Topic for May.1.( Thur )

[Alex !]

Guilty Pleasure 

A "guilty pleasure" is something you enjoy but might feel embarrassed or ashamed to admit, often because it's seen as uncool or potentially harmful. It's a type of enjoyment that someone might hide or downplay due to the belief that it might be judged or frowned upon by others. 

It is something, such as an activity or a piece of media, that one enjoys despite understanding that it is not generally held in high regard or is seen as unusual. For example, a person may secretly enjoy a film while acknowledging that the film is poorly made or generally regarded unfavorably.

The term can also be used to refer to a taste for foods that are considered to be advisable to avoid, especially for health reasons. For example, coffee, alcoholic beverages, smoking and chocolateafter dinner are considered by many to be guilty pleasures.

Explore what a guilty pleasure is and how these can sometimes be good for your mental health.

Sometimes we can feel a bit of guilt for enjoying some things in life, especially if we feel we shouldn’t. Watching an entire season of a show in one weekend, jamming out to a certain musical artist in your car, or treating yourself to an extra slice of cake can make you feel bad for indulging yourself. But contrary to what we often believe, many of what we consider our "guilty pleasures" can actually be beneficial for us.

A guilty pleasure is something you indulge in, even though part of you believes you might be judged for it, that it’s bad for you, or that it's pointless and without purpose. These pleasures can be anything from enjoying a particular TV show or movie, indulging in certain foods, or spending time on a hobby that seems unproductive. However, the reality is far more positive—guilty pleasures are a completely normal and healthy part of life.

Engaging in activities that bring us joy, even if they seem trivial or unnecessary, can actually be beneficial for our mental and emotional wellbeing. It can be a form of self-care and relaxation, giving us a break from the routine stresses and pressures of daily life. There is reason to believe that indulging in guilty pleasures can even help you to feel more connected to yourself and others if you’re feeling socially isolated. 

Interestingly, research from 2021 even suggests that a small amount of guilt can actually enhance the pleasure we experience from these indulgences. This might be because the feeling of guilt can heighten our emotional response, making the enjoyment more intense.

It's important to differentiate between harmless guilty pleasures and habits that can be harmful or destructive. Guilty pleasures are small treats or breaks that don't hurt anyone, including ourselves. Like watching an extra episode of a favorite TV show or enjoying a bite of chocolate whenever you want it.

In embracing our guilty pleasures, we acknowledge that it's okay to do things simply because they make us happy. This acceptance is important for our mental health , allows us to be kinder to ourselves, and helps us recognize that not every moment of our day needs to be productive or serious. 

Our desire to deem certain types of pleasures as "guilty" may come from any number of sources.

Chances are, this internalized guilt stems from religious and cultural ideals condemning a "slothingly" existence in favor of a life spent at work.

There's no doubt that hustle culture also contributes to this mentality.

"I can't help but wonder if we just sort of have this embedded belief that we're not supposed to enjoy ourselves,” Walker said. “We feel like we have to earn pleasure, we have to earn joy, and we have to earn peace of mind after we've worked ourselves into the ground.”

If you think back to your childhood, you might remember that you've always internally known that breaks are the necessary counterpart to hard work. Of course, there's something to be said about working diligently toward your goals and using your time to do good. But it's impossible to do that without balance. Give yourself a break without feeling guilt.

Guilty pleasures come in all shapes and sizes, and your guilty pleasures might look different from someone else’s depending on your likes and interests. The key to enjoying these guilty pleasures is moderation. When you keep these activities in balance, they can contribute to your overall wellbeing and happiness.

Example of guilty pleasures

1. Eating your favorite snack for dinner: There's a special kind of comfort in having your favorite food, like ice cream or chips, for dinner once in a while. It breaks the routine and adds a little spark of joy to your day.

2. Ordering delivery when you don't feel like cooking: Sometimes, the best option for dinner is whatever can be delivered to your doorstep. It's a nice break from the kitchen and can be a fun way to try new foods or enjoy familiar favorites.

3. Indulging in a decadent dessert: Whether it's a rich chocolate cake or a creamy cheesecake, occasionally indulging in a decadent dessert can be a treat that brightens your day.

4. Having breakfast for dinner: Pancakes, waffles, or omelets for dinner can feel like a mini-rebellion against the rules and bring a fun change to your meal routine.

5. Staying in your pajamas all day: There's something incredibly relaxing about spending the day in your pajamas, free from the constriction of jeans or having to put yourself together for the day.

6. Sleeping in on a weekday: If your schedule allows, sleeping in on a weekday can feel like a luxurious escape from the regular morning rush.

7. Splurging on a small luxury item: Whether it's a fancy coffee, a new book, or a small gadget, treating yourself to a little luxury can be a delightful way to celebrate your hard work and achievements.

8. Binge-watching your favorite TV show or movie: Diving into a TV show or movie marathon can be a fantastic way to escape reality and immerse yourself in a different world from time to time.

9. Keeping up with celebrities' drama: Following celebrity gossip can be a fun, lighthearted way to take a break from your own life. 

10. Playing video games for hours: Video games can be a great way to challenge your mind, relax, and have fun, especially when you give yourself permission to play for an extended period.

When indulged mindfully, these pleasures can act as a form of self-care, providing much-needed breaks and a sense of fulfillment. They remind us that life isn't just about productivity and responsibility, but also about enjoying the simple pleasures that make us happy. 

Building mindful boundaries around our pleasure benefits us in just the same way as making mindful boundaries around our work. Learning to balance work and play, especially when it comes to what brings us that pleasurable feeling, is essential in creating a balanced life and prioritizing self-care.

It’ll take time to create the perfect balance between indulging in guilty pleasures and handling your priorities, but there's always time to give yourself what you need to feel good, be it reading that book, squeezing in 20 minutes of exercise, or saving your meditation practice for another day.

Mental health is hard. Getting support doesn't have to be. The Calm app puts the tools to feel better in your back pocket, with personalized content to manage stress and anxiety, get better sleep, and feel more present in your life.