Often, we label certain activities as “guilty pleasures” because we think we are wasting time with them. That is, we feel guilty when we spend time on something that we don’t view as productive. That’s a huge issue for our brain because we thus don’t let it relax. In other words, we want it to be efficient but we don’t provide it with the resources essential for that. Perhaps, it’s necessary to revise our view of what is guilty and what is not.
Gambling
Gambling often gets a bad rap because you may get addicted. But if you are genuinely enjoying your pastime at brango casino, why would you feel guilty about that? In fact, there are no reasons for that.
If you play responsibly, you can actually enjoy some psychological benefits. This is because casino games engage the mind in strategy and probability. They offer a mental workout and a quick distraction from routine tasks. The experience is likewise rewarding. Even if you don’t win, sites like uudet casinot usually shower you with gifts and promotions which is rewarding in and of itself.
Watching Reality TV
When people speak about reality TV, they are typically ironic or even sarcastic. The latter is criticized for its dramatic, sometimes lowbrow content. As a result, many of us feel a bit guilty for indulging in these shows. But should we, indeed? Of course, not.
If we put aside all the biases, reality TV can be a great way to unwind and disengage from the stresses. It offers escapism and entertainment. It can even promote empathy. We see different lifestyles, different personal challenges, and come to realize that the world is super diverse. Our life circumstances can differ a lot but the feelings we are going through are much the same.
Eating Dessert
You’ve probably anticipated this one, haven’t you? Sweets are, indeed, often associated with negative health impacts like weight gain and cavities. We feel guilty when eating them because we know we are doing something bad for our health.
The solution is moderation (yes, as always!). Enjoying dessert can actually be part of a balanced diet. It can satisfy your sweet tooth and prevent binge eating. Desserts can also be a source of immediate pleasure and enhance your mood. They can be harmless and perfectly safe as long as you likewise eat
- fruit and vegetables
- fish and nuts
- meat (or another source of protein) and other essentials of a healthy diet.
Scrolling Through Social Media
You may have read a lot about how bad this one is. They say hours slip by when you are scrolling through social media. They say it makes you less productive, prevents you from achieving your dreams, and turns you into a social media zombie. No wonder we have strong feelings of guilt over wasted time! Add to this the negative comparison with others’ curated lives — quite a lot of things to worry about, in fact.
Now, just to remind you, social media keeps you connected with friends and the world. It helps you to stay informed about current events. It lets you engage in communities with similar interests. It’s a pretty useful tool. The question is as to how you use it.
Shopping
This one was widely acknowledged as a guilty hobby after they’d invented this “shopoholic” term. That’s not entirely ungrounded. It’s true that shopping can feel indulgent, particularly if you’re buying things you don’t need. It can feel like this but it doesn’t have to.
Again, moderation is the clue. Retail therapy can be uplifting. Choosing and buying new items can boost your mood. It can also be creative and you can reward yourself for achievements in this way. Just don’t overspend, on the one hand, and don’t be too tough on yourself, on the other hand.
Now, where does it all leave us? Perhaps, the key takeaway is that pleasures aren’t guilty in and of themselves. If we enjoy something that doesn’t harm others or ourselves, there are no reasons for us to feel confused or uncomfortable about that. And if we let our brain have fun at times, it’ll certainly reward us.
