The Surprising Benefits of Giving into Indulgence

Every once in a while, you need to indulge, satisfy that craving for whatever it is your body, mind or soul needs, and simply treat yourself. The occasional indulgence is not just a delightful break from the routine; it’s a crucial aspect of a balanced lifestyle.

Keep reading to discover the surprising, yet intuitive benefits of treating yourself, including how it can enhance your mental health, boost your motivation, and even support your long-term goals.

1. Enhances Mental Well-being

First and foremost, occasional indulgences can significantly boost one’s mental health. In a world that often emphasizes productivity and discipline, giving yourself permission to enjoy a treat or a leisure activity without guilt can be a powerful act of self-care. It can reduce stress, improve mood, and offer a sense of reward, which is essential for maintaining a healthy mental state. Whether it’s savoring a piece of chocolate, enjoying a lazy morning, or treating yourself to a spa day, these moments of pleasure can act as a reset button for your mental health, providing a much-needed break from the stresses of daily life. Savor in the joy of your indulgence.

2. Promotes Physical Health

Interestingly, when done mindfully, indulging can also promote physical health. Deprivation diets and strict fitness regimes can be unsustainable in the long run, often leading to burnout or binge behaviors. Conversely, allowing occasional indulgences can help maintain a healthy relationship with food and exercise. It’s about balance; enjoying a slice of pizza on Friday night, for example, can actually keep you more committed to nutritious eating for the rest of the week, as it alleviates the sense of deprivation that can lead to overeating or being overly rigid in our disciplined routines.

3. Boosts Motivation and Productivity

Incorporating occasional indulgences into your life can also boost motivation and productivity. Setting up a reward system—for instance, treating yourself to a movie after completing a project—can make tasks more appealing and motivate you to achieve your goals. This approach leverages the power of positive reinforcement, making it easier to tackle challenges and stay committed to your objectives, both personal and professional.

4. Supports Sustainable Habits

Engaging in occasional indulgences can lead to the development of more sustainable habits. When you know that nothing is completely off-limits, it’s easier to stick to healthy choices most of the time. This balanced approach fosters a more realistic and sustainable lifestyle compared to all-or-nothing mindsets, which can lead to cycles of restriction and excess.

5. Enriches Social Connections

Indulgences often involve social activities, such as dining out with friends or attending a concert. These experiences can enrich our lives, providing not only personal enjoyment but also strengthening social bonds. Sharing indulgent moments with others can enhance relationships, creating shared memories and fostering a sense of connection and belonging.

This is exactly how I decided to treat myself after nearly three months of relentless hard work. Instead of being “responsible” and getting rest last Friday night, I joined three amazing friends for a ladies night, which involved closing out a popular restaurant in the Mission, and walking to a bar the Castro because our 40-year-old selves couldn’t wait in line for the one half a block from us. We stayed out way passed our bedtimes, talked about everything and nothing, laughed until our stomachs hurt and it was absolutely delightful . . . It was exactly what I needed.

Conclusion

In short, we need to give ourselves permission to indulge occasionally. It’s essential to living a balanced and healthy lifestyle. In case you need concrete reasons, I’ve listed them here: It offers mental and physical benefits, boosts motivation and productivity, supports the development of sustainable habits, and enriches social connections. Just enjoy these moments of pleasure in moderation so they enhance rather than detract from your overall well-being. So, go ahead and treat yourself—you deserve it. What is your next indulgence? What will you celebrate and when? You have time for this.