29 Guilty Pleasure Examples That are Actually Secret Therapy
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So, what are guilty pleasures, really?
At their core, guilty pleasures are things we enjoy but feel like we shouldn’t. They’re activities, habits, or indulgences that bring us joy, but for whatever reason, we’ve been taught to think they’re unproductive, silly, or even embarrassing.
But why should we feel guilty about joy? Who made these rules? And more importantly, why do we obey them?
Why do we automatically associate guilty pleasures with guilt?
It comes down to a few things:
Societal expectations.
We live in a world that glorifies productivity, efficiency, and hustle. Anything that doesn’t contribute to a clear goal is seen as "wasting time." But sometimes, doing nothing is exactly what we need.Fear of being judged.
A lot of guilty pleasures involve things that are considered "lowbrow" or "basic"—reality TV, pop music, scrolling TikTok for hours. But why should that matter? High culture, low culture—it’s all just culture.The illusion of ‘maturity.’
Some guilty pleasures—like rewatching cartoons, eating sugary cereal, or getting excited about teen dramas—are things we associate with childhood. There’s this weird pressure to "outgrow" joy, as if becoming an adult means only enjoying serious, intellectual things. (Spoiler: It doesn’t.)Self-judgment.
Even without external pressure, we internalize these ideas. We tell ourselves: I should be doing something better with my time. But says who? And what’s “better” than happiness?
But here’s my favorite part—guilty pleasures are actually GOOD for us.
Psychologists talk about the importance of self-soothing behaviors—little things that calm our nervous system and bring comfort. A lot of guilty pleasures fall into this category. They’re a form of self-care, whether we recognize it or not.
For example:
Watching reality TV gives our brains an escape, like a mini-vacation from stress.
Listening to the same song on repeat is a sensory comfort that feels safe and familiar.
Window shopping online gives us a tiny thrill of possibility without the financial risk.
All these examples of guilty pleasure help us unwind. And in a world that constantly demands more from us, isn’t that a good thing?
So, should we even call them ‘guilty’ pleasures?
Honestly? No. Maybe we need a rebrand. What if we just called them "joyful indulgences" or "tiny personal luxuries"? Because at the end of the day, there’s no guilt in doing something that makes you happy (as long as it’s not harmful).
Indulgence vs. Excess: Where’s the Line?
Indulgence itself isn’t bad. It becomes harmful when it crosses into one of these zones:
When it starts negatively impacting your life.
If an indulgence starts messing with your health, relationships, or responsibilities, that’s when it shifts from self-care to self-sabotage. Example:Eating an entire pizza alone once in a while? Indulgence.
Eating an entire pizza every single day while ignoring your body’s needs? Probably an issue.
When it turns into avoidance.
Some guilty pleasures are great escapes. But if we start using them to avoid important feelings, tasks, or personal growth, they can become a problem. Example:Watching a few hours of Netflix after a stressful day? Indulgence.
Using Netflix as a way to avoid dealing with emotions or responsibilities? Now we’re avoiding reality.
When the ‘pleasure’ becomes guilt-inducing.
The weird thing about indulgence is that too much of something enjoyable can make us feel worse instead of better. Example:Online shopping occasionally for fun? Indulgence.
Maxing out a credit card on impulse buys and stressing about it later? Now it’s regret.
When it doesn’t actually make you happy anymore.
The whole point of indulgence is to bring joy. If something you used to love starts making you feel empty, restless, or drained, it might be time to check in with yourself. Example:Playing video games for a few hours and having fun? Indulgence.
Playing video games for 10 hours straight and feeling numb afterward? Maybe it’s no longer serving you.
So, how do we keep indulgences ‘good’?
It comes down to intentionality. If you’re choosing indulgence consciously (instead of out of habit, stress, or emotional avoidance) then it’s probably a healthy one.
A few ways to check yourself:
✔ Does it feel good after you do it, or only during? (Good indulgences leave you feeling better, not worse.)
✔ Are you in control of it, or does it control you? (A good indulgence is something you can walk away from.)
✔ Is it adding something positive to your life, or just numbing something negative? (Pleasure should enrich, not just distract.)
29 Guilty Pleasures Examples that are Secret Therapy
1. Rewatching Your Comfort Show (for the 100th Time)
You know the one. The show that feels like home, where you can recite the lines before the characters do. There’s no suspense, no anxiety—just pure, predictable comfort. It’s like a weighted blanket for your brain.
Instead of feeling guilty, lean into it. Let yourself fully relax. Maybe pair it with a cozy drink or light a candle that smells like nostalgia. Bonus points if you put on your softest hoodie and turn your phone on Do Not Disturb.
2. Singing Your Heart Out (Even If You Sound Terrible)
There’s something so cathartic about blasting your favorite song and singing like you’re headlining a world tour. It’s not about talent—it’s about freeing your emotions in a way that talking can’t always do.
