If you’ve ever hesitated before hitting “purchase” on that thing you’ve wanted for months—wondering if it’s too much, too indulgent, or too self-centered—this article is your permission slip. Treating yourself doesn’t mean you’ve fallen into some hedonistic trap. It means you’re paying attention to your needs, prioritizing joy, and affirming something really important: you matter. Not because you’re productive, not because you checked everything off your to-do list, but because you’re human.
Let’s break down how intentional self-treats, from small delights to big-ticket splurges, help reinforce your self-worth in a world that often asks you to prove it.
Can a Bath Bomb Really Boost Your Mental Health? Yes, and Here’s Why
It’s easy to brush off the bath bomb as just a fizzy gimmick, but science says otherwise. The link between physical rituals and emotional regulation is strong. That long soak in a warm tub, paired with pleasant smells and soothing colors, actually cues your body to relax and slow down. Bath bomb wellness is something that’s more than just bubbles.
Engaging in a sensory experience like this has been shown to lower cortisol, ease anxiety, and even shift your mindset into one that’s more compassionate toward yourself. The act of carving out that time says to your brain: you’re allowed to rest. You don’t have to earn it. You don’t have to apologize for it. Giving yourself this space becomes a form of self-respect—and your nervous system will thank you.
It’s not Shallow to Care About how you Look
This one matters most because it’s where hesitation often hits hardest. Spending money on something like laser hair removal or skin treatments might feel extravagant or even vain—but it’s not. When you invest in something like laser hair removal in Boise, dermabrasion in Las Vegas, or even a chemical peel in Dallas, it isn’t just about perfectly smooth skin. It’s about choosing what makes you feel confident, comfortable, and in control of your body.
In reality, this kind of investment in yourself isn’t about meeting someone else’s beauty standard—it’s about choosing your own. When you say, “I want this for me,” you shift the narrative. It becomes less about fixing yourself and more about honoring what makes you feel powerful and polished. That’s not vanity. That’s ownership.
Why It’s so Hard to Just Take the Trip
There’s a reason you keep postponing that weekend getaway or solo retreat. It’s not just logistics—it’s mindset. Many of us are wired to believe that rest is a reward, not a right. We wait for burnout, then wonder why recovery feels so slow. But taking that trip—whether it’s a mountain escape or a cozy Airbnb staycation—is a tangible way to disrupt the cycle.
It signals to your brain that you deserve pleasure without a prerequisite. That your happiness isn’t something you should feel guilty for prioritizing. Travel, especially the kind you plan for yourself, has the power to rewire old beliefs about what you’re allowed to have. It gives you new memories, fresh perspective, and often, a renewed sense of clarity. And that kind of clarity? Worth every penny.
What Happens When you Buy the Thing you Said Was “Too Much”?
That jacket. That course. That pair of shoes you’ve wanted forever. Most of us know what it feels like to want something, then immediately talk ourselves out of it. “It’s too expensive.” “It’s not practical.” “I don’t need it.” But what if the point isn’t needing it? What if the point is acknowledging that desire itself can be healthy?
There’s power in listening to yourself—and honoring what lights you up. Buying something meaningful (not mindless) helps reinforce that your wants matter. It’s not about retail therapy for the sake of distraction. It’s about choice. When you treat yourself with thoughtfulness, you’re practicing agency.
Paying for Support is an act of Self-Trust
Hiring a coach, seeing a therapist, joining a wellness membership—these all come with a price tag, yes. But they also come with something more: a deeper relationship with yourself. Deciding to invest in your emotional growth or physical wellbeing sends a message loud and clear: you are worth showing up for. This can feel especially bold if you grew up believing independence meant never needing help.
But true strength doesn’t come from doing everything alone. It comes from knowing when to lean in and let someone else walk alongside you. Whether it’s processing grief, building habits, or finally getting help with your anxiety, choosing support is one of the most radical ways to treat yourself.
P.S. Before you zip off to your next Internet pit stop, check out these 2 game changers below - that could dramatically upscale your life.
1. Check Out My Book On Enjoying A Well-Lived Life: It’s called "Your To Die For Life: How to Maximize Joy and Minimize Regret Before Your Time Runs Out." Think of it as your life’s manual to cranking up the volume on joy, meaning, and connection. Learn more here.
2. Life Review Therapy - What if you could get a clear picture of where you are versus where you want to be, and find out exactly why you’re not there yet? That’s what Life Review Therapy is all about.. If you’re serious about transforming your life, let’s talk. Book a FREE consult call here.
Think happier. Think calmer.
Think about subscribing for free weekly tools here.
No SPAM, ever! Read the Privacy Policy for more information.
One last step!
Please go to your inbox and click the confirmation link we just emailed you so you can start to get your free weekly NotSalmon Happiness Tools! Plus, you’ll immediately receive a chunklette of Karen’s bestselling Bounce Back Book!