
In the age of “Treat Yo’ Self,” a nice warm bath can feel like an indulgence, especially when a cup of tea or scented candles are involved. But it’s not just a fun way to relax – it can actually help you feel better in many different ways.
A warm bath can help you breathe easier by loosening up the mucus in your nasal passageways, a great remedy for allergies and cold symptoms. Plus, if you use a bath product that is moisturizing, such as salts or oils, a bath can also improve your dry skin!
So, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, add a warm bath to your nightly routine. Just remember to avoid soaking in water that is too hot, as this can be damaging to your skin.
4. Have Breakfast in Bed
While it’s common to treat yourself with food, this should not be the main way you treat yourself. In fact, using food to deal with feelings can have a negative impact on physical and mental health.
Indulging in a home-cooked breakfast can make you feel like a princess and help to balance your appetite throughout the day. Eat your breakfast at a reasonable time too, preferably before 10am so you’re not stuffed at bedtime which could lead to acid reflux or a heavy feeling.
If you don’t have time to cook, try buying a box of fortified cereal (look out for ones with folic acid and iron) which is a delicious snack that can also help meet your nutritional needs. Baking can be another fun and rewarding activity that promotes self care and gives you a sense of achievement.
5. Get a Massage
If you suffer from a tension headache or just need a break from concentrating, a massage might do the trick. According to a study by the Mayo Clinic, massages have been shown to positively impact your stress levels and decrease your blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety while increasing serotonin (the feel-good hormone) over time.
The benefits don’t stop there. Massage can actually help your body maintain balance between the Th1 and Th2 immune systems, which can make autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or asthma more manageable.
If you’re on a budget, try an at-home self-care ritual like using essential oils or jamming out to calming music. But no matter what, remember that “treat yo’self” is more than just a cute slogan; these small pleasures can have a significant impact on your mood, so do them often!