Introduction
Sometimes we feel guilty about enjoying certain aspects of life, especially if we believe we should not. Watching an entire season of a show in one weekend, listening to a specific musical artist in your car, or indulging in an additional slice of cake can make you feel guilty about it. Contrary to popular belief, many of our “guilty pleasures” can actually be good for us.
What constitutes a guilty pleasure?
A guilty pleasure is something you enjoy in despite believing you will be criticized for it, that it is harmful for you, or that it is futile and meaningless. These pleasures can range from watching a specific TV show or movie, indulging in certain cuisine, or devoting time to an apparently fruitless hobby. However, the truth is significantly more positive: guilty pleasures are a perfectly natural and healthy aspect of life.
Engaging in activities that bring us joy, even if they seem trivial or unnecessary, can actually be beneficial for our mental and emotional wellbeing. It can be a form of self-care and relaxation, giving us a break from the routine stresses and pressures of daily life. There is reason to believe that indulging in guilty pleasures can even help you to feel more connected to yourself and others if you’re feeling socially isolated.
Interestingly, research from 2021 even suggests that a small amount of guilt can actually enhance the pleasure we experience from these indulgences. This might be because the feeling of guilt can heighten our emotional response, making the enjoyment more intense.
It is critical to distinguish between innocuous guilty pleasures and habits that might be detrimental or destructive. Guilty pleasures are tiny treats or breaks that do not harm anyone, even ourselves. For example, you might watch an extra episode of your favorite TV show or eat chocolate whenever you want.
By embracing our guilty pleasure, we agree that it is acceptable to do things just because they make us happy. This acceptance benefits our mental health by allowing us to be kinder to ourselves and recognizing that not every moment of our day must be productive or serious.
Why do people feel guilty about pleasure?
- Societal Productivity Expectations: The pressure to always be working might lead to guilt in leisure time.
- Personal views and standards: Some pleasures may appear frivolous or inappropriate due to one’s upbringing and values.
- Health and fitness narratives: Cultural emphasis on health and fitness can induce guilt over certain food choices or inactive pursuits.
- Fear of judgment: Worrying about others’ opinions can make us guilty about our pleasures.
- Self-discipline goals: Deviating from personal discipline goals, like diet or exercise, can cause guilt.
- Constant self-improvement myth: The belief of needing continual self-improvement can make relaxation and enjoyment seem unproductive.
14 guilty pleasure examples
Foodie guilty pleasures:
1. Eating a favorite snack for dinner. Having your favorite dish, such as ice cream or chips, for supper every now and again provides a unique level of comfort. It disrupts the monotony and gives a spark of enthusiasm to your day.
2. Ordering delivery when you don’t feel like cooking: Sometimes, the best option for dinner is whatever can be delivered to your doorstep. It’s a nice break from the kitchen and can be a fun way to try new foods or enjoy familiar favorites.
3. Indulging in a decadent dessert: Whether it’s a rich chocolate cake or a creamy cheesecake, occasionally indulging in a decadent dessert can be a treat that brightens your day.
4. Breakfast for supper: Eating pancakes, waffles, or omelets for dinner might feel like a mini-rebellion against the norms, adding a fun twist to your meal pattern.
Lifestyle’s guilty pleasures
5. Procrastination: While regular procrastination can be harmful, deferring duties for a few hours of leisure time might provide you with a much- needed reprieve.
6. Staying in your pajamas all day: There’s something incredibly relaxing about spending the day in your pajamas, free from the constriction of jeans or having to put yourself together for the day.
7. Sleeping in on a weekday: If your schedule allows, sleeping in on a weekday can feel like a luxurious escape from the regular morning rush.
8. Splurging on a small luxury item: Whether it’s a fancy coffee, a new book, or a small gadget, treating yourself to a little luxury can be a delightful way to celebrate your hard work and achievements.
9. Taking a long bath: A long, leisurely bath can be a perfect way to unwind and take a break from the busy rush of everyday life.
Recreational guilty pleasures
10. Binge-watching your favorite TV show or movie: Diving into a TV show or movie marathon can be a fantastic way to escape reality and immerse yourself in a different world from time to time.
11. Keeping up with celebrities’ drama: Following celebrity gossip can be a fun, lighthearted way to take a break from your own life.
12. Playing video games for hours: Video games can be a great way to challenge your mind, relax, and have fun, especially when you give yourself permission to play for an extended period.
https://www.beachbodyondemand.com/blog/9-guilty-pleasures-that-are-actually-good-for-you
13. Reading a book: Whether it’s a romance novel, a thriller, or a celebrity biography, getting lost in a book you enjoy may be a very rewarding way to spend the day.
14. Scrolling through social media: Sometimes simply scrolling through social media is all you need to unwind and catch up on what’s going on in your social circle and around the world.
Adeleke Damilola (ACTION) is a versatile content writer with expertise in news writing and a seasoned media professional and broadcast specialist. Currently serving as News Editor for DNews Info, Damilola is also the CEO of the ACTION brand, committed to shaping lives and establishing a legacy of excellence for present and future generations.
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