AD this post contains gifted products // If we have learned anything from 2020, it’s that you need to learn how to treat yourself and we could all do with giving ourselves a bloody break once in a while. It’s okay not to be “on it” every minute of the day, it’s okay not to be productive every single day of your life and it’s certainly okay to feel like crap – for a multitude of reasons or for no reason at all – every now and again.
Treating yourself can play a huge part in your self care and ensuring your mental health and well-being is the best it can possibly be. I went through a horrible phase for a while where I wouldn’t treat myself to anything because I believed it was a waste. I didn’t think I deserved anything. What an awful thing to think about yourself.
But these feelings sadly aren’t uncommon.
But it’s important to remember that treating yourself doesn’t HAVE to be expensive, lavish or indulgent. It can be. And if it is, that’s cool. But if you don’t have the means, then you don’t have to put yourself in debt in order to give yourself a treat.
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When thinking about how to treat yourself, it’s also handy to be intentional and think about what you ACTUALLY need and want in this moment, rather than being impulsive. Does your soul feel heavy? You might choose an hour long meditation session or a Yoga class. If it’s your body that’s aching, then a warm bath or a massage will help.
We all deserve a treat. Yes, even you.
So your task for me today is to pick out just one thing from this list and treat yourself to it – whenever is convenient for you.
I’ve tried to cover all basis in this mega list. Some are free, some are easy, some are expensive. Pick whichever one is suiting your current needs and circumstances right now.
Struggling to figure out how to treat yourself? Here are 62 suggestions!
Free ways to treat yourself:
- Have a nap
- Go for a walk in nature
- Sit in the sun for an hour
- Make yourself an amazing cup of tea
- Give yourself the afternoon off
- Catch up on your favourite YouTuber’s
- Listen to a podcast
- Play with your pet
- Stargaze
- Watch your favourite movie
10 ways to treat your body:
- Go for a run around a park
- Start your day with a healthy breakfast
- Go for a massage
- Do a power Yoga practice
- Massage your feet
- Moisturize your whole body
- Drink a glass of ice cold water
- Make a beautiful fruit salad
- Cook your favourite healthy meal
- Go for a manicure or pedicure
Indulgent or more expensive ideas:
- Book a spa weekend
- Buy yourself some flowers
- Eat out at your favourite restaurant
- Go on a solo trip
- Book tickets to something you want to see
- Have a day of shopping
- Buy some new books
- Treat yourself to a new hair cut, style or colour at a salon
- Book an experience for yourself
- Buy yourself a new piece of jewellery
Jewellery is something that I’ve always absolutely LOVED. I love buying jewellery for others as gifts and if I’m ever to REALLY treat myself, then jewellery is always on the list. So this seems like the perfect time to introduce you to Lily Blanche.
Lily Blanche was founded by Gillian, who took great inspiration from her Grandmother, Lily Blanche. She encouraged and inspired Gillian’s creativity and is the motivation behind everything they do in the Lily Blanche Studio. Many of their designs are inspired by the pieces in her jewel box.
You can read more about the Lily Blanche story here but from that small snippet alone, you already know this is going to be a company worth watching. I was very kindly offered a piece from their Magical Charms collection which suits me down to a T. The whole collection is stunning but I was seriously blown away when my piece arrived.
I chose the Magical Charm Necklace with the Cinderella inspired carriage charm and it is just exquisite. The attention to detail in this piece blew my mind. The side of the carriage is detailed with a beautiful stone, the wheels spin – YES THEY SPIN – and the carriage even opens to reveal a tiny slipper. It’s magical.
The attention to detail doesn’t stop there though because even their packaging is done with optimum care. From the DKNY scented tissue paper, to the classy Lily Blanche bag and pouch, everything about this brand and product screams high quality, personal and magic.
I’ve been very fortunate to work with a handful of incredible jewellery brands on my blog, some of which I’ve gone on to purchase from many times myself. I know Lily Blanche is going to become a firm favourite of mine and if you love high quality jewellery, made from a place of love with oodles of charm and character, then you’ll absolutely love Lily Blanche too.
