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Even if Americans are on a budget, there are certain things they won’t give up. People prioritize everything from purchasing beauty products and eating out at restaurants, to specialty foods and entertainment.For many, these small things are little luxuries that mean a lot.

“A little luxury is something that brings a spark of joy, beauty, or delight to your day. It is not something you need, but it is something that makes your day the tiniest bit more extraordinary,” explainsJillian Amodio, LMSW, Founder of Moms for Mental Health.

Research shows that focusing on savoring something that you see as positive brings you joy and impacts your mental health.

“Incorporating little luxuries into your life is an easy ‘self-hack’ that prioritizesyour well-being and enjoyment. By indulging in small, meaningful pleasures, you can reduce stress, boost your mood, and cultivate a more positive outlook,” notes Robert Cuyler, PhD, Chief Clinical Officer atFreespira. “These simple acts of kindness towards yourself can have a noticeable impact on your mental health, helping you build resilience and find joy in everyday moments,” he adds.

You may think you don’t have the time—or money—to add a little luxury into yourdaily routine. But no matter your budget, whether you’re at home or at work, there are ways to incorporate small pleasures that will benefit you mentally, physically, and emotionally.

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Benefits and Examples of Little Luxuries

Hearing the word “luxury” immediately conjures images of relaxation. But little luxuries don’t just provide perceived benefits; taking time for yourself and squeezing in small moments of enjoyment has proven positive effects on your mind and body.

Just as its name denotes, a little luxury doesn’t have to be big or expensive. “[T]hey can be one piece of your favorite luxurious chocolate, a walk on the beach with no phone, a drive to your favorite place in nature, [or] a small bottle of your favorite scent that you spray as you get dressed each day.  Anything that you enjoy, that helps you savor the moment and feel a lift can be a luxury,” advises Colleen Marshall, Chief Clinical Officer atTwo Chairs.

At work, taking a walk around the building, going to your favorite restaurant for lunch, or even buying a cushion to make your chair more comfortable, are all little luxuries. If you’re on the go, traveling with a neck pillow for the plane or grabbing the latest copy of your favorite magazine for the trip are also small but meaningful luxuries.

Jilliam Amodio, LMSWA little luxury is something that brings a spark of joy, beauty, or delight to your day. It is not something you need, but it is something that makes your day the tiniest bit more extraordinary

Jilliam Amodio, LMSW

A little luxury is something that brings a spark of joy, beauty, or delight to your day. It is not something you need, but it is something that makes your day the tiniest bit more extraordinary

“As a society we are very focused on productivity, but productivity is worthless without joy, and cannot happen without reprieve. Building in moments of joy and reprieve through little luxuries allows us to reset and increases happy chemicals likedopaminewhich make us feel better. Life should be enjoyed, not just lived,” Amodio notes.

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Ways to Add Little Luxuries into Your Everyday Life

Life is so crazy busy—which, if we’re honest, is all the more reason to incorporate little luxuries. But knowing you should do it and actually doing it are two different things.

Upgrade Your Routine

To make these small pleasures a part of your life on a daily basis, you need to be intentional. Put a routine in place that you can follow.

If you buy the coffee that you love and have a special mug you want to drink it in, get up early enough to enjoy this ritual in apeaceful environment. If soaking in a bubble bath or using a special aftershave makes you smile, schedule in the time to make those things happen.

Enhance Your Environment

Another way to add your luxuries into your life is to create a space that relaxes you. The sunroom, the deck, or the front porch could be your little escapes to read a book or watch a basketball game. Fill it with a comfy couch, a porch swing, or a favorite chair.

At work, have a treat you enjoy hidden in one of your desk drawers. When it’s time for your break, stroll outside and enjoy the snack in peace. Even sitting in your car while on break, away from your cubicle and your work phone, can bring the relaxation and solitude you crave.

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Schedule Them In

Keep in Mind

Ultimately, making time for yourself and the things that you enjoy is what is important. The little luxuries that work best are the ones that benefit you.

“It’s important to remember that little luxuries are personal and subjective. What feels indulgent to one person may not have the same effect on another. The key is to find what works for you and make it a consistent part of your self-care routine. Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish; it’s necessary for maintaining good mental health and being your best self for others,” Dr. Cuyler concludes.

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4 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Nguyen, H.Ballin' on a Budget: Little Luxuries that Americans Treat Themselves to While on a Budget.YouGov. October 10, 2023.Jose PE, Lim BT, Bryant FB.Does savoring increase happiness? A daily diary study.The Journal of Positive Psychology. 2012;7(3):176-187.Ravishankar RA, Alpaio K.Be kind to yourself today.Harvard Business Review. Published online October 10, 2022.Northwestern Medicine. Five Ways to Relax - And Boost Productivity.

4 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Nguyen, H.Ballin' on a Budget: Little Luxuries that Americans Treat Themselves to While on a Budget.YouGov. October 10, 2023.Jose PE, Lim BT, Bryant FB.Does savoring increase happiness? A daily diary study.The Journal of Positive Psychology. 2012;7(3):176-187.Ravishankar RA, Alpaio K.Be kind to yourself today.Harvard Business Review. Published online October 10, 2022.Northwestern Medicine. Five Ways to Relax - And Boost Productivity.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Nguyen, H.Ballin' on a Budget: Little Luxuries that Americans Treat Themselves to While on a Budget.YouGov. October 10, 2023.Jose PE, Lim BT, Bryant FB.Does savoring increase happiness? A daily diary study.The Journal of Positive Psychology. 2012;7(3):176-187.Ravishankar RA, Alpaio K.Be kind to yourself today.Harvard Business Review. Published online October 10, 2022.Northwestern Medicine. Five Ways to Relax - And Boost Productivity.

Nguyen, H.Ballin' on a Budget: Little Luxuries that Americans Treat Themselves to While on a Budget.YouGov. October 10, 2023.

Jose PE, Lim BT, Bryant FB.Does savoring increase happiness? A daily diary study.The Journal of Positive Psychology. 2012;7(3):176-187.

Ravishankar RA, Alpaio K.Be kind to yourself today.Harvard Business Review. Published online October 10, 2022.

Northwestern Medicine. Five Ways to Relax - And Boost Productivity.

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