Spoil Yourself - 25 Ideas on How to Start

By Valerie Hylen

Many women, and especially moms, tend to put their needs on the back burner. We are by nature caregivers and nurturers.  If we don’t put ourselves on the list, who will?? The thing we need to understand is that we teach others how to treat us. If WE don’t feel like we deserve some time to pamper ourselves, why should anyone else?

At first, you may have to actually schedule time and money for self indulgences, but after a while the will be so enjoyable they will become part of your normal routine.

Taking the time to have some time for yourself, to relieve stress, indulge yourself and have some fun brings a more relaxed and happy you to the family.

The ways to spoil yourself are limitless, and many take only a little time and money and pay big dividends in the way you feel and enjoy life. Here are a few suggestions:

1.     Buy the book you have wanted to read, go to a cozy and quiet spot with a cup and tea and read for 20-45 minutes.

2.     Indulge in some great bath/spa products and enjoy a relaxing bath

3.     Grab your headset and enjoy music while taking a walk

4.     Head to the beach for a walk in the sand

5.     Take a leisurely bike ride

6.     Get a manicure and/or pedicure or a facial

7.     Have a massage

8.     Join a friend for lunch at a quaint tea room

9.     Head to the mall and buy some nice lingerie

10. Send the family off for the day and spend the entire day by yourself doing exactly as your please (no cleaning or running errands)

11.  Buy yourself a new piece of costume jewelry

12.   Go to the cosmetic department at a fancy store for a free makeover

13.     Visit an art gallery

14.     Work on a craft

15.     Buy yourself fresh flowers

16.      Pick up some fabulous chocolates (not to be shared)

17.      Hire a cleaning service for a day

18.     Get a babysitter so you can spend the day alone

19.      Plan an overnight trip to visit family or friends by yourself

20.      Plan an event with just your girlfriends

21.      See a play or musical

22.      Attend a concert

23.  Go to an art or craft show

24.       Get a new hairdo

25.        Buy something new that makes your feel fabulous in it

(c) 2007, www.GardenOfMe.com