You’ll know that I’m a huge Disney fan by now. I was hoping to visit Disneyland Paris before the pandemic happened and obviously haven’t been able to go since. I’m so eager to get there but I know it’s not going to be an option for a while. This beautiful and dainty little charm can remind me that there’s magic everywhere – even in the unexpected!
Soul feel heavy? How to treat your soul and spirit:
- Journal it out: try these journal prompts for mental health if you don’t know where to start!
- Do a Yoga practice
- Meditate
- Light incense
- Use crystals
- Do a digital detox and get offline for an hour or a day
- Script your ideal day or week
Relaxing ways to treat yourself:
- Have a candlelit bath
- Listen to relaxing music for an hour
- Have a head massage
- Meditate
- Use a hot tub
- Book a floatation tank
- Take yourself to the beach
- Sunbathe with a good book
- Use calming body oils
- Paint or draw
Food related treat ideas:
- Have breakfast in bed
- Go for a picnic
- Make your favourite cake
- Eat at a fancy restaurant
- Order your favourite takeaway
- Take yourself to a coffee shop
- Have a cocktail making afternoon
- Make a 3 course meal at home
Beauty and pampering ideas:
- Paint your nails
- Shave your legs: I use my amazing estrid razor and I’m in love with it!
- Buy some new skincare products
- Do your make-up
- Book a full body massage
- Do a face mask and a hair mask
- Get a pedicure and foot massage
[…] I’ve always been a fan of personalized gifts and I think personalized jewellery is a really lovely and sentimental idea for a gift for a loved one. Or a gift for yourself, the next time you want to treat yourself! […]
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Thanks for sharing, I do like to treat myself to some things from time to time, as it helps me 🙂
That’s good to hear 🙂
I love all of these suggestions! I really need to spend more time on myself so I have bookmarked this for ideas!
Yesss you do! Hope this helps!
Wonderful post! Great suggestions…I love the charm necklace!!! I think making plans to do something fun is almost as much fun as the outing itself. 🙂 It is good to create a list of things you would like to do, or places you would like to go, and then start checking them off! It could be a beach you have never been to, or a library, or a trip destination. That necklace is a ‘charming’ reminder that the possibilities in life are endless…You must sometimes grant yourself some wishes…a bouquet of flowers, a time set apart to read or write in a journal, moments to dream and reflect…
I love making lists and planning things too – I find it SO exciting!
“I wouldn’t treat myself to anything because I believed it was a waste. I didn’t think I deserved anything. What an awful thing to think about yourself.” It’s like you reached into my mind, that’s exactly how I felt a while back and I felt guilty for even buying essentials like shampoo. Anyway, I’m glad we’re both past that phase now and wow, these are some WONDERFUL suggestions. My favourite is to sit in the sun for an hour, preferably with a cup of tea and a good book. Also, that is the most beautiful charm necklace, Jenny, the details are gorgeous, and the backstory is lovely! xxx
I’m so sorry to hear you were like that too! It’s such an awful thing to think but yes, I’m very glad we’re both past that phase. I love sitting in the garden with tea and a book sometimes too xxx
I love all of these suggestions! I definitely need to treat myself more and this list is a great place to start. Thank you for sharing!
You’re welcome and thank you! 🙂
This is such a beautiful list. I personally can relate to not treating myself much because I convince myself it’s not necessary! I literally put off going to the hairdressers for 10months haha. I absolutely love buying a new book, it makes me feel like a new person. I’m also a fan of getting my hair & nails done! Thank you for sharing these ideas!
