This time of year is always a bit rough in terms of motivation in the Pacific Northwest. Short days and dreary weather make spending all day on the couch sound like a worthy life goal. I still so much stuff I want to achieve, dangit, and I do my best to fight through the apathy of winter.
One of the best ways to provide incentives to get through some of the grind of January/February is providing rewards for yourself. Generally my favorite treats come in edible forms, but since I’m limiting my calories I’m actively avoiding junk food and alcohol. Other great forms of treating yourself often involve spending a lot of money, which is also something that does not fit into my Ultimate Life Plan for 2018. Therefore I’ve devised a list of “healthy” indulgences. At the very least, the only regret I could possible have for these is wasted time, not extra pounds or a lighter wallet.
- Watching childhood movies/tv shows
- There are a lot of these available on Youtube and a few on Netflix as well. Some of my favorites are Disney Channel classics like Lizzie Maguire and Even Stevens.
- Bath Bombs/Bubble Baths
- I have bought Lush products before which are $$$$, but you can also make these yourself or get cheaper versions on Amazon. I would like to try my hand one of these days at making a bath bomb.
- Reading childhood books
- Specifically, my favorite fantasy/sci fi books as a kid. And honestly, even reading newer YA fiction is one of my guilty pleasures. Diana Wynne Jones was one of my favorite authors when I was younger and I still enjoy her writing today; she has just the right mix of whimsy and profoundness in her fantasy stories.
- Video Games
- The only video game I ever really got into was Final Fantasy X as a kid. We still have our old PS2 and I will occasionally play it as another guilty pleasure.
I’m working on creating a longer list of ways to treat myself without consuming excess calories or spending a ridiculous amount of money. When I’m stressed or bored, I need to have options so I don’t resort to unhealthy habits. None of these activities is particularly productive, but sometimes it’s nice to take a break and do something just because it’s plain fun.