A few weeks ago, I woke up on a Saturday morning with a full agenda in mind of how I would spend my day. I was going to work out, do a few loads of laundry, food shop, and then catch up on some paperwork I had let slide during the week.
Just before I got started on my task list, I turned the television on to watch an episode of Bridgerton on Netflix while I finished my coffee.
My plan was to watch one episode. But four hours later, I was still on the couch in my pajamas. At first, I felt guilty that I hadn’t accomplished anything with my day. But then I realized that indulging in the guilty pleasure of binge-watching a television series was exactly what I needed that day.
The phrase “guilty pleasure” is used to describe an activity that people like but are somewhat embarrassed to admit that they enjoy it. Perhaps if I had only watched one episode or binged something more cultured like The Crown, I might have felt slightly less guilty.
While people’s guilty pleasures differ, some of the most popular ones for women in their 50s include:
1. Reality Television Shows
Put on your favorite cozy robe and settle in for drama, adventure, and good old-fashioned fun! Reality television shows are like salty potato chips: made to be addictive and not all that nourishing. For many, watching real people in surreal situations is highly entertaining, even if it’s embarrassing to admit how much you enjoy it.
2. True Crime Podcasts
There are many reasons people find true crime stories so addictive. For some, it’s the fascination with understanding how the criminal mind works. For others, it’s the sense of relief that they weren’t the victim or that whatever is going on in their lives isn’t as bad as the story they are listening to. Still, it’s easy to feel guilty indulging since these podcasts are based on true stories.
3. Eating Cereal for Dinner
When my kids were little, I would never have served Fruit Loops as an evening meal. But after years of being assigned the job of head chef at my house, it’s a welcome relief to be able to take a night off from cooking. On a rare evening when no one but me is home for dinner, it’s a guilty pleasure to have a bowl or two of sugared cereal. Other popular indulgences are ice cream straight from the carton or peanut butter from the jar in place of a proper supper. Pair it with your favorite cup of coffee, and you’ll be all set!
4. Reading Trashy Books or Magazines
Yes, American Dirt and The Other Half are riveting, important pieces of literature. But don’t underestimate the power of getting lost in a romance novel or spending 30 minutes devouring the pages of The National Enquirer.
5. Getting Pampered
You may think, “Oh, I can just do my nails myself,” or “Why get a pedicure when it’s 20 degrees out and no one can see my feet?” But if you enjoy it and can afford these little indulgences, why not? A massage, facial, or hot-wax pedicure are all great ways to take care of yourself and enjoy a little me time.
6. Taking a Bath
Back in the ’70s, there was the tagline, “Calgon, take me away…” and it depicted a woman taking a much-needed respite from her life in a bubble bath. While showers are a necessity and about getting clean, a bath feels like an indulgence. Elevate it with bath bombs, and follow it up with top-of-the-line skincare to tone, firm, and keep you looking your best.
7. Watching TV Shows or Movies You Have Seen Already
With so many options on television, spending time on a television series or movie you have already seen may seem silly. But watching something again can be more relaxing than investing time in a new show. You don’t need to concentrate on following the plot; you already know the characters, and it’s guaranteed that you will enjoy what you are watching. While you watch, do a fun puzzle that will keep your hands busy – and keep you from feeling like you wasted time sitting there binging your favorite show or movie.
8. Take a Nap
Tell a toddler-year-old that it’s nap time, and you will be greeted by whining replies of “I’m not tired” or “I don’t need a nap.” But for adults, an afternoon snooze or heading back to bed on a Sunday morning can be positively blissful. Treat yourself to some super soft and comfortable PJs for lazy days on the couch or a fabulous night’s sleep. Who says you can’t live your best life while taking a cap nap?
9. Buying Yourself Flowers
Gone are the days when you need to wait for someone else to buy you flowers. So what if they die in a few days? If you are in the store and see a pretty bouquet, indulge. Fresh flowers not only smell great, but they brighten up a room and a mood.
10. Chocolate
While many women see eating chocolate as a guilty pleasure, you don’t need to feel too guilty. While sweet and delicious, chocolate is also mood-boosting, and dark chocolate has health benefits too.
Feeling a small amount of guilt is what makes these types of indulgences feel decadent. But if the guilt gets in the way of your enjoyment, it can defeat the purpose. Provided the pleasure is not dangerous or harmful to the well-being of you or other people around you, partaking in guilty pleasures can be beneficial.
As Kelly Goldsmith of Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, explained in a 2014 article for the BBC Future, “… it’s OK to indulge, and it’s nice to feel pleasure from indulgence. If you are eating the right thing most of the time, you don’t have to worry about the ice cream that makes you feel guilty. Enjoy that pleasure – it’s fine.”
Prime’s Favorite Picks for Feeling Our Best
Orkney Linen Robe, $190
Who says robes have to be low-key? Express yourself in color and luxury with the Orkney
Linen Robe. Crafted from robust 100% European flax linen, this robe is designed for wrapping
up in moments of relaxation, contemplation, and bathing. It’s your sanctuary to withdraw from the world, whether for ten precious minutes or a heavenly weekend morning (and even better if you can steal it on Monday). Neat cuffs can be turned back and pushed up when busy or rolled down for added coverage.
With a shawl collar, dropped shoulders, and big patch pockets, comfort is always within reach.
Enjoy the transitions in your day and honor them in fresh, comforting linen.
John Hardy Spear Flex Cuff, $3,300
Honed, sleek, exacting. John Hardy’s flex-and-thread design cuts a streamlined figure around the curve of the body. The modern design and dynamic bypass silhouette style house a titanium wire on the inside, giving it a flex feature for easy and adjustable wear.
Lifeboost Coffee, $29.95+
Indulge in the ultimate coffee experience with Lifeboost’s special offer exclusively for you! Enjoy our top-flavored coffees, featuring guilt-free natural flavoring with zero calories and zero grams of sugar. Each hand-picked, spring water-washed, and sun-dried coffee is freshly roasted to order. Savor the healthiest coffee on the market with our Single-Origin, Fair-Traded, 100% Arabica bean coffee, rigorously tested for mycotoxins, heavy metals, pesticides, and over 450 other toxins. Treat yourself to Lifeboost’s guilt-free pleasure today!
Knesko Gold Repair Body Serum, $150
This silky serum glides onto the skin for a luminous, visibly toned, and tightened appearance from the neck down. Formulated with transformative ingredients such as peptides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, this reparative treatment delivers touchably soft, sculpted skin. This age-defying formula is powered by high-performance actives that deliver visible results immediately and continue to improve the skin’s appearance over time.
Nautilus Puzzles, $129.95
Remember how, as kids, we could lose ourselves in the total concentration of a jigsaw puzzle? As an adult, you can still experience that. Treat yourself today to a high-quality Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle from Nautilus Puzzles. These puzzles, meticulously crafted and designed to be intricate enough to appeal to adults, are the perfect guilty pleasure to while away an afternoon and unwind. These beautiful, intricate puzzles provide a delightful challenge, and there is a vast selection of high-quality images to choose from.
Quince Washable Silk Pajamas: Top, $79.90 and Bottoms, $79.90
In case you need to hear this… yes, you deserve to sleep in silk, too. Quince’s 100% Washable Silk Pajamas are made from easy-care mulberry silk, and with its naturally smooth feel and temperature-regulating properties, it’s definitely a dream for snuggling up in any season.
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