Looking for some guilty pleasure examples to try out yourself? Well, you’re in luck. We’ve all got little secrets in this article that bring joy and smiles. Generally speaking, most fun hobbies, interests, and guilty pleasures could apply to anyone. But we believe each person makes their relaxation methods unique with their character. So, let’s unwrap what fun things people do at home and discover what makes these activities special.
Of course, there’s a reason for the word “guilty“ in the name of this phenomenon. We’re bound by various norms and expectations of the people around us, and indulging in this pleasure often comes at the cost of postponing our responsibilities. We crawl away to a room fit for the guilty pleasure and partake in it secretly, even if it’s nothing too serious.
But it’s essential to allow yourself such getaways, and we should be more accepting regarding how people relax. What’s useless and wasteful for some, for others, it could be the best way to unwind after a hard day and recharge for what’s next.
So, dive into this list of examples of guilty pleasures and be brave enough to allow yourself to try some of them. Share this article with your friends and family, as you never know who might need new ways of relaxation.
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Buying More Books Than You Can Read
Reading! It’s good for you, your brain and your inner peace. While some of us pretended to read the required books in school, as adults, we usually buy books so that our new coffee table can attract more attention. No shame in that, and who knows, maybe you’ll pick one of those books someday and read it to discover how great of a book it is.
Daydreaming Or Fantasizing
The best place to be during hard times is in our small mental universe. You have total control over it, and it's quiet and private. Additionally, there is nothing wrong with losing yourself within it.
Ha. I fill my mind with documentaries and if I have to actually be "present" my hands are busy cross-stitching 🤷🏼♀️ I'm currently in survival mode
Ordering Takeout When You Simply Don't Feel Like Cooking
You can't be bothered to make your dinner while you're sitting on the couch with your cozy blanket and waiting for the next episode of your favorite show to start playing. Your stomach will appreciate you for picking up that takeaway menu; however, your wallet may not.
I wish I had the money to make this an option 🤷🏼♀️ or at least a maid to clean up the kitchen
Eating Dessert Before Dinner – Or Whenever
We all enjoy eating a tasty dessert, whether it's a two-layer chocolate sundae, a simple one-dollar popsicle, or maybe even licking a spoonful of peanut butter. Eating what you want away from other people's prying eyes is another advantage to eating at home and saving more money.
Spending All Saturday At Home In Pajamas
Spending the entire Saturday at home in your pajamas may seem like laziness, but it actually allows you to recover. Even though you might be embarrassed to admit it, staying in on the weekend to relax rather than running errands or going out is one of the healthiest guilty pleasures you can indulge in. As long as it's exercised with the self-control to occasionally drag yourself out of bed and hang out with pals.
What is a Guilty Pleasure?
You enjoy a guilty pleasure but might feel embarrassed or guilty about liking it. It’s like having a secret treat or a selection of cheap hobbies that brings you joy, even if others might not understand why. It could be a favorite TV show, a sugary snack, or a cheesy pop song—something that might be frowned upon by “serious” grown-ups.
Guilty pleasures are personal and often associated with simple pleasures that make you happy, even if they’re not widely praised. So, it’s like having a little secret source of happiness that you might keep just for yourself.
Singing Along To The Music In Your Car
A carpool karaoke session is always enjoyable, windows up or down. With the wind blowing and the radio blasting, it's only natural for us to want to sing along with. If you are looking for some memorable song lyrics to sing along to, we have also compiled a list just for this occasion.
Listening To A Catchy Song On Repeat
Sometimes, a catchy song just grabs hold of your spirit and won't let go, pushing you to play it again and again, until you know every beat by heart. While playing a song repeatedly can feel nice in the moment, most listeners are not eager to share this habit with others.
Watching Your Favorite Children’s Movies As An Adult
Despite being targeted at that particular audience, children's movies can gain even more popularity among the adults who watched them while they were younger. Even though many people can still appreciate a solid performance in Peter Pan or The Lion King well into adulthood, for the majority of these people, it still counts as a guilty pleasure.
Eating A Half-Gallon Of Ice Cream
All forms of sadness can be cured with ice cream. However, occasionally, this treat can be overdone. Binging on ice cream is a well-liked yet considered a bit of a shameful activity.
