Money can’t buy happiness. I really do believe that to be true. But, little luxuries aren’t to be scoffed at and a recent study from Emporia has looked at what really counts when it comes to everyday affordable luxuries.
This post is sponsored by Emporia
Luxury means something different to everyone and it doesn’t necessarily mean a week in a 5-star hotel being waited on hand and foot (although if someone wants to send me there I’m all ears!). At the moment, for me, luxury is a few hours to myself in silence to sleep. Parenting is kicking my butt right now. Ironically, butts are one of the areas where little luxuries can be a realistic option…
Luxury toilet tissue company Emporia recently conducted a study on affordable luxury. Their research found that 79 per cent of women say buying an affordable luxury item makes them feel happy and 18 per cent say they feel empowered.
I know for me that is totally true. Possibly a bit selfish but spoiling yourself just a little bit really does feel special, particularly as a mum.
So what’s the psychology behind it?
Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Suzy Green explained that “research on ‘savouring’ or ‘luxuriating’ has shown that the simple things in life that tap into our senses have been found to create a powerful boost to our positive emotions. i.e. stopping to smell roses or the feeling of good quality towels in the bathroom. So rather than spending a lot of money on large items which can often lead to personal debt, making smaller affordable purchases can give you a psychological boost on a daily basis and may be a better investment in your long-term wellbeing.”
4 Ways To Add Luxury To Your Life (Without Breaking The Bank)
For many women, it is easy to automatically look after your family and friends but neglect caring for yourself. Don’t! It is so important to look after yourself. Regardless of your budget, there are ways to take time out for little luxuries each day.
Make Time
Time is so valuable, something you don’t realise until you are short on it. Try to find 15 minutes a day to do something that helps you relax and makes you feel special. Maybe you are into meditation, perhaps it’s exercise. For me a cup of hot tea in silence is total me time. Whatever it is, try and make it happen every day. Even if it means sticking the kids in front of the TV for an episode of Peppa Pig. Trust me, it won’t kill them.
Small Spurges
Five star luxury, top of the line furnishings and expensive holidays may not be in everyone’s budget, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add a little bit of luxury into everyday life. Something little like splurging on some smoked salmon to go with eggs for breakfast in the weekly shop can feel like a special treat if you are on a tight budget where eating out isn’t an option. Think about a special food item you can savour and budget it into your weekly shop. Then make sure you really make time to enjoy it during the week. Maybe during your 15 minutes me time ;)
Luxury At Home
Emporia’s research found that the top three affordable luxury items purchased to give the home more of a luxury feel were candles, premium toilet tissue and bath towels. I know for me, quality toilet paper really is very much worth the extra investment. Even when we were on the tightest of tight budgets. The same goes for tissues. Cheap ones will cost you when they turn into sand paper on the fourth wipe!
It turns out I’m not alone in my love of quality toilet tissue. 44% of women believe that having premium quality toilet tissue in the bathroom is on par with offering quality wine to guests. So there you go. For the small extra cost, it’s definitely a luxury item you can work into your everyday life.
Pamper Yourself
Mums don’t get a lot of time to be pampered. I know not everyone is into facials or massages or manicures but if it’s something you enjoy, try and work out a way to make it happen every now and again. Ask for vouchers for Christmas or birthdays or see if there is a local beauty training college. If you can squeeze it into the budget, take some time out to pamper yourself. There is something about having someone else look after you that just feel sooooo good.
If a salon is out of the question, a pamper session at home is always an option. Even if the budget is tight, don’t rule it out!
Everyday Luxuries
Money can’t buy happiness, true. But even a little spare change could add small, affordable luxuries that can make you feel special and spoilt. Who doesn’t want to feel like that?
You can check out the luxurious Emporium range here.
If you are so inclined, you can find all the research mentioned in this post here…
PureProfile polled 1,000 Australian women aged 18-65 between 12- 15 May 2017
B.L Fredrickson, “What Good Are Positive Emotions”, Volume 2, No. 3, 1998
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