Ah I’m sorry to hear you were like that too! Hope you treat yourself a little more now 🙂 xx
These are great ideas – and I love that necklace, how cute xx
Thank you xx
I totally feel you, when I want to treat myself I love spending some money on jewelery! As well as books, especially if they are from a charity shop 💚
Yes I treat myself to a LOT of books haha! Xxx
I love all of these ideas and you have given some great ones to try! For how much i would love to say that I am on top of my self care I am totally not. I think I will plan a day without technology and spend the whole day reading and just be. I am totally in love with the necklace and honestly, in awe of the details! The spinning wheels and the shoe inside is just the cherry on top x
That sounds like the perfect day. Let me know how it goes! I know the detail of this necklace is insane!
Ah there are so many lovely ideas in this post. I rarely treat myself but sometimes it’s good to! I love the idea of treating myself to a solo spa day!
Rosie
I’m going to go on a solo spa trip this year for sure!
Great post! I love these suggestions on treating yourself, thank you for sharing 🙂 I go for a walk when I need to treat my mind and body x
Thank you 🙂 I love going for solo walks too x
When I feel like crap, it’s usually a takeaway, or give myself a face mask/facial.
Books and lush products are my go-to buys x
http://www.ofbeautyandnothingness.co.uk
Haven’t bought anything from Lush in forever x
With retail therapy I tend to go for books, my favourite sandwich, or feelgood movies. If I don’t want to spend anything, I’ll game, watch said feelgood movies (or Friends reruns let’s be honest), or go all out using my skin and hair products 😀
Haha friends reruns are always a good option! 🙂 xxx
I’m terrible for treating myself to pizza and new make up – but we’ve all got to have treats! x
Definitely! I could really eat a dominos right now! xxx
I love treating myself to a new book. Also definitely a nap too! Especially as the weather is getting a bit colder, I love getting all snuggled up under my blankets. I also like to go on Netflix and look for a new show to watch.
Clem xx
http://www.clemloves.co.uk
Oh my god same! And snuggling a hot water bottle! xxx
A nap and massage for me. I also have an amazing lady that does reflexology and food treats too. It’s just when the feeling rubbish lasts a long time I struggle.
Reflexology sounds wonderful!
It really is! The first time I went she picked up on my ear problems without me telling her. It’s so relaxing and you can target certain health issues too. I’d definitely recommend it. X
I love drawing or working on my blog or a nap! It mostly depends on my mood <3
https://octoberslallu.blogspot.com/
Yep definitely depends on mood too! xxx
Doing something fun for an extended period of time really really does help, but it can be hard for me to focus on having fun and stop worrying about whatever’s stressing me out at the moment >.<
Same I really struggle to switch off too.
I usually treat myself to a trip to the bookstore 🙂
Sounds perfect 🙂 xxx
playing a game for a few hours you really do feel better, taking time off and being someone else is an amazing.
Totally agree! I love getting really into the lives of my Sims xxx
Mine is definitely a hot bath with a scented bath bomb and a good book 🧖🏼♀️💕
Or curling up with my dog and watching a movie 🐶 xxx
Sounds perfect 🙂 zz
I love this Jenny! There’s a weird focus at the moment on always being productive, even in your free time, and I find it a bit dangerous. We are totally allowed to lounge around when we feel like it, and to just enjoy junk food, junk tv and sleeping! It definitely helps cheer me up when I’m really sad.
Beth x
There really is, I’ve noticed that too. Although I’ve always struggled with down time and allowing myself to relax and not be productive, actually seeing that sort of behaviour being praised really concerns me because it’s not healthy xxx
Haven’t gotten a massage in ages. Should treat myself to that!
I love hot baths, reading a book, dancing, nature walks, solo coffee dates when I feel like a me-time. Will check out the games you mentioned. Are these solo games?
– Aditi
http://www.aditispen.com
Consider this your reminder to book yourself a massage! Yep all solo games xxx
I’ve been going through something similar recently and have been reevaluating my life trying to find a better balance, after finding myself exhausted all the time. Reading is always something I can lose myself in, as is writing. Spending more time with family and friends. And a good cup of tea!
Oh you can’t beat a PROPER good cup of tea can you? 🙂
You definitely can’t!
