You deserve pure pleasure, whether it’s a delicious meal, a foot rub or sex. Engaging in pleasurable activities may boost happiness, which is linked to longer life. No guilt!
Blast beats.
There’s a reason you have a favorite artist or genre: Listening to music feels nice! Numerous studies have found that music helps reduce stress and that listening with the intention of relaxing helps lower cortisol levels.
Regress.
Participating in playful activities — video games and coloring count! — has been found to lower adults’ feelings of stress (along with their blood pressure). Play releases dopamine and other feel-good chemicals.
Fantasize.
Don’t be afraid to let your mind run wild. Maybe you imagine a tryst with someone from your past, that episode of Bridgerton (you know the one) or something kinkier. Fantasies are normal and healthy — especially if you can shed any shame — and can help prevent sexual boredom.
Bake.
What’s not to love about an activity that makes your home smell great and delights everyone inside? “It appeals to the senses because you’re touching soft dough and smelling amazing scents emerging from the oven, and in the end you get to eat the product you’ve made or share it,” says Amber Eisler, director of King Arthur Baking Schools.
Plan a trip.
Start researching a pleasure-inducing getaway, whatever that means to you. Research has shown that having a vacation to look forward to can provide a happiness boost even before you sip a cocktail on the beach or ski down a slope.
