Why treating yourself feels tricky
Picture this: it’s been one of those weeks. You’ve powered through the school runs, the work emails, the endless to-do list. On Friday afternoon, you wander past a shop, and a little candle catches your eye. You love it. You buy it.
Or maybe it’s later — you’re scrolling through your socials after putting the kids to bed, and you click “buy” on something that feels like a little reward. Then suddenly, the pangs of buyer’s remorse creep in. You lie awake that night thinking, “Did I really need that?”
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. So many of us feel guilty for enjoying little luxuries, as though joy should only come after the “important” things are done.
Did you know.....science shows those small, intentional treats are good for us. Psychologists call them “hedonic boosts” — short bursts of joy that improve mood, lower stress, and even build resilience for the harder days. A study in the Journal of Consumer Psychology found that guilt-free indulgences can actually improve self-control and motivation. In other words, when you let yourself enjoy the little things, you’re more likely to stick to your bigger goals.
So maybe that candle isn’t just wax and a wick. Maybe it’s a signal to yourself that you matter. That your joy matters. That everyday life deserves to be dotted with small, elevated moments that make you smile.
And the best part? You don’t need grand gestures or big budgets to do it. With a few gentle tweaks, you can weave simple, guilt-free luxuries into your daily routine. Here’s how.
1. Turn daily rituals into elevated experiences
Your morning water, afternoon tea, or evening shower doesn’t have to feel ordinary. When you make small upgrades to the objects you use every day, the ritual around them changes too. Instead of rushing through, you pause, notice, and savour.
💡 Try swapping your chipped old bottle for a gorgeous Beysis one — chic, practical, and instantly uplifting.
2. Add beauty to your environment
Our surroundings affect our mood more than we realise. Lighting a candle, placing flowers in a jar, or displaying a framed photo can shift your whole space into one that feels nurturing and calm.
💡 Our mini milk jar candles bring a soft glow that turns “just another evening” into a moment to savour.
3. Prioritise calm over productivity
It’s tempting to use every spare minute for ticking off a list. But sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is pause. A soak, a puzzle, or a quiet paint session can feel restorative in ways that hustle never will.
💡 Our Reverie puzzles and Paint by Frida kits are designed for exactly this — simple, mindful play that calms the mind.
4. Collect tiny comforts
Treats don’t need to be extravagant. Keep a small “comfort kit” nearby — maybe a notebook for thoughts, a favourite tea, or a bath salt sachet. When life feels heavy, these little anchors help you feel grounded.
💡 The Wind Down bath soaks are perfect for this — a moment of calm in a sachet, ready when you need it.
The 'gentle reframe'
Treating yourself isn’t selfish — it’s a way to recharge so you can show up brighter for the people you love. When you choose thoughtful, elevated essentials, those treats stop being guilty pleasures and start becoming everyday rituals of care.