Each podcast lasts about 20-25 minutes and Gretchen and her sister, Elizabeth Craft, will typically discuss simple tips and tricks you can implement in your daily life to encourage happiness. In one podcast, they discuss indulging in a “modest splurge” as a way to increase personal happiness. A modest splurge, by their definition, is something quite small that brings you great joy. It may be something you buy, but it may also be something you don’t usually take the time to do that doesn’t cost any money at all! Some examples of indulging in a modest splurge might include buying yourself a new snazzy notebook, taking time to reread a favorite childhood book, etc.
It made me think about small things I do in my own life to boost my happiness… Things that are fairly small and almost disproportionate in the level of happiness they bring me in my life.
Below you will find a few “modest splurges” that I occasionally indulge in that came to the top of my mind. Some cost a small amount of money, but many are free! I’d also love to hear about little things you do in your life that bring you joy. Feel free to share your “modest splurges” in the comments section of this post!
Little Indulgences That Make Me Happier
- A New Candle
I absolutely love candles. They make our house feel cozy and the scent of vanilla, cinnamon, pumpkin or pine never fails to make me feel more relaxed and just plain happy. For the longest time, I would buy candles and save them, only lighting my candles during special occasions. This slowly began to change after I read The Happiness Project and the book encouraged readers to actually use the things we’re saving for something special, like writing a note on our “fancy stationary” or wearing that cute dress you’re saving for a special event. I’ve started burning my candles more regularly and truly do believe they make me just a little bit happier!
- Fresh Flowers
During the summer months, there is a hydrangea in our yard that blooms the most beautiful blue flowers. This year, we started picking them on occasion and putting them in a small vase or mason jar to enjoy in our home. Fresh flowers from our yard or a bouquet of beautiful field flowers from the farmer’s market brighten up our house and make me smile.
- Painting My Nails
If I have the chance to actually get out of the house and get a pedicure, that’s all the better, but whenever I have the chance to paint my nails, I feel a little more put together and a little bit happier. Though it doesn’t take long to paint my nails, I know I have to set aside some time to allow them to dry, so to me, painting my nails means slowing down and relaxing for a bit, usually on the couch with Ryan while we watch a movie or favorite TV show together.
- Special Coffee
Buying a specialty coffee drink from a local coffee shop or Starbucks makes me a little too happy, but so does fancying up a cup of coffee at home with frothed milk or coconut cream and cinnamon. It’s something I don’t take the time to do every day, so when I do put a little extra effort in to making myself a special cup of coffee, it makes my morning a little bit happier!
- Reading
Ever since I was a little girl, reading has brought me so much joy. Something about curling up under a cozy blanket with a good book makes a happy calm come over my body like no other!
- Watching Stand Up Comedy
Ryan and I love watching stand up comedy and when we find a new comedian to watch who cracks us up, there’s nothing better! (I’m always open to recommendations, so if there’s a comedian out there who you love that I should check out, please let me know. Bonus points if they’re on Netflix!) Laughing with my husband brings me so much joy and the fun often continues when we find ourselves quoting some of our favorite comedians for years to come. (Any other Aziz Ansari fans out there? Ryan and I say “Unsubscribe” to each other all the time. Ha!)
Question of the Day
- Tell me about one of the little things you indulge in on occasion that brings you joy. What are some of your modest splurges?
![\"Quantcast\"/](\"//pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-1e3-7hOJ_U8Bg.gif\")
I’ve been loving their podcasts as well. They are perfect in length while doing chores around the house. My little one is even beginning to recognize their voices : )
I love using my fancy shower gels. I used to “save” them to use while getting ready for a special event but lately I feel being a momma of two is a perfect excuse!
Pausing for a few minutes to read this blog when I’m in the middle of a hectic day brings me happiness! Thank you for your thoughtful posts 🙂
Thank you so much for reading and for your kind comment, Allison! <3
I love everything that has been mentioned. A few more little things that make me very happy are buying new make up, buying a new workout top, and pumpkin frozen yogurt!
Love these little indulgences! Painting my nails is on my list too except it’s quite a process because I’m terrible at it. I’m a comedy super nerd. You should check out Mike Birbiglia. More of a storyteller but his stand-up will make you laugh and cry. One of my faves!
Coffee, candles and flowers.. all the best things:)
Yes to the candles! I’ve been burning mine in the evening when I do yoga and or read. So relaxing!