16 Inexpensive and Healthy Indulgences worth Trying

Amy Taylor May 13, 2013

After a long and exhausting day at work, isn’t it nice to take a break and indulge a little? Below are some of the best ways to indulge because aside from lowering down your stress levels, they can also enhance your health and well-being!

Fill your room with lavender scent.

There’s probably a reason why many people feel so relaxed in a sweet-smelling room. Vast research has shown that aromatherapy works! Smelling the mild scent of lavender, rosemary or camomile has been shown to help the body calm down and promote cognitive abilities, particularly concentration and attention. If you want to have a restful sleep tonight, spray lavender extract on your pillow or place a bottle of this essential oil on your table. Sweet dreams!

Indulge in steak tuna.

Instead of eating crisps or high-calorie pasta, treat yourself with a generous serving of fresh tuna steak. Fatty fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids that boost brain health, reduce your risk of developing heart problems, and increase your energy levels.

Keep moving.

You don’t always need a treadmill to have a good workout. There are more enjoyable ways to exercise – walking your dog, playing with your kids, and doing gardening works can all help you burn calories and at the same time, improve your mood. Exercising also promotes overall health.

Have enough sleep.

Perhaps the reason why you’re always lacking in energy is because you don’t have enough sleep. Quality sleep plays a big role in warding off fatigue and replenishing lost energy. It is also important in memory formation. Whenever possible, have some nap during the day to recharge your batteries.

Stretch it out.

Stuck in the office and couldn’t exercise? No need to worry. You can always stretch out! Stretching even for just 10 minutes can dramatically increase blood circulation – a key factor in stress management. Not only that. Stretching alleviates muscle tension and improves flexibility. To maximise its effects, try yoga.

Reunite with nature.

They say some of the best things are free! Reuniting with Mother Earth can give you a deep sense of fulfilment, peace of mind, and happiness. Instead of staying at home and browsing the web during your day-off, go out and get in touch with nature. Ride a bike, visit the nearest natural destinations, or backpack with friends. These activities are fun and amazingly good for your health!

Go exotic.

Whenever you have the chance, don’t miss trying some of the healthiest exotic foods. Adding slices of star fruit, papaya, "horned" cucumbers, acai berries, or prickly pear is another way to enjoy your salad. These foods are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that are responsible for repairing and preventing cellular damage.

Chat with your friends.

Friends can cheer you up when you’re feeling down and give you emotional support when you need to. Many studies have shown that having friends gives you a sense of belongingness, purpose, and self-worth. If you can’t be with your friends, call them or chat with them through the internet.

Get a chair massage.

Can’t afford a full body massage at the spa? Well, you can always have a relaxing and invigorating chair massage! This inexpensive indulgence promotes blood flow and reduces stress. If it’s not available in your office, you can get it in malls, shopping centres, and wellness clinics. It only takes a few minutes of your time to get a chair massage but its effects are truly lasting.

Cuddle with your spouse.

You had enough at work. So when you get home, you probably would want to spend an hour or so watching TV whilst sipping cold beer and munching on popcorn. But there’s a more relaxing and fulfilling way to indulge than these – cuddle with your spouse! Making love with your partner does not only free you from stress. It also helps you burn calories and increase your mood. It makes you fall asleep faster too.

Swap coffee with tea.

Consuming 4 to 5 cups of tea (black or green) per day can lower down your stress levels and enhance your immune system. This popular beverage is filled with powerful antioxidant polyphenols that can greatly reduce your risk of developing serious illnesses.

Watch a funny movie.

What they say is true – laughter is the best medicine! Having a good laugh reduces stress, stabilises blood pressure, promotes blood flow, and aids digestion. What’s more surprising is that even just the anticipation of laughter can already impact your health positively. Watch a funny movie with your hubby and kids for a great family bonding.

Get a manicure.

Why do you think manicure is so relaxing and sometimes ‘addictive’? Well, like massage, manicure involves contact with another person through touch – something that makes you feel pampered and calm. Getting a manicure (as well as pedicure) is an enjoyable way to let go of stress and improve your self-esteem.

Give your partner the sweetest kiss!

Once you get home, give your spouse a big kiss! Kiss is really magical. It doesn’t just make you feel loved, but also benefits your immune system.

Nibble on a piece of dark chocolate.

For many people, eating chocolates is the best way to indulge. Well, it’s true, as long as you choose dark chocolates and limit your consumption to one ounce per day. These antioxidant-filled sweets are scientifically proven to lower blood pressure, increase good cholesterol, and boost blood flow – which are all good for your heart!

Take a relaxing bath.

Before heading to sleep, refresh your body and your mind by taking a warm bath. For a relaxing and pleasurable bath, try this aromatherapy recipe: combine 3 drops bergamot essential oil, 2 drops clary sage essential oil, 2 drops lavender essential oil, 2 drops neroli essential oil, and 2 drops sandalwood essential oil. Apply the mixture on your skin and experience its stress-relieving effect!

See? Who says indulging is pricey? All these healthy indulgences can have a tremendous impact on your health and well-being. So whenever you feel so stressed and worn out, you know what to do. Cheers to good health!

What are the healthy things you usually do when you are stressed? Share some more tips by posting a comment below.