KICK YOUR SHOES OFF: LEARNING HOW TO TREAT YOURSELF

Jul 7

I once saw a girl post about how hard it was to get her nails done. However, the thought of treating herself to some simple pleasure was unthinkable. (even though nails can be kind of pricey lol.) and I sat back and thought about all the times I ignored a desire for mine because I “didn’t need it.”

All right, I have a lot of medical bills. I have rent. I have other monthly expenses. I am very privileged that I work a job that helps me support myself. I just wanted to preface this post by stating this.

I’m still going through the motions of learning to treat myself.

I went to my rheumatologist today. I always treat myself to a treat after every doctor’s appointment. This all started when I was young and went to get frozen yogurt with my mom after every doctor’s appointment. (don’t get me wrong… this was literally in high school) And I carried on the tradition now.

I went shopping with a new friend after. We went up and down Rush Street. Now I really could’ve done some damage. I love shopping, but I didn’t want to go overboard. There were the cutePrada glasses on sale, but I couldn’t ration spending $150+ on a pair of glasses.

I called my dad after to catch him up on my doctor’s appointment. I brought up how I was debating on a pair of glasses, and I put them away. He laughed and said that you work so hard you have to allow yourself some pleasures.

Are you telling me to go spend $150 on sunglasses?

This post is not supposed to encourage you to spend $150 on a pair of designer glasses on sale. But what my dad said made me sit back and think am I rewarding myself or giving myself what I feel is fit? Do I feel satisfied with how hard I’ve been working and how stressed I’ve been compared to how I let myself relax or get things I desire?

In evidence-based practice, there is a theory called risk benefits. If you see something you desire or want to make time for something you enjoy, does the risk of spending that money or time outweigh your benefits? It is one example used to look at things. (I also lean towards the side of frugality.)

Some things I enjoy to treat myself:

Shopping and going out to restaurants are some of my favorite ways to enjoy things that require you to spend money. But I wanted to share a list of things that don’t cost anything (or much depending on what you prefer).

Meditating
Yoga
Going for a walk outside
Stretching
Finding books in little free libraries
Researching a class that I really liked in college
Making art in any way, shape, or form
Journaling
Calling a close friend or family member
Dancing
Exploring a new place
Going by the lake

Reflect on some things you enjoy!

Oh, I hope this post allows you to reflect on how you let yourself relax and enjoy the pleasures of life. When I told someone about this blog, they said it should not have to be all serious. And I hope that it’s not serious. I hope to ease some anxiety and help look at things in a new light (also to laugh at the little jokes I make).

It’s so easy to get stuck on one aspect of your life and dwell on it. (especially if you’re like me and have a chronic illness or have experienced trauma). It’s also easy to tell yourself you don’t deserve things that you do.