14 Things You Should Never Deny Yourself In Life

14 Things You Should Never Deny Yourself In Life

1. Chasing Your Passion

Self-employed young painter looking at the camera cheerfully while sitting on a chair in her workshop. Happy female artist holding a paintbrush with colour painted hands.

Let’s be real — life’s too short to spend it doing stuff you’re not really excited about. Imagine waking up every day, pumped to get started because you’re doing what you love. Sure, not every single day will be a walk in the park, but when the core of your work aligns with your passions, even the tough days end up feeling like they’re worth it in the end. And hey, who knows? That hobby or side project could turn into a full-blown career ($$$). You won’t know unless you try.

2. Eating your favorite snacks

Yes, it’s important to eat well, but it’s called moderation, people! Denying yourself your favorite foods all the time because they’re “bad for you” isn’t just sad, it’s practically a crime against happiness. Plus, it’s assigning morality to food, which is an inanimate object and literally can’t be bad or good. You don’t want to go overboard, but there’s absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying that slice of pizza or that delicious chocolate cake. Life is all about the little pleasures, and food is definitely one of them. Treat yourself now and then – your taste buds (and soul) will thank you.

3. Indulging in some good old-fashioned alone time

Alone time isn’t a punishment, it’s a gift! It’s a chance to relax, reflect, and just be with yourself, away from the noise and obnoxiousness of the world around you. It helps you get to know yourself better and gives you space to process your thoughts and feelings. Whether you’re just enjoying a cup of coffee on your couch, reading on the porch, or even going for a walk on your own, cherish it. It makes you a better person!

4. Making time for your friends and fun

two friends laughing at restaurant

All work and no play makes you dull (not to mention miserable). Obviously, it’s important to work and make a living, but what’s life without some good laughs and great company? Whether it’s a night out on the town, a chill movie night, or just grabbing coffee, hanging out with friends is something you need to make time for in your life. These are the people who will be there for you through thick and thin, so prioritize your relationships with them or you’ll be sorry.

5. Listening to your body

Your body knows what’s up, so listen to it! Feeling tired? Maybe take a break or let yourself hit the snooze button a couple of times in the morning. Feeling a bit of pent-up energy in your bones? Go for a walk, hit the gym, or, I dunno, dance around your room. It’s all about tuning in to what your body needs and responding to it. Ignoring it can lead to burnout or worse. Plus, taking care of your body feels good, so do it!

6. Exploring new places

Photo of happy young couple walking on the beach holding hands. Young man and woman enjoying beach holiday at sunset.

I know we’re all broke and there’s not a lot of money left over at the end of the month to even think about going on vacation, but if you can swing it, travel can be life-changing. There’s something about discovering a new café, park, or a hidden street that’s just exhilarating. It’s not just about ticking places off your list, it’s about the experiences, the new sights, sounds, and smells. Even if you can only hop over to the nearest town, you’ll be amazed at what a difference it can make in your life

7. Learning new things

man on laptop and cell phone

Never underestimate the power of learning something new. Whether it’s cooking, coding, or carpentry, picking up a new skill keeps your brain sharp and your life interesting and a bit more exciting. It’s not about being perfect at something, it’s about the process and the fun of learning. Plus, you never know when that random skill might come in handy or spark a new passion. So, sign up for that class, watch those tutorials, and enjoy yourself.

8. Saying “no” when it’s necessary

It’s totally okay to say no sometimes — or even often. Overcommitting or always saying yes just makes you stressed and burnt out. It’s important to set boundaries for your time and energy. Every time you say no to something, you have time and energy to say yes to things you actually want to do. That’s not selfish, it’s smart. So, don’t feel guilty about turning down an invite or a request if it doesn’t feel right for you.

9. Celebrating small wins

Life isn’t just about the big milestones — the small wins are just as important. Finished a project? Nailed a workout? Finally cleaned your room? Celebrate it! Patting yourself on the back and giving yourself credit when it’s due will give you motivation to keep going and hit up even bigger goals and achievements. You put effort into your life — that’s not nothing.

10. Seizing the opportunity for change

Change is inevitable, and so you might as well embrace it rather than trying to resist it. Whether it’s a new job, moving to a new place, or changes in relationships, all of these inconveniences or disturbances open your life up to more opportunities and learning opportunities, as cheesy as that sounds. It might be scary at first, but it could change your life for the better. Growth happens outside of your comfort zone, not within it.

11. Prioritizing self-care

Self-care has become so overused that it’s almost become meaningless as a word, but the concept is really important for your mental and physical health. It could be as simple as taking a long bath, reading a good book, or just getting enough sleep. The key is to do things that recharge you and make you feel good. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so make yourself a priority and ensure you’re in a good place.

12. Laughing at yourself and life as a whole

Life can get pretty intense, but a good laugh can make almost anything better. Whether it’s a silly joke, a comedy show, or just laughing at your own blunders, keeping a sense of humor is vital. It lightens the mood and makes the tough moments a bit more bearable. Plus, laughter is a great way to connect with others. So don’t take life too seriously all the time – be willing to laugh at yourself.

13. Expressing your creativity

Everyone has a creative side, even if they haven’t tapped into it yet, but expressing it is a fantastic way to explore who you are. It doesn’t matter if you’re painting, writing, DIY-ing, or even gardening – as long as it gets those creative juices flowing. It’s a great outlet for emotions and a fun way to challenge yourself. Don’t worry about the end result; just enjoy the process of creating something. Your brain will thank you for the break from the routine.

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Jennifer Still is a writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience. The managing editor of Bolde, she has bylines in Vanity Fair, Business Insider, The New York Times, Glamour, Bon Appetit, and many more. You can follow her on Twitter @jenniferlstill
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