Let’s face it-life as an adult isn’t exactly what we thought it would be like when we were kids. When you’re young, you constantly think about how you just want to grow up so you can be your own boss. We spend our youth longing for the days when we don’t have to ask permission, where we can drive ourselves wherever we want to go, and when we can eat whatever we want without them trying to force Brussels sprouts on us.

In some ways, we get all of those things we hoped for… But then you grow weary of having to put pants on and drive yourself places, look at yourself in shame after eating cold cereal for dinner three days in a row, and you’d give anything to have mom or dad pay your rent. We get more than we bargained for. There are bills, and insurance and everything you want costs way more than you ever thought-so you’re working more often than playing just to keep your pantry stocked with Ramen noodles (all hail the trusted online ramen store), let alone all the fun things you want to buy like video games and cute new clothes. Sometimes you’re completely weighed down by the crippling realization that you have a mortgage (or rent), a car payment, and mouths to feed. Being an adult kind of blows sometimes, but you know what you could do to ease your troubles? Well, for starters, getting a mortgage calculator, maybe? And reading up on information about problems, loan interest terms, health insurance plans, and other adult-y concerns you may have. Doing the legwork of gaining knowledge through blogs or pages related to these fundamental areas of life could prove to be very useful.

Adult-life isn’t all bad. There is still the awesome benefit of not having a curfew, being able to invite friends (or boys!) over whenever you want, and not having to answer to anyone but yourself about your guilt over the sugary cereal you consumed for a week straight… But it’s easy to forget the good things when you’re constantly stressed out and working with no end in sight. It’s so common for adults to experience regular stress at work, they can take on too much work and start to burn out. If that happens to you, you need to take a step back and try and manage this stress. I’ve heard that some people will visit a weed dispensary to try and ease their stress. Apparently, weed can help you to relax, making you less stressed and more productive. That’s one way of easing stress, I’m sure there are lots of other methods online.

This is exactly why setting some money or time aside to treat yourself is so important. Treating yourself now and then is a great little reminder of what you work for, so when the workweek starts getting to you, you can remind yourself of the treat you’re going to give yourself soon. Treat yo’ self!

Ways to Treat Yourself Without Breaking the Bank

Take a vacation.

Vacations are one of the best ways to unwind and feel like you treat yourself a little bit, plus you get to see somewhere new and awesome!

Money tip: Can’t afford a big vacation? Well you don’t have to go far. Pack a tent and head for a camp out, visit a friend and stay at their place, or just spring for an inexpensive hotel room the next town over where you can relax with a book or by the poolside away from all your stresses.

Buy yourself some new clothes or a new toy.

Not only will it feel like a fun gift, but every time you get to wear your new outfit or use your new toy, it’ll feel like a new little treat all over again.

Money tip: If money is tight you can always try out shopping catalogues which help you spread the cost out over a few months. They even have catalogues for bad credit available if you’re worried about that credit score of yours. Credit can be great, as long as you use it responsibly.

Have a night in.

It’s important to treat yourself when you’re feeling stressed out and having a quiet night of pampering can go a long way in helping you feel relaxed.

Money tip: Have a budget? Run a bath, put on your favorite soothing music and make yourself a cup of your favourite herbal tea. If you want to buy yourself one treat for the evening then have a look at these wax cubes that come in a variety of scents and really add to helping create a relaxing atmosphere.

Throw a party.

Have a big bash and celebrate with your good friends. A great group of people can really brighten your day and make you forget all of your worries.

Money tip: Wanna go cheaper? Just invite a couple of like-minded friends over to watch netflix, binge on some popcorn, and have a few drinks. You can even make it cheaper by asking everyone to bring a bottle of wine and a snack to share.

Make something.

Crafting is one of the biggest ways to relieve stress for those that enjoy it. The simple pleasure of making yourself something with your own hands that you can love and treasure can feel like a real treat.

Money tip: You don’t have to go big with $90 in craft supplies. Try your hand at one of these cool dollar-store crafts from Pinterest.

Treating yourself doesn’t have to be something big either. It could be something as simple as splurging for a fancy coffee once in a while instead of just drinking your same home-brew or letting yourself have a piece of cake when you’ve been so good on your diet for so long. Just remember, if you start doing something too much then it’ll no longer feel like a treat, so don’t overdo it.

How do you treat yourself?

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