I'm a huge fan of grabbing little indulgences or surprises for my kids here and there to help make them feel better after a bad day or, you know, just make them feel special. But when it comes to me, I have gotten pretty good at rationalizing myself right out of treating myself, even though I know that these little things are not necessarily treats but rather small ways I can help brighten my own mood. And they definitely have a trickle down effect into my work, my kids, and yes, my own mental health.
No surprise then that I welcomed the final challenge of our sponsor Aetna's Month of Mindfulness #Mindful30 challenge, which asked me to stop and smell the roses, literally. (Though, truth be told I'm more of a tulips kind of girl, but same idea.)
The whole idea is that I take some time to appreciate the little joys, like flowers, which I really do love, to help me find more satisfaction with life.
With that, here are some of my favorite go-to little indulgences that always work to make me feel better, all of which won't break the bank.
1. A drugstore lip color
Not only is a new drugstore lipstick or gloss a fun, affordable pick-me-up, but it's a cool way to dabble in a trend that may only last a season or two. Though I have to be honest. Just walking around a drugstore alone with no kids is one of my favorite things to do, even if I don't actually leave with anything.2. A fancy coffee or tea drink
Mom mug via Avonnie Studios
I have pretty much weaned myself from fancy coffee drinks to save some cash, but when I'm feeling a little down, I'll stop by my local coffee shop and get a specialty drink -- Americano with steamed soy for me. I actually like to bring my own ceramic mug, which isn't necessarily great for travel, but for whatever reason, it makes coffee taste so much better then when it's in a cardboard to-go cup.3. A grocery store bouquet of flowers
Considering how excited I get when I receive flowers from someone else, I really should do this more myself, which is why I'm so glad part of this #Mindful30 challenge was to do just that. Fresh buds -- roses or otherwise -- really do brighten up a home or office, especially during these dark winter months. You can easily grab a small bunch of your own favorite flowers at your local grocery store or deli (or subway station if you live in NYC) that won't break the budget, all while you're doing your regular shopping. When I get home, I tend to split the bouquet into a few smaller ones so I've got some flowers spread throughout my bedroom, kitchen, and living room.4. A new journal or notebook
As a writer and expert list-maker, I love journals and tend to fill them up quickly. Also, I must have passed on my love for them to my kids because they always end up stealing mine. I personally love Moleskine notebooks, which can you even find at Target. There's just something wonderful about cracking open a brand new journal, whether it's for story ideas, listing funny things my kids said, or to remind myself to take the trash out. Yes, I still like to write that down in pen.
And then cross it off. Ahhhhh.
