We are living in a very peculiar time. If you scroll through Instagram, you’ll likely experience some kind of odd incongruence between the postings you see. There’ll be a fitness yoga model practicing a super-complex move before posing with an acai bowl she picked up after class, and then there’ll be an over-the-top freakshake complete with cake, donuts and a bucket of whipped cream.
It’s no wonder we’re all so confused when we’re constantly inundated with opposing views, ways to be happy and ‘treat yourself’, slipping into the idea that if we ‘eat clean’ 5 days a week, we can splurge on the weekends through overindulging which is ultimately damaging to your health.
We’ve found ourselves in a “Treat Yoself” mindset, a cycle of punishment and reward. Today I propose something different. These are small ways you can show yourself some love without going too crazy, which ultimately can just lead to you feeling more negative in the long run.
1. Make yourself a good meal
I’ve just preached about how we need more balance with our food habits, but that doesn’t mean food will be absent from this list! Take some time to scroll through Pinterest or BBC Good Food, and find a new recipe to try (but not too difficult; this should be an enjoyable thing!). Put on your favourite album as background music and set time aside to create a new dish that’ll treat you from the inside out.
2. Take a bath
Get your bubble bath and relax in the soapy hot water away from the stresses of student life. Whilst not all university houses have a bath, you can always take a longer shower than usual, and lather on the body butter once you’re finished.
3. Watch a favourite movie
It’s hard to draw the line at university between work and rest – with everything pretty much online now, you can study anywhere and anytime! That being said, sometimes it’s important to step away and set boundaries, so dedicate an evening to watching an old classic you loved as a child, or a feel-good girly movie you can’t help but laugh out loud too. Allow yourself some snacks as well – just make sure you’re actually sharing if it comes from a share-size bag!
4. Take an evening away from your phone/laptop/social media
Once again, this one focuses on drawing the line. Social media can feel overwhelming sometimes when the notifications stack up from several different platforms, all demanding your attention equally. I propose you turn off the phone for an evening (maybe while you’re watching the movie so you give it your full attention – when was the last time you did that?!) and relax. If you want to take it a step further, perhaps go for a walk outside without your phone, and feel liberated that you won’t be interrupted by those familiar pings.
5. Buy make-at-home hot chocolate mix
You don’t have to spend loads of money on a Starbucks drink every time you want to treat yourself. Buy some powder from your local supermarket and mix with water or milk depending on how indulgent you’re feeling – perhaps even top it with some whipped cream! There’s no better way to calm down.
6. Read a book
To complement your hot drink, read a book – and preferably an actual paperback you can hold as we all spend way too much time looking at screens. Whether it’s a well-thumbed favourite or one you’ve been meaning to read for years, sit back and relax as you dedicate your mind to something that isn’t work related!
7. Light a candle
So you’ve had your bath, put away your phone, made a hot drink and have your book ready. Nothing can complete the scene better than lighting a scented candle. Whether you’ve got your Yankee at the ready or you’re making do with a Tesco Home brand, this is the best way to complete the “treat yourself” evening experience.
Perhaps put a soothing Spotify playlist on in the background as well. Go on. You deserve it.
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