Sing in the shower, in the car, while cleaning—anywhere. And if you’re really feeling it, dance too. It’s like an emotional reset button.
3. Eating Breakfast for Dinner
Why does it feel rebellious? Who knows. But flipping pancakes at 8 PM or having a bowl of cereal at midnight just hits different. It’s a small act of defiance against the rules of adulthood.
Go all in. Make an elaborate breakfast spread—fluffy waffles, crispy bacon, fresh fruit, whipped cream. Or go the lazy route and eat straight from the cereal box while watching cartoons. Either way, embrace the joy.
4. Buying a Book and Not Reading It (Yet)
There’s something about owning a book that feels like a tiny promise to your future self. Even if you never read it, just having it on your shelf makes you feel a little smarter, a little more cultured.
Don’t pressure yourself to read it right away. The joy is in the possibility—the idea that one day, when the time is right, that book will be exactly what you need.
5. Watching Dramatic Reality TV
Trashy? Maybe. Therapeutic? Absolutely. Seeing other people’s over-the-top drama makes your own life feel peaceful by comparison. It’s a weirdly effective way to de-stress.
Instead of judging yourself for watching, embrace it. Make it an event—pop some popcorn, wrap yourself in a blanket, and fully invest in the ridiculousness.
6. Window Shopping Online (and Abandoning the Cart)
The thrill of picking out things you could buy without actually spending a dime? This example of guilty pleasure is the ultimate no-commitment fun. You get the dopamine hit without the financial regret.
Create Pinterest boards or wish lists to “collect” things you love. Sometimes just curating a beautiful list is enough to satisfy the craving. Bonus tip: If you still want something after a month, then maybe it’s worth buying.
7. Sitting in the Car and Not Going Inside Right Away
You park. You turn off the engine. But you don’t get out. Instead, you just sit there, enjoying the quiet, the solitude, the weird little limbo between obligations.
Use this moment however you need. Deep breaths. One more song. A moment to scroll aimlessly or just stare into space. It’s like a tiny rebellion against rushing.
8. Rewatching Old YouTube Vlogs from 2010-2015
There’s something oddly comforting about the old-school YouTube days—before everything was hyper-curated and aesthetic. Just casual, chatty vlogs of people living their lives. It feels simple, nostalgic, and cozy.
Go down the rabbit hole guilt-free. Maybe even dig up old vlogs of places you’ve been or content from your teenage years. Let yourself time travel for a bit.
9. Making a To-Do List with Things You’ve Already Done
Write down “Wake up.” Check. “Make coffee.” Check. “Think about being productive.” Check. There’s a weird satisfaction in checking off tasks, even if you only wrote them down after the fact.
If it helps you feel accomplished, who cares if it’s “cheating”? The trick is to use this little momentum boost to do one or two more things. Productivity is just tricking your brain into believing it’s capable.
10. Talking to Yourself (Like, Full Conversations)
People call it weird, but it’s actually a genius form of self-therapy. Saying things out loud helps you process emotions, solve problems, and even boost confidence.
Try narrating your thoughts while cooking or cleaning. Or rehearse difficult conversations. Or just be your own hype person. It’s weird, sure, but also weirdly effective.
11. Scrolling Through Old Texts Just to Feel Something
Sometimes, revisiting old conversations—whether with friends, family, or even past versions of yourself—feels like flipping through a scrapbook. It’s a way to remember how far you’ve come, how loved you’ve been, or just to relive a good laugh.
If you find a really good one, screenshot it and keep a little “happy texts” album on your phone. Bad day? Boom. Instant mood boost.
12. Sitting in the Dark and Doing Absolutely Nothing
No lights, no distractions, no obligations. Just stillness. There’s something deeply therapeutic about letting yourself exist without needing to do anything. It’s like hitting pause on the world.
Close your eyes, let your mind wander, and enjoy the rare moment of complete peace. It’s the cheapest form of meditation.
13. Leaving an Unnecessarily Long Voice Note Instead of Texting
Typing? Exhausting. Voice notes? So much better. You get to ramble, infuse emotion, and make someone feel like you’re right there with them. Plus, it saves time.
Don’t overthink it. Just hit record and talk like you’re leaving a voicemail for your future self or narrating a documentary about your life. Your friends will love it.
14. Reading Too Many Reviews for Something You Might Not Even Buy
You’re deep into the review section, analyzing strangers’ opinions like it’s a case study. Will you actually buy the thing? Maybe. Maybe not. But now you have thoughts.
Think of it as research for a life you might want someday. Reading reviews of expensive coffee makers? Maybe you’re manifesting your dream kitchen.
15. Taking Extra-Long Showers Just to Think
A 3-minute rinse is survival. A 20-minute shower? That’s a full reset. The steam, the warmth—it’s basically a DIY spa. Something about running water turns a regular shower into a TED Talk in your head. You solve problems, plan your future, and mentally rehearse arguments you’ll never have.