I always have a long bath and takeaway when I’m down xx
Sounds perfect! 🙂 xxx
I treat myself to some of the same things as you but unfortunately nothing has really been cheering me up recently. Maybe I might buy a game or something frivolous and see does that work.
Oh no, still focusing on self care is important however futile it might seem. I really hope you find something soon xxx
This was really good, I loved it!! I didn’t think taking naps would help so much, I usually do blogging, go through instagram lol, watch youtube or movies, read, play board games, go walking, so shopping…
Loved this post!!!!! 😀 <3
They really do! Xxx
I work out! Exercise makes me feel so much better!
Yoga definitely makes me feel better but sometimes I just don’t have the mental energy
That’s true, I find pausing and listening to what I actually want to do in that precise moment, helps, then I can throw myself into the activity- yoga, gym, dance, roller skating, meditation- and enjoy it more 🙂
Honestly, I love a good shower 😂 it’s perfect for when I need to relax but don’t have enough time to do something else.
Haha that’s a really good shout! I like putting my music on in the shower and pretending I’m on stage where no one can see me 😂
These are great tips, Jenny! Whenever I feel boredom creeping along, I always end up looking for new books to read on either Goodreads or Amazon.
☼ cabin twenty-four
Always a great way to curb boredom! xxx
Great post! I try to keep my treats quite small, like a small plush, but there’s nothing better than starting a new book when I’m feeling down!
Oh yeah you definitely don’t need to splash out in order to treat yourself 🙂 I rarely buy myself anything tbh! xxx
I love this!! Self-care is so important and it’s something that we often push to the side. It’s amazing what a good nap or a new book can do to refresh your soul and give your life some new encouragement and perspective! ☺️
I totally agree 🙂 xxx
A new book is always a treat!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Definitely 🙂 cxx
Could easily and happily spend time doing most of these things. I love having a nap and playing playstation for hours ! Deffo need some time out every now and then x
I really wanna play PlayStation for AGES now! xxx
These are great things to cheer yourself up. I tend to take a nap, listen to music or eat a bit of junk food from time to time when I feel down.
Junk food always makes me feel better! xxx
These are great ideas, I’ve never had a massage but they sound like the best way to make yourself feel better and more at peace. I’ve really needed this today since I keep getting put down by work and losing track of self care, such a good post~
beesytimes.co.uk
Oh definitely! I’d always recommend giving a massage a go 🙂 xxx
Recently I haven’t been on my A game and reading books have definitely been my saviour. Such a nice post to remind people to do things for themselves every now and then.
Rebecca Elaine x
Books are the best way to just switch off xxx
Hey Jenny. Lovely post. A bath-bomb, book or new stationery works for me, but I also love to take time out with my cats or go for a walk. 🙂
Sounds perfect! I haven’t had a proper good bath with a bath bomb in SO long xxx
Yes!! Agree w like all of this, you gotta treat yourself esp when you feel rubbish ❤️❤️
Definitely 🙂
Totally agree with these points! Sometimes a nap and a book can do you the world of good. I always feel like I need to be getting things done and I’m hard on myself if I take a break but it’s totally okay and well deserved. I’m with you on takeaways too, some days you just need McDonalds! Xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
Haha some days you really DO just need a McDonald’s! xxx
Everyone deserves a break every now and then! I wish I could enjoy a massage, but I just tense up the second they touch me. I can’t relax on the table at all!! For me, it’s either a pamper evening of a day of nothing but netflix without feeling guilty. It used to be cooking, but now I do so many recipes that sort of still feels like work… self sabotage 😂 x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
It’s important to find a masseuse you feel SUPER comfortable with because if you don’t it’s not relaxing at all. So can take a bit of time and work but once you’ve found them, they’re amazing! It’s a shame cooking isn’t a “treat yourself” thing for you anymore! xxx
This is such a good post – it’s definitely easy to get carried away and not let ourselves switch off these days. I needed this today – thank you!
Definitely. It’s hard to find the middle ground to of not treating ourselves TOO much and being silly with our money etc and not treating ourselves enough xxx
I usually treat myself to books and clothing but never did I try a massage! I need to change that, such a great idea!