Eating Cookie Dough Batter
Since we were young children, we have all received warnings not to do it, yet we all still sneak a taste. One of the best guilty pleasures is eating uncooked cookie dough batter, despite the dangers.
Yes, I know I should not. Don't need constant reminders. Munch munch munch.
What Are Some Harmless and Common Guilty Pleasures?
Harmless guilty pleasures are things you enjoy that don't cause harm or trouble. They’re like little treats that make you happy without any adverse effects. They can be even a selection of the most weird hobbies, what matters is that it’s relaxing for you. Here are some of them:
- Indulging in your favorite snacks
- Binge-watching a fun TV show
- Spending time on social media
- Playing your favorite game for a couple of hours
- Allowing yourself to sleep in
These simple delights are okay if they don't interfere with significant responsibilities and aren't too frequent. Not only can you relax by allowing these guilty pleasures for yourself, but you can also give yourself a nice boost for the day ahead.
Cancelling Plans To Stay Home And Be By Yourself
In a moment of optimism, we usually agree to a lot of ideas that our friends offer us. But as the planned activity approaches and that optimism disappears, it’s common to start feeling like staying at home that day and canceling all of the plans. It could ruin some friendships, but if you don’t want to partake in an activity - it is alright!
Putting Things In Your Online Cart And Never Buying Them
Putting a $200 flower vase in your online shopping cart while knowing you'll never actually click the "place your order" button has a certain pleasant feeling. In all honesty, the more stuff in your cart that you never intend to purchase, the better.
Long, Hot Showers With The Hottest Water Possible
A good shower not only cleans us but also replenishes our inner energy so that we can continue to move towards another day. May it be in the morning or after a long day of work, it’s not uncommon to just forget the worries of the world and take a long, hot shower. It is one of the greatest pleasures to partake in.
Apparently it comes from alack of physical affection ( having long hot showers) 🤷🏼♀️
Sleeping In
Isn't it nice to not have to set an alarm? To awaken to the sun, energized and prepared to begin the day of your own volition? You have earned the right to snooze on the weekends and your days off, but remember to set an alarm for workdays as well. Due to the development of hybrid and remote working, commutes are no longer necessary, which means you may be able to get more sleep than you did on the days when you had to brace yourself for a protracted automobile, rail, or bus ride.
Eating Food Out Of The Jar, Or Drinking Beverage Out Of The Carton
We don't mean this in the same way as the person who licked ice cream from a Blue Bell tub before putting it back on the shelf - that's not OK! But why not save yourself the dirty dishes if you have a container of Nutella or a carton of juice for yourself? You don't have to worry that a coworker will pick up that carton of milk next.
Purely from a "how long it lasts" point of view, I would not recommend doing this with jam, like in the picture. You're likely to end up possibly quite ill if you eat too much of it, but if you are putting your mouth bacteria covered spoon back into the jam, you're going to encourage mould growth a lot faster than if you just decant some into a separate bowl to eat. Nutella, ice cream, or juice don't have the same problem - there's something about jam
How Do You Know When Your Guilty Pleasure is Bad?
If your guilty pleasure starts interfering with essential daily tasks, harms your well-being, or strains relationships with others, it might be a sign that it’s time to indulge in other relaxation methods. Pay attention to how it makes you feel emotionally and physically. It might be problematic if your guilty pleasure leads to, you guessed it—guilt, stress, or other negative emotions.
It’s essential to find a balance and ensure your enjoyment doesn't compromise your overall well-being or impact those around you in a harmful way.
Reading Novels For Pleasure
It’s not unusual to own a copy of Fifty Shades Of Grey in your house. We invite you to keep reading if romance books or spicy novels are your guilty pleasure. Not every book you read has to improve your capacity for work, efficiency, or communication.
Enjoying Weird Food Combinations
While tortilla chips and nacho cheese is a food combination that we all probably love, there are people in this world who combine two totally different foods and enjoy it. A combination of ice cream and french fries might seem like the biggest mistake of the culinary world for you, but there are people who enjoy it with their whole hearts.
Playing Games On Your Computer, Phone Or Video Device
At least one RPGer enjoys doing that! This may include your phone's home design app, your Wii's Just Dance game, or a certain website that requires an ad blocker. But whatever you do, keep on crushing candy.