Try adding music, dimming the lights, or using aromatherapy shower steamers to make it an even more luxurious thinking space.
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16. Making a Super Dramatic Playlist for an Emotion You’re Not Even Feeling
Sad girl autumn, villain arc, main character energy—whatever the vibe, you have a playlist for it. You might not be heartbroken, but will you make a moody playlist just in case? Absolutely.
Use it as a way to prepare for future feelings, or just as a creative exercise. A good playlist is like a time capsule for your emotions.
17. Watching People Organize Things (Instead of Doing It Yourself)
Nothing gets your life together like watching someone else get theirs together. Hyper-organized pantries, perfectly folded laundry, color-coded bookshelves—it’s strangely satisfying.
If it inspires you to clean, great. If not, no pressure. Let yourself enjoy the aesthetic satisfaction without guilt.
18. Overdressing for Something Casual
Wearing a blazer to the grocery store? Lipstick for a coffee run? Why not? Sometimes, putting in a little extra effort for no reason makes the day feel special.
Own it. Even if no one notices, you will. And that’s enough.
19. Taking Way Too Long to Pick a Movie, Then Just Rewatching an Old Favorite
You spend 40 minutes scrolling. You read the descriptions. You debate. And then… you just put on the same movie you’ve seen 15 times. And it’s still great.
Skip the stress. If you already know what you love, embrace it. No need to force yourself into a new experience every time. Comfort is its own kind of joy.
20. Googling Symptoms and Diagnosing Yourself Like a Fake Doctor
We all do it. One weird headache and suddenly, you’re deep in a WebMD rabbit hole, debating whether you should panic or just drink more water.
Use it as a reminder to actually take care of yourself. And maybe… just maybe… trust a real doctor instead of Reddit.
21. Romanticizing Your Own Life Like You’re in a Movie
You sip your coffee like it’s a cinematic masterpiece. You stare out the window with soft music playing, lost in thought. You walk through the grocery store as if it’s an indie film montage.
Add a soundtrack (earbuds in, world out). Slow down and notice the little things—the way light hits your coffee, the sound of leaves in the wind. The main character energy is free.
22. Looking Up Horoscope Readings You Don’t Even Believe In
Maybe astrology is real, maybe it’s just fun nonsense. Either way, reading your daily horoscope (or compatibility charts 👀) is a tiny, secret thrill.
Don’t just stick to your Sun sign; explore your personality further by checking out the 16 personality types. You can also look into your friends’ personality profiles and have fun comparing insights, acting like an expert in understanding their unique traits!
23. Wandering Through a Bookstore Without Buying Anything
The smell of paper. The quiet shuffling of people browsing. The possibility of a new story. Even if you leave empty-handed, just being there is an experience.
Let yourself pick up books, read the first page, and imagine your life if you read them. No pressure to buy—just soak in the inspiration.
24. Lying on the Floor for No Reason at All
There’s something oddly grounding about just lying there, staring at the ceiling, existing. It’s the ultimate reset button when life feels overwhelming.
Try it with music playing softly in the background. Or total silence. Bonus points if you dramatically sigh while doing it.
25. Binge-Watching Tiny Home or Van Life Videos
You’re not actually going to move into a van or live in a 200-square-foot home… but watching people do it is fascinating. It’s escapism with a touch of minimalism envy.
Imagine what your tiny home or dream van would look like. Would you actually survive in one? Maybe not. But it’s fun to think about.
26. Rewatching the Same TikTok 17 Times Because It’s That Funny
Some videos just hit. And instead of moving on, you loop it over and over, laughing like it’s the first time.
If it’s really good, send it to a friend so they can suffer (or enjoy) with you. Bonus: This might become an inside joke.
27. Sitting in a Coffee Shop Just to People-Watch
You’re not really working. You’re sipping your drink, soaking in the ambiance, and quietly observing humanity unfold in real-time.
Make up little backstories for the people around you. Imagine their lives, their problems, their secrets. It’s a quiet form of creativity.
28. Randomly Looking Up Dream Houses on Zillow
Will you ever own a five-bedroom oceanfront villa with a library and spiral staircase? Maybe not. But for now, Zillow scrolling lets you pretend.
Pick a dream location and imagine your life there. Would you have a cozy mountain cabin or a sleek city penthouse? Let yourself dream without limits.
29. Wearing Headphones with No Music Just to Avoid Small Talk
The ultimate introvert hack. Just pop in those earbuds, and suddenly, no one expects you to engage. Sometimes, silence is the best soundtrack.
If someone does try to talk to you, do the fake "pause music and take out one earbud" move. Then decide if they’re worth unpausing for.
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Conclusion
We’ve gone through all 29 quiet, cozy, secretly therapeutic guilty pleasures.
Now… let’s chat. Which ones are so you? Any guilty pleasures I missed? Or do you just want us to quietly exist together in our own little guilty-pleasure world?
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