Amongst the fervour of being healthy, productive and financially responsible it can be very easy to stop enjoying yourself. It is very important to think about why you’re holding things back from yourself, and think if you relaxed your ‘rules’ by 5%, if it would make you enjoy your life a lot more.
Historically I’ve rarely bought anything for myself that isn’t going to actively help me achieve something, everything has a use. That was up until a few months ago where I was working less but spending more. And I wouldn’t say I was wasting my money, but I was going out with friends more and every now and again treating myself. I was out shopping on Christmas Eve and Adidas had 40% off. Previously, I would have looked around, seen a few things I liked then told myself I don’t NEED any of it and walk out with a heavy wallet and empty hands.
Everyone has had a really tough year, and it’s important to congratulate yourself for getting through it. Now, I want to be clear that if you are someone who is constantly buying stuff, this isn’t a call to continue to buy more. Unchecked consumerism isn’t something I’m a fan of, but, if you’re someone who like me, is generally very frugal, it’s important to treat yourself occasionally, as a reward.
This extends further than just clothes or presents. When I was on placement there was one patient who wanted to lose a significant amount of weight, which was also recommended by her doctors. The doctors and nurses would often say she had to eat small meals and have no treats. We would go out on walks to get some exercise in and she would say “Can I go up to the cafe to get a chocolate milkshake?” with a cheeky grin on her face, as if to imply what she said was blasphemy to me. I would respond by asking if she thought she deserved it and most of the time it was no, but sometimes yes. I explained that these things are not healthy, but are sometimes foods, so when you feel like you deserve it, or really want it, you can have it. This mindset really helped her get used to her diet and meant she adhered much better overall.
Back to the money scenario, there is only so much one can save, and I was thinking, “what am I saving for?” I am saving money to be able to enjoy myself when I want to without having to stress about it. Right now that means I don’t need a huge amount of savings for that. If I had a mortgage and kids the amount of money I’d need would be much greater. The idea is that there is no point saving money without spending it, because what is the point of saving money if you can’t use it?
I’m someone who doesn’t treat myself often, and that does not make me superior in any way, I’m coming to realise it’s actually the opposite. Sometimes I envy people who can freely enjoy their hard earned money without stress. I’ve come to realise that there is no point hoarding every penny, and its important to think about why you’re saving money in the first place.
Regardless of what it is you’re holding back on, relax a bit, give yourself a hall pass and treat yourself, especially today on Christmas.
Harrison Hansford 