If playing video games is wrong, then not only do I not want to be right, I don't want the concept of right to exist :)
Procrastinating
Being able to complete your task before it is due always feels great. But many people put off doing their work for days on end, leaving it to the very last minute. Although it might cause anxiety before a deadline, procrastination is still one of the most popular habits.
Sometimes tight deadlines can be a good thing, it stops you overthinking and can focus your mind.
Greasy Fast Food
Eating fast food is another habit that many people struggle with. We as a society nevertheless buy millions of burgers and fries every year, despite the fact that they are frequently oily and downright disgusting. It’s a guilty pleasure that’s given way to the billion-dollar fast food industry.
I never feel guilty about having fast food. I was very overweight in 2020 but have managed to shift pretty much all of it by 2022. I still have fast food......but only occasionally. I suppose that's really the difference, it's fine to enjoy it in moderation just not every day.
Giving Your Pet A Pep Talk
Finally, boosting the worth of our favorite furry pals may be the best guilty pleasure of all. Our pets are our emotional support, and they deserve it even if your friends think it's a little strange or silly to talk to your puppy like a human. They have feelings too!
I make up songs about my dog and sing them to him when I'm cleaning the house. He follows me around like he actually enjoys it.
Dancing Like No One's Watching
There's nothing better than turning up the volume on a great Kelly Clarkson song and getting into the flow - call it "risky business" if you must. Even if someone is looking, grab your hairbrush, pull up your socks, and dance as if no one is there. For people who work from home or have a tiresome, repetitive task to finish, certain music might help create a calming environment.
Taking A Walk Mid-Workday
Perhaps you feel pressure to respond to emails right away or to keep your green Slack light on. However, medical authorities advise getting some fresh air even if you only have two minutes. In addition, it has been shown that being outside can reduce stress and blood pressure as long as you're in a safe area.
1990s House/Dance Music
The kind of music with those really overused, generic beats and the cheese-tastic big sound, and usually a woman's soaring vocals saying stuff about being independent or not or dancing or crying or leaving someone. That’s what we are talking about. You remember commercials for the "Fired Up!" dance compilations? Yeah, that kind of stuff.
Spending An Hour Taking Online Quizzes
Finding out your top quality depending on your shoe tastes is a great way to put off doing your chores. Additionally, you should always have your response down pat if you’re ever asked which pasta sauce best describes your personality in an interview: is it ketchup or marinara?
Answer 100 random questions to confirm whether you are more a pumpkin than a potato
Pretending You’re In A Movie When Listening To Music On The Street
I might appear to be any other bystander with headphones if you pass me on the street. In my brain, I'm en route to making a risky career move and negotiating the pay at my new job while on the set of a dramatic movie scene.
I used to to this in the car on family trip when I was little! XD
Make Believe Apartment Hunting
Who doesn't enjoy daydreaming about their ideal house occasionally? While you're at it, why not go one step further and add a few things to your Ikea cart? Choosing not to buy won't hurt you in any way! Finding ways to ease your tension and bring it down to reasonable levels is a recurring theme. Please don't feel bad about feeling better!
Playing App Games Before Bed
Getting to the next level in your favorite app game may cause some eye damage, but it’s just impossible to leave that last level unsolved. Play Animal Crossing? You should do it. Wordscapes? Absolutely unable to stop. Perhaps taking that brief mental break helps you relax after a long day at work.
hell,ill play my unavailable to anyone else angry birds epic before youtube,then sleep.
Sewing, Knitting And Croqueting, Alike
Whether you're knitting, stitching, or engaging in another practical activity, there are times when your tiny inner world is the best place to be. Why not experiment a bit — or a lot? Anything that incorporates creativity and relaxation is rather mindful.
Curating Playlists For Every Occasion
If you have a music playlist for every possible occasion and situation in life, you are not alone. Breakfast music? Check. Playlist for your outside workout on a beautiful day? Check. Christmas playlist? Check. Competitive playlist for board game night? Checkmate.
Binge-Watching Reality TV Shows
This is a guilty pleasure worth keeping if it causes you to giggle, gasp, or cry happy tears. This category includes shows like Jersey Shore, Real Housewives, and 90-Day Fiancé.
I often wonder if the person who coined the term 'Reality TV' had ever looked at the definition of reality.
Buying Flowers For Yourself
Place a fresh bunch of lavender or an eucalyptus plant in a sunny area of your home to improve your mood. Indoor plants provide a variety of psychological advantages, such as their mellow smells, which can reduce anxiety, or specific qualities that remove pollutants and mold from the air.
