It’s the little things in life that can sometimes make a big difference. While spending a fortune on yourself can, and probably will, create moments of dopamine-fueled joy, those feelings will often fade and you will find yourself chasing a higher thrill each time. I mean, sure, who wouldn’t like to splurge? But this is not a sustainable solution, and well, we all want to feel special and experience joy on a day-to-day basis, or at least as close to that as we can. Let’s explore some affordable options, involving simple yet effective stimulation of our senses to achieve just that.
Scented candles
Stating the obvious is the first thing on our list and for a good reason, it was right under our nose.
All kidding aside, candles offer a combination of sensory treats such as smell (my personal favorite is lavender), sight, as the flame slowly dances in a dimmed room, and last but not least- sound. You can purchase candles designed to burn making popping sounds as a camp fire would. Candles last, they can be used and reused over and over providing hours of sensory stimulation with a price tag similar to a nice one-time bottle of wine. They always bring a ceremonial vibe to the room and make it ,and you, feel a tad more luxurious.
DIY Spa Night
Moving on to our next affordable pampering experience, the home spa. Get some face masks, bath bombs and your choice of soothing music. You can start the night with a glass of wine and a face mask in your robe while the bathtub fills up and take it from there. Nothings screams luxury vacation more than this relaxing activity. My tip for you women out there with kids, a spouse/partner or anyone else you live with- set a fixed spa night for yourself, you deserve it!
Silk Pillowcase
This one might seem a bit silly or irrelevant to some of you but I promise, the second you lay your head on a smooth, silky pillow, you’ll get what I’m talking about. From that point on, anytime you’ll see it waiting for you on top of your bed, you would smile. The reduced friction on your skin will lead to better sleep and what is more luxurious than sleeping like a queen?
Contrary to what you may think, decent silk pillowcases can be found at very reasonable prices at home stores and online.
Premium Chocolate
I don’t eat chocolate. There, I said it. I never understood what the fuss is about. However, and this is a big issue for me to admit as a life-long anti-chocolate person, when I was practically forced to try some artisanal chocolate by a friend of mine at a small event we attended, I found myself experiencing something new. The rich texture, the full flavor (not the sweet kind) and the box it came in, made me feel different. It made me feel as if it was made with the sole propose of making me smile and that, that is the definition of luxuries to me. An experience stimulating your senses, making you feel as if it was put on this earth for that one reason.
I still don’t really care for chocolate but every time I pass by that artisanal chocolate shelf at the grocery store near my house, it give me goose bumps.
