There’s this idea that treats have to be big, expensive, or saved for a special occasion, but when you think about it, who actually decided that?
The truth is that some of the most satisfying moments come from making small, everyday choices that just feel good. We’re talking about little luxuries that don’t blow your budget or take up half your weekend (or half your house), and that can just be a wonderful part of your routine and also help you feel good at the same time. So with that in mind, here’s some advice about how to make everyday choices that still feel like treats – read on to find out more.
Make Small Swaps
You don’t need to go all-out to enjoy a bit of comfort or indulgence – sometimes it’s just about paying a little more attention to the things you already do. So you might pick a drink you really enjoy instead of just grabbing whatever’s closest, for example, or maybe you light the candle you were saving for a special occasion. When you treat those small moments like something worth enjoying, they really do become treats, no matter what they are, and that’s the point.
It could even be as simple as choosing products that fit your budget but still give you what you want, and these days there are loads of ways to find great quality things without spending too much. For example, if vaping is your thing and you’re looking for a better deal, you can still get cheap vapes, no compromise thanks to brands that focus on affordability and quality. So you don’t have to settle, and you can find exactly what you need.
Be Mindful
A lot of what feels like a treat has to do with how present we are when we’re enjoying it. Yes, you could eat a chocolate bar while you’re answering emails, for example, and that’s fine, but what if you ate that chocolate bar without any distractions so you can enjoy it more and appreciate it? That’s going to be a lot better.
The mindful element of what you do doesn’t have to be formal or serious – you don’t have to do meditation or anything like that (although you can if you want, and for some it’s the ideal solution). What we’re saying is you just have to be aware of what feels good and allow yourself to really enjoy it without feeling guilty or worrying about all the other things you ‘should’ be doing. Then it’s a real treat.
Be Consistent
It’s so easy to fall into the ‘all or nothing’ trap, meaning you either treat yourself or you don’t. But the fact is that if you’re able to build small, enjoyable choices into your daily life that’s going to help you avoid those big extremes that could include overindulgence and deprivation, and instead you can have a nice middle ground where you’re happy all the time (or as much of the time as possible, anyway).
One key thing to remember is that a treat never has to be a reward for suffering, and it can just be something nice that fits into your life regularly, which is a far better way to look at things.