Oooh I urge you to! They’re amazing 🙂
Self care and treating yourself is important! I love a good book or a good takeaway now and again. You can’t go wrong with a pizza takeaway or McDonald’s! x
Ashleigh | https://ashleighwrites.co.uk
Definitely not! We got a Pizza Hut on Saturday night, it was brilliant 🙂 xxx
We all need to treat ourselves sometimes! Buying a new book is a great one – I do this too! Infact, I bought a new one by Dorothy Koomson today. Loved this post xxx
I love Dorothy Koomson! I’ve been incredibly lucky to read a few advance copies of her books and she just knocks it out of the park every single time! Hope you enjoy it 🙂 is that The Brighton Mermaid? I haven’t got around to reading that one yet! xxx
Oh wow that’s so lucky! Yes, I’m so excited to read it! X
I love your thinking when it comes to takeaway!! Society makes it feel like we should be guilty if we eat it even once. I love a nice bath with candles, or a long walk if I have time.
Vicki | http://www.missviclb.co.uk
Ugh it’s bloody awful and so damaging. A bloody McDonald’s won’t kill you *rolls eyes*. A nice walk when it’s chilly and you can wrap up warm is something else I love!
Great tips! We all need a break and self care.
Jennifer | Mrs Q Beauty
Instagram | Follow Me
Yep, definitely 🙂
Love these – I’m very similar when I’m not feeling great! A new book or some video games usually help to cheer me up quite well 🙂
I love getting lost in a video game! 🙂
I love this post! I’m constantly looking for things to keep my head in a good space and I often just indulge in a couple of hours binge watching my favourite tv shows like Friends! X
Good shout! I just watched an episode actually 🙂 xxx
All of these are great ways to treat yourself well when stuff is all over the place. Yesterday, I allowed myself to have a lazy day and watched some movies that just made me happy. Sometimes we all need that.
That’s brill! I’m kinda doing that today – I’ve just had a long nap 🙂 xxx
A nap is my favourite thing to treat myself to!
I’ve just woken up from one! xxx
Literally me too!!!
Rollercoaster Tycoon…is that the one where all the visitors start vomiting?…actually that could be Theme Park or Theme Hospital. I always treat myself to a new notebook and nice pen when I’m having a bad day.
They do on both of those games! I used to play Theme Park World a lot too xzx
Loved them, and spent many happy hours with The Sims xx
A new book is a must!
Definitely:) xxx
Fabulous suggestions Jenny, a post which promotes napping is a winner for me. Playing games sounds like a great way to switch off, my equivalent to that is probably playing guitar. I can zone out & feel calm for ages. Your photography is so pretty too, great post! 💖 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
Oh wow you okay guitar! That’s cool and I bet it’s really relaxing and a great way to zone out 🙂 xxx
These are good ideas. And I love take aways
Thanks 🙂 me too, I need to cut down though!
I’m sure it’s not as bad as you think. Mint choc-chip ice cream is lethal though haha,
I don’t like massages (I can’t switch of and they make me ‘think’ while I’m being massaged) but reading, escaping to another world works wonders, and sleeping as well :-).
Think it’s important to find the right environment with a massage, certainly not all masseuses will make you feel as comfortable and relaxed xxx
These are great tips, I always think going for a new book is a good idea to escape from life for a little while. I also like to go for a walk/run especially when something specific is getting me down, because I usually spend that time thinking it over and come to the conclusion that it really isn’t that bad
I bet running is a fantastic way to get out of your own head! I hate running personally but I wish I didn’t 😌 xxx
These are great Jenny I have only had a couple of massages it’s not something I can often relax enough to enjoy but reading, baking, outdoor hikes/explores, yoga & fresh bedding are my go-to cheer up tools
Finding the right masseuse / place to go is really important. Oh god hiking isn’t relaxing for me at ALL I hate walking 😂
Hahaaaa I like that better than running 😶