All of us have things that we love secretly but are embarrassed to say.
What are your guilty pleasures?
We all have guilty pleasures. Whether it’s binge-watching a reality show or eating a pint of ice cream in one sitting, they allow us to escape reality and have fun.
Take a look at a few examples of common guilty pleasures.
Relax and indulge yourself!
What are guilty pleasures?
Guilty Pleasures are activities, hobbies or indulgences we enjoy, but feel guilty or ashamed about.
It can be as simple and boring as repeating a cheesy song or as complex as collecting an item.
We can temporarily escape the stress and expectations of everyday life with guilty pleasures.
You can indulge in what you like without worrying about other people’s opinions.
The concept of guilt pleasures is subjective, and it varies from one person to another. What one person considers to be a guilty delight may not be what another individual does.
One thing is certain, however – guilty delights allow us to relax and unwind without worrying about being judged.
50+ Guilty Pleasures Examples
- Reality Television– Reality shows allow us to escape the outside world and watch the drama unfold in front of our eyes.
- Junk food– Although we know that junk foods are unhealthy, their savoury, sweet, or salty flavours make it hard to resist. This makes them a guilty pleasure for many.
- Scrolling Social Media– With an ever-ending stream of content available at your fingertips, scrolling social media is a great way to pass the time, stay in touch with family and friends, and even get lost.
- Binge Watching– This is a popular pastime that allows us to escape the real world for a while and lose ourselves in our favourite shows. We can do this from the comfort of the couch.
- Romantic Comedy– While often viewed as cheesy and predictable, romantic comedy can be a great way to escape from the real world and enter a fantasy of romance and happy ends.
- Video Games Whether you’re competing in virtual racing or slaying mythical creatures, video games offer an immersive escape and the chance to test your creativity and problem-solving abilities.
- Online shopping- With just a few mouse clicks, we can indulge in the excitement of buying new things without having to leave home or deal with salespeople.
- Bubble baths Soaking in hot bubbles is a luxurious way for you to relax and unwind.
- Singing In The Shower– Singing your favourite songs in the shower is a fun and relaxing way to relieve stress and improve your mood.
- Day drinking– While not always socially appropriate, day drinking is a great way to relax and take a break from the daily grind.
- Cute Animal Video– Watching videos with adorable animals doing funny and cute things can be a great way to relax and enjoy some happiness.
- Celebrity Gossip– Reading magazines and browsing gossip sites is one way to keep up with the latest celebrity scandals. It’s a guilty delight that will feed your desire for drama and curiosity.
- Sleeping in Getting a few more minutes (or even hours) of sleep can have a huge impact on our energy and mood.
- Playing hooky– Take the day off work or school and do something spontaneous, fun, and exciting! This can be a fun way to indulge in a little rebellion and spontaneity.
- Karaoke– No matter if you sing in front of an audience or the privacy of your home, karaoke is a great way to enjoy your passion for music and performing.
- Dance Alone– Dancing alone is a great way to relieve stress and enjoy yourself.
- Napping– Taking a power nap is a great way to relax and get some sleep, even for just a few moments.
- Gossiping– While not always viewed as a positive thing, gossiping amongst friends and coworkers is a great way to build social bonds.
- Procrastinating – Although not always the best option, procrastinating is a great way to relax and enjoy freedom.
- Desserts– Do you like sweets? Many people enjoy a sweet treat, even though they know that it is not healthy.
- Adult Coloring Book– Coloring intricate designs using coloured pencils or markers is a relaxing and meditative method to express yourself creatively and relax.
- ASMR Videos The soothing sounds and whispers in these videos can help you relax or sleep. You can listen to or watch them whenever you want a little time for yourself.
- Collecting Trinkets– Collecting small trinkets such as figurines, stamps or other items can be a private and personal method to enjoy some sentimentality and nostalgic feelings.
- Trashy novels– Enjoy a lighthearted story with no heavy themes or plotlines by reading steamy romances or predictable thrillers.
