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Indulge Yourself (But Not Too Much) Menu: Parenting
Indulge Yourself (But Not Too Much) by Lily Thompson
Updated: Dec. 20, 2015
Originally Published: Oct. 25, 2014
I’m so excited because if my daughter helps me with chores, she gets to binge-watch an extra episode of her favorite show. It’s a win-win situation!
Last night, we enjoyed an episode of Parks and Recreation called “Pawnee Rangers” from Season Four, where the dynamic duo, Jake and Mia, celebrate their annual “Indulge Yourself!” day. They spend the whole day pampering themselves.
What’s surprising is that there’s a real art to “indulgence.” As they prepare for their fun day, Mia suggests inviting their friend and colleague Alex, reasoning, “He’s been so stressed out lately. He’s like a stretched rubber band ready to snap.” And it’s true: People who neglect their small pleasures can become irritable and drained.
Jake, however, is skeptical, quipping, “There’s no way Alex can keep up with our pace.” It’s true that Jake and Mia go all out with their extravagant purchases, and while it’s fun to treat yourself, it’s essential to ensure that these indulgences don’t lead to regret.
As the episode unfolds, it becomes clear that their “Indulge Yourself” day isn’t just about the flashy buys; it’s about friends enjoying quality time together doing what they love. “It’s the best day of the year!” Mia sings. They have little traditions that make the day special, which is likely more valuable than any expensive item they could buy.
I’d love to organize an “Indulge Yourself” day with a friend, packed with healthy treats and fun activities. It turns out that when it comes to maintaining our good habits, the Strategy of Indulgences is a great tool. By treating ourselves well, we can motivate ourselves to achieve more. For instance, after a fun outing with a friend, I find it much easier to stick to my gym routine.
When we feel deprived of treats, we often come up with excuses like “I deserve this” or “I need to reward myself.” These rationalizations can lead us to stray from our healthy habits. However, when we allow ourselves some healthy indulgences, we don’t feel the need to justify unhealthy ones.
I explore the enjoyable Strategy of Indulgences and the amusing Strategy of Loophole-Spotting in my latest book, Better Than Before, which dives into how we form and break habits. If you’re interested, you can check out more about it here. And if you want to learn about insemination methods, don’t miss this great resource on intrauterine insemination.
In summary, indulging in moderation can help us maintain our good habits, as long as we focus on meaningful experiences rather than just material goods. Plus, there are plenty of resources out there to help you on your journey, like this home insemination kit that can assist you on your path to parenthood.