Eating Popcorn For Dinner
Each of us must have eaten a bag of popcorn for dinner. The finest feeling in the world after a long day is to collapse on the couch with a big bowl of comfort food (and no high expectations for dinner).
Borrowing The Mini Soaps And Shampoos From Hotels With No Intentions Of Returning Them
Mini soaps, shampoos, and conditioners are some of the most wonderful amenities hotels offer. While some of us may be guilty of taking a few of these bottles for ourselves, if you want to feel better about it, tell yourself that you got what you paid for!
A Glass Of Wine On A Weeknight After Work
Many workers arrive home after a long and exhausting shift at work and indulge in a common guilty pleasure: a glass of wine. However, there may be a touch of regret that comes with enjoying a few nice sips on a weekday, whether it be wine or beer.
Gossiping With Friends
The more mature person would never engage in gossip, but when it comes to satisfying a guilty pleasure, sometimes it is a risk you are ready to accept. Although most of us aren't particularly proud of it, laughing with friends about pointless rumors might be the best thing you need at the moment.
Gossip is often nasty and hurtful, better log in to BP and vent your negative emotions by replying to Sarah getting 90$ an hour working from home. You are also encouraged to report and downvote Sarah to oblivion.
Cookies And Milk In The Middle Of The Night
While Santa Claus is known for eating cookies and drinking milk in the middle of the night as he visits your house, when we do it, it might seem strange. When the craving arises in the middle of the night, you can be sure that chocolate cookies and fridge-cold milk can fulfill that craving of yours.
Watching Sappy Romantic Films
Sappy romantic movies are on par with children's movies in this regard. These movies either cause viewers to cry or make them strongly roll their eyes. Despite the mixed reviews, many fans continue to watch them repeatedly despite feeling a little awkward about it.
Holding Fashion Shows For One
Speaking of creating make-believe acceptance speeches, the speech would be incomplete without the accompanying legendary appearance. We all enjoy dressing up in our most formal clothes at home for no particular reason, even if we won't admit it.
An Impromptu Shopping Spree
Many of us fall for the temptation of a nice impulsive buying binge even though the resources in the bank account are low. Although it might not be able to resolve difficult circumstances, it can certainly offer some temporary comfort. That might be the reason so many people turn to this wrong yet satisfying activity.
Collecting Model Trains
Collecting things is cool! We get the chance to see how our collection of things grows in time with every little piece we add to it. To some, collecting model trains is their hobby. It might seem strange at first, maybe a bit childish, but no one can deny the fact that when a small train moves on your own built track, it is the coolest feeling ever.
Imma just say it... THESE ARENT GUILTY PLEASURES!!!! THEIR WAYS OF LIFE!!!!!!!!!
Whining Or Complaining
Coworkers, awful breakups, the final episode of a season, and your roommate turning on the hallway light yet again are just a few of the things that people complain about. There is no denying the sense of relief we get from whining and the confirmation we get from hearing from people who understand.
Taking Naps At Work
Working eight hours a day can take a toll on your body. Hours spent on the computer just exhaust you. So if there is no one around, or if your coworkers are pretty cool, why not catch some z’s and take a few minute nap? If the work is slow and boring, don’t be surprised if your mind drifts to the ideas of taking that sweet, sweet nap.
Welp if having a nap whilst being a SAHM counts, then I'm guilty 😁
Creeping On Facebook Or Instagram
You might have noticed that you scroll through your social media accounts when you have a brief break at work or home. Alternatively, did you navigate through several pages before landing on... Bored Panda's Instagram account? Regardless, you're not alone! There are many of us right there with you. Think of it like this: you are keeping up with your social and professional network and staying informed!
Conspiracy Videos On Youtube
On the internet, there is a never-ending source of rabbit holes to explore. On YouTube, conspiracy videos are among the most well-liked and entertaining. There are conspiracies about everything in the world, from mattress stores to Spongebob Squarepants, depending on your preferred subject matter. Spending hours watching illogical theories is hypnotizing, but explaining such leisure time activities to loved ones is not that easy.
Listening To ASMR
Strange sounds seem to attract the most attention. Ever heard how a honeycomb is destroyed inside a person's mouth? Probably no, but you sure wouldn't decline to hear it up close. That is where ASMR, or autonomous sensory meridian response, videos come in. They are a pleasure that most people wouldn’t like to share with others.