- People Watching — Do you enjoy observing strangers and imagining their stories? It’s an entertaining and relaxing way to learn more about people.
- Board Games– Playing with family and friends allows you to enjoy some friendly competition as well as social interaction. Just be careful not to get too competitive.
- People Pleasing– Going the extra mile to please others can satisfy our need for approval and validation, even when it means sacrificing ourselves. Don’t let it become your lifestyle, because it can be unhealthy.
- Romantic Fantasizing – Don’t you love daydreaming about romantic scenarios or fantasies? You can indulge in your passion for romance while escaping from the everyday realities.
- Gardening Spend some time relaxing in nature while tending to a garden. You don’t have to be an expert gardener. Enjoy the process.
- Retail therapy – Buy some clothes, accessories or other items for some excitement and self-care, even if it’s not something you need.
- Online surveys Do you enjoy filling out questionnaires? This easy, mindless activity can earn you points or rewards. You might even learn something!
- Makeup tutorials– Watching and trying out different looks and makeup tutorials is fun. It lets you explore and enjoy your passion for beauty and creativity.
- Massage– Even if you just give yourself a quick foot or neck rub, a massage is a great way to relax and take care of yourself.
- Online chat – Chatting online with friends or strangers can satisfy our desire for social interaction and communication, even if it is not in person.
- Car singing – Sing your favourite songs loudly while driving. Your love of music and joy of singing will help you to relieve stress no matter how bad your vocals are.
- YouTube Binging We know that you enjoy watching videos endlessly on YouTube. You can satisfy your curiosity and your desire for entertainment by watching tutorials, cat videos, or vlogs.
- Coffee– Enjoying a cup of delicious coffee with mindfulness allows you to enjoy the warmth and comfort even if that means getting a caffeine rush.
- Texting– Stay connected to your family and friends, indulge your chattering passion, and escape your busy and stressful day by texting.
- Baking Yum! Even if you are not a professional baker, baking your favourite sweets can stimulate creativity and satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Eavesdropping– Listening to other people’s conversations can provide us with entertainment and gossip. You’re sure to hear some juicy stuff, even if it’s not polite.
- Meditation– You can enjoy relaxation and mindfulness when you spend a few moments meditating. This is a great way to take a break from all your responsibilities and tasks.
- Travel planning– We love to have something to look forward to. Even if you can’t go on vacation right away, planning your dream vacation and researching new locations will nourish your passion for adventure and exploration.
- Online Lurking– Scrolling through a person’s social media profile or online presence, without engaging with them, can satisfy your curiosity. It also provides a short respite during your busy workday.
- Spa treatments– A spa treatment can be used to pamper yourself and indulge.
- Animals You can show your love to animals by petting them. You can borrow someone else’s pet if you don’t have one.
- Deep cleaning – Cleaning our homes, cars, and workspaces excessively is satisfying to our love of cleanliness and organization, even when it’s not necessary.
- Sports – Sneak away to watch your favourite teams compete. You love sports and the excitement of competition. Plus, you can spend time with fellow fans.
- Procrastinating — Don’t love the word? You can procrastinate and be creative by baking sweet treats. It also satisfies the sweet tooth.
- Stargazing– Gaze up at the sky and consider the vastness of our universe. This can be an excellent way to experience the wonder of our magnificent universe.
- Creative writing– When you write stories, poetry, or any other creative work, it requires concentration and imagination. This puts you into a relaxed flow state. Enjoy the process, without judging your outcome.
- Window shopping – Browse through shops and imagine yourself wearing or using items that you see. This allows you to indulge in a little fantasy and daydreaming, without spending any money.
Final Thoughts
All of us have guilty pleasures. These are little indulgences we enjoy even though we know they’re not good for us. There are many things we love despite the negative consequences.
Hey, it’s only a short life, so indulgence is okay. If we are aware of their potential negative effects and do not let them take over our lives, a little guilty pleasure is just what the doctor orders.
