101 Ways to Treat Yourself That Have Nothing to Do with Food

“Love yourself. Forgive yourself. Be true to yourself. How you treat yourself sets the standard for how others will treat you.”
~ Steve Maraboli

Healthy Pleasures

It’s human nature to seek out pleasure, especially during times of stress. The problem is that too often, we turn to food – unhealthy foods to be precise. That’s why it’s called “comfort food”, but the irony is that while it comforts us in the short-term, it often hurts us in the long-term by increasing inflammation and sometimes kicking off an autoimmune flare. So, I came up with a list of 101 treats that add to our health instead of detracting from it. I even included a PDF you can print and put on your fridge, for ongoing inspiration!

1. Watch a sunrise.
2. Watch a sunset.
3. Stargaze.
4. Listen to a rainstorm.
5. Set up a bird feeder.
6. Go to the park and read under a tree.
7. Walk barefoot through the grass.
8. Lie down and look for pictures in the clouds.
9. Sunbathe.
10. Make snow angels.
11. Take a hike.
12. Take a nap.
13. Take a bath.
14. Light some candles and turn out the lights.
15. Float on a river.
16. Swim in the ocean.
17. Lie in a hammock.
18. Go for a walk without your phone.
19. Take a day offline.
20. Seek out silence.
21. Play your favorite music.
22. Make yourself a happiness playlist.
23. Learn to play a musical instrument.
24. Sing in the shower.
25. Sing a Tibetan bowl.
26. Dance in your living room.
27. Go to the theater.
28. Go to a concert.
29. Make love.
30. Meditate.
31. Take a deep breath.
32. Practice laughter yoga.
33. Practice restorative yoga.
34. Watch a funny movie.
35. Make a friend laugh.
36. Read a novel.
37. Read a children’s book.
38. Browse an independent bookstore.
39. Go on a book “blind date” – you pick out a book for a friend and have them pick out a favorite for you.
40. Watch an animated film.
41. Watch a favorite movie from your childhood.
42. Have a Netflix marathon weekend.
43. Plan a game night.
44. Enjoy a jigsaw puzzle.
45. Have fun with temporary tattoos.
46. Snuggle with a pet.
47. Go to the dog park (even if you don’t have a dog).
48. Go to a kitty café.
49. Go people-watching – airports and downtowns are perfect places.
50. Play with kids (or your inner child).
51. Collect hugs.
52. Go geocaching.
53. Go for a scenic drive.
54. Write in your journal.
55. Write a poem.
56. Write a hand-written letter.
57. Call a friend you haven’t talked to in a long time.
58. Practice a random act of kindness.
59. Look through old photo albums.
60. Print off some favorite pictures from your phone.
61. Practice nature photography in your neighborhood.
62. Draw a mandala.
63. Enjoy an adult coloring book.
64. Make a chalk drawing in your driveway.
65. Create a vision board.
66. Take an art class.
67. Visit a museum.
68. Put something beautiful up on your wall.
69. Declutter.
70. Get a massage.
71. Try sound therapy.
72. Visit a float tank.
73. Visit a hot spring.
74. Relax in a sauna.
75. Give yourself a home facial.
76. Get or give yourself a non-toxic manicure/pedicure.
77. Give yourself a compliment.
78. If you like scents, diffuse your favorite essential oils.
79. Garden.
80. Pick some flowers or buy yourself a bouquet.
81. Look for 4-leaf clovers.
82. Buy yourself a toy.
83. Visit the farmers market.
84. Take a farm tour.
85. Go horseback riding.
86. Ride on a rollercoaster.
87. Fly a kite.
88. Go antiquing.
89. Go to the library.
90. Be a tourist in your hometown.
91. Plan a date night with your spouse or a friend.
92. Dress up.
93. Spend one entire day in your PJ’s.
94. Take a solitude hour.
95. Plan a solitude day.
96. Go to bed early.
97. Sleep in late.
98. Buy some new sheets.
99. Learn a new skill.
100. Say no to something you don’t want to do.
101. Type up a mighty life list and choose the first one you want to check off.

Click Image for Printable PDF:

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