21 guilty pleasures that are actually good for you
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Explore what a guilty pleasure is and how these can sometimes be good for your mental health. Plus, a list of common food and lifestyle guilty pleasure examples.
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.
What is a guilty pleasure?
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.
Why we feel guilty about pleasure
Societal productivity expectations: Pressure to always be productive can lead to guilt during leisure time.
Personal beliefs and standards: Upbringing and beliefs can make some pleasures feel frivolous or wrong.
Health and fitness narratives: Cultural emphasis on health and fitness can induce guilt over certain food choices or inactive pursuits.
Fear of judgment: Worrying about others' opinions can make us guilty about our pleasures.
Self-discipline goals: Deviating from personal discipline goals, like diet or exercise, can cause guilt.
Constant self-improvement myth: The belief of needing continual self-improvement can make relaxation and enjoyment seem unproductive.
Our desire to deem certain types of pleasures as "guilty" may come from any number of sources, says trauma therapist Shannon Moroney, author of “Heal for Real: A Guided Journal to Forgiving Others―and Yourself.” 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, like psychologist and researcher Rheeda Walker, PhD, believes.
"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.
14 guilty pleasure examples
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.
Foodie 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.
💙 Explore the power of adapting a more mindful approach to mealtime with Tamara Levitt’s Mindful Eating Series. Bringing a mindful approach to eating can boost the pleasure your meal or indulgent snack brings.
Lifestyle guilty pleasures
5. Procrastinating: While consistent procrastination can be problematic, occasionally putting off tasks for a bit of leisure time can give you a much-needed break.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Taking a long bath: A long, leisurely bath can be a perfect way to unwind and take a break from the busy rush of everyday life.
💙 Discover the importance of Radical Self-Care in this series of mini meditations led by meditation teacher Lama Rod Owens.
Recreational guilty pleasures
10. 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.
11. Keeping up with celebrities' drama: Following celebrity gossip can be a fun, lighthearted way to take a break from your own life.
12. 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.
13. Reading a book: Whether it's a romance novel, a thriller, or a celebrity biography, getting lost in a book you love can be an incredibly satisfying way to spend your day.
14. Scrolling through social media: Sometimes, mindlessly scrolling through social media is just what you need to relax and catch up on what's happening in your social circle and the world.
💙 Fill your cup in ways that feel good to you. If you need self-care inspiration, try Calm’s 7 Days of Happiness series and learn to relish in (and embrace) rest and play.
More guilty pleasure examples
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.
15. Skipping your daily meditation: It's okay to take a break from your meditation routine. Sometimes, just sitting quietly or taking a walk can be equally as rejuvenating.
16. Journaling at night instead of in the morning: If you find journaling therapeutic but can't always fit it into your morning routine, a reflective journaling session at night can be a calming way to end your day. If you skip a day of journaling, that’s okay too.
17. Prioritizing yourself over going out with friends: Choosing to stay in and focus on self-care rather than socializing can be a valid way to recharge your batteries. Especially if you're feeling overwhelmed or just need some alone time.
18. Taking a screen break day: Taking a day off from screens can be a refreshing detox for your mind and eyes, giving you a chance to engage in other fulfilling activities like reading a book, gardening, or spending time in nature.
19. Listening to a guilty pleasure music playlist: Blasting your favorite tunes can be a fantastic way to uplift your mood and energy levels. Try singing along to a power ballad or dancing to a cheesy classic.
20. Indulging in a hobby you rarely make time for: Whether it's painting, knitting, or playing an instrument, spending time on a hobby you love but often neglect can be deeply fulfilling.
21. Taking a spontaneous day trip: A sudden trip to a nearby town, beach, or hiking trail can be a fantastic escape from routine, offering new sights and experiences.
💙 Strengthen the relationship you have with yourself and embrace saying yes to your wants and needs with guidance from Tamara Levitt’s Relationship with Self Series.
A final note on pleasure and guilt
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.
Calm your mind. Change your life.
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