Simple Pleasures: Spoil Yourself

Honestly, how often do you do things purely to spoil yourself? When you’re living a busy, full life, it can be easy to let your own favorite simple pleasures slip to the bottom of your priority list. But the fact is, we do better at everything when our own needs are being met. When you are well rested and fed, and have had some fun too, you’re primed to be a better parent and friend, and do better work. Whether you’re feeling tired and stressed or simply wish you had more time for yourself, see if these ideas for treating yourself appeal — and add your own ideas in the Comments.

Prepare the day before. The evening before your day of self-care, make an extra effort to take care of necessary but annoying tasks like paying bills, vacuuming and tidying up your space. Be sure to do all of your dinner dishes and put them away, and set out a few tasty treats for your breakfast the next morning. Waking up to a fresh and tidy house is worth the effort.


Treat yourself to a few inexpensive indulgences. Of course professional massages and shopping sprees are fun, but treating yourself doesn’t have to carry such a high price tag. In fact, I find smaller treats tend to be even more appreciated! Bring home a huge stack of books from the library and stop by the market for a bouquet of fresh flowers, good-smelling soap, new candles and any edible treats you usually don’t allow yourself to get. Bagels and lox, fancy cheeses, luscious organic fruit, ice cream, a steak … whatever makes you really, really happy.



Get something done for you. What really drives you crazy around the house? If it’s laundry, send yours out this weekend, and for a few bucks it will be returned to you fluffed and crisply folded. Hate grocery shopping? Call your local store and see if it will deliver (you may even be able to order groceries online). Want to skip cooking? Get takeout from a favorite restaurant instead of your go-to cheap eats.


Invite a friend over for tea and cookies. Sometimes a bit of socializing is just what the doctor ordered. If the only times you tend to see your friends are at big gatherings, invite your bestie over for a cup of tea and snack instead, so you can actually talk.


Put together an inspiration board. Pour yourself a fresh cup of coffee or tea, put some music on and gather a big stack of magazines, tear sheets and any pretty ephemera you have laying around. If you have a bulletin board, clear it off and start fresh. If not, you can simply attach your bits and pieces directly to the wall using colorful washi tape or scotch tape.

See how to make this DIY corkboard


Spoil your pet. Doing nice things for others makes us feel happier — and being kind to pets counts, too.

Pick up an extra-special treat for your furry friend. Give him or her extra cuddles and perhaps relax the rules a little so you can hang out on the couch or even at the table together (although you’ll probably at least want to give your pooch a separate seat).



Soothe with water. A hot shower or relaxing soak in the tub can make you feel worlds better. Dig out any fancy soaps, essential oils, bath salts, masks and the like that you may have tucked away, and stay in until you’re pruney.


Try yoga by candlelight. Whether or not you regularly practice yoga, doing a few gentle poses in the evening is a wonderful way to unwind. Roll out your mat in a quiet, clean space and create a soothing ambience with candles and soft lighting, and perhaps some soft music.


Write letters or postcards. When was the last time you wrote (or received, for that matter!) an actual letter in the mail? Give a friend or relative a good mail day by sending off a little note or even a care package — and perhaps you will get something in return.



Go to bed. Getting cozy in bed in your favorite pajamas, plumped up on a bunch of cushy pillows with a novel and a mug of tea at hand, is a lovely way to nourish yourself. Take a nap, read, write in your journal or just daydream.


Make a list of 10 simple pleasures you can treat yourself with regularly. If spoiling yourself isn’t something you often (or ever) feel you get to do, consider how you can change that. What are 10 simple, small things you could regularly fit into your weekly routine? For instance, bringing home a pot of flowers, taking the time to sit and read your favorite magazine from cover to cover, and making a weekly coffee date with a friend are inexpensive but rewarding pleasures. If you have children, consider getting up earlier to have time for yourself — it’s worth it.

Tell us: What simple pleasures are on your list?

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