How I Indulge Myself Without Food
Hey everyone, it's Karen here. Did you know that if you search the word "indulge" in Google images, about 90% of your results will have pictures of food?!?! Sure, there might be a random spa picture mixed in there, but it seems clear to me that the word "indulge" is synonymous with food in our culture. This week's topic will actually tackle the idea that we tend to self-indulge with food as a way to feel good, even though its effects are temporary and the long-term effects of using food to feel good has consequences.
I'd like to take this opportunity to present non-food ways that you can indulge yourself (without breaking the bank!) If your default reaction to the word "indulge" is "lemme grab my chocolate," then this post is for you! The list below contains some of my favorite ways to indulge without food. Personally, I feel indulged by engaging my senses (we're not including taste here!) So this list is heavy on those types of things, but I hope they give you ideas you can use (they might also help you put some last-minute items on your holiday wish-list!) Please note that any links to specific products are not endorsements ;)
Karen's arsenal of non-food self-indulgence:
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Weighted blanket - a recent addition to my self-care toolbox and now I use it every night
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Heated things, like a blanket or eye mask - heat is always relaxing, especially in winter
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Facial steamer - I use it mostly in winter when my face and nasal passages feel dry
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Aromatherapy - includes essential oils, oil diffuser, rollerballs, and mists
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Hot baths - you can add a full body bath mat for extra indulgence
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Calming music - I use the free version of the Calm app to play music
If you have favorite non-food ways to indulge, we would love to hear about them!