I absolutely loathe ASMR and I have a visceral reaction every time I hear it. Whispering, scratching, scraping, crunching, crinkling....it doesn't matter. It all makes me recoil with revulsion. And don't even get me started on the whisking and mixing, which pretty much just sounds like some dude rubbing one out in my ear.
Writing Poetry
There is a poet in every person. When the actions you take can’t really showcase just what you want and seek, words on a paper can reveal the deep feelings you have been holding inside of you. Like the clown in a Jack-in-the-box, we release the problems that weigh us down on a simple piece of paper in a single burst.
Watch Weird Medical And Pimple-Popping Videos Online
There’s something so exciting about seeing a strange medical operation happening or a large pimple being popped that keeps our faces glued to the screens of computers and phones. It’s disgusting, sure, but who could refuse a clip of a zit popping like a volcanic eruption?
Working In Bed
In case you didn’t know, working in bed can make it harder to fall asleep there. Thus, sleep specialists advise creating a designated workspace (not workbed). Occasionally, there's nothing better than laying against your cushions with your laptop propped up on a pillow. But don't do it in front of your manager or a client with the camera on!
Delivering Award Show Acceptance Speeches
You can't watch the Grammys or the Oscars without coming up with and delivering your own fictitious acceptance speech. Speaking your dreams into life, as they say, as well as in your elevator speeches.
Falling Asleep During A Concert Or Movie
There is still a lot of enjoyment to be had from drifting off to some background music. Although it might be less of a sin to doze off on your couch rather than in the cushy seats and cool surroundings of a public theater, sleep is so vital that it doesn't matter where you get it.
how the hell you fall asleep at a concert? you gonna need people to pay attention as you collapse upon the floor.
Korean Soap Operas
Mwo? Nothing can beat a good soap opera. Time seems to disappear when sitting in front of a screen and just sinking into a soap opera. While Spanish soap operas have dominated for a long time, Koreans are not too far behind. So sit down, load up a streaming service and begin to invest a lot of time into the pleasure that is a Korean soap opera.
Taking Selfie After Selfie Until You Get The Perfect One
Angles are everything, right? Occasionally spending some time alone with yourself and a camera is beneficial. Just be sure to take a professional-looking photo or two to update your LinkedIn profile so that your digital footprint also contains professional-looking images.
Overpriced Lattes In The Morning
Even though it's frequently taught that avoiding unnecessary purchases like expensive morning lattes is the route to wealth, the majority of people still fall for this temptation. Many coffee addicts will not sacrifice their caffeine intake.
Keeping Up With Celebrity Feuds
Everyone enjoys a good celebrity drama, whether it's between Taylor Swift and Katy Perry or Drake and Meek Mill. Grab some popcorn and take advantage of the show while you can, because, typically, they don't last very long. Additionally, staying on top of the current news might help you build connections with others.
Scrolling On Tik Tok
Tik Tok is the most recent in a long line of addictive social media platforms. It is a well-liked software among a wide range of users because of its user-friendly layout and personalized algorithm.
Someone has confused gulity pleasure with hobbies going by a few of these.
Uumm why are these labeled as "' guilty pleasures"' again?? Every single thing on thislist is normal human behaviour and/or activity. It's very sad to think that there's someone out there that really believes those things are "' guilty pleasures"'. Just sad.
Seriously, like we should feel some degree of shame for these things! Let's start a revolt! Starting now, we shall all dip our fries into our milkshakes while refusing to break intense eye contact with a stranger's young child, HENCEFORTH!!!
Load More Replies...My guilty pleasure is every summer watching every episode of America's Got Talent. I used to vote, but got pissed off when my favorites got kicked off, so I don't anymore.
Someone has confused gulity pleasure with hobbies going by a few of these.
Uumm why are these labeled as "' guilty pleasures"' again?? Every single thing on thislist is normal human behaviour and/or activity. It's very sad to think that there's someone out there that really believes those things are "' guilty pleasures"'. Just sad.
Seriously, like we should feel some degree of shame for these things! Let's start a revolt! Starting now, we shall all dip our fries into our milkshakes while refusing to break intense eye contact with a stranger's young child, HENCEFORTH!!!
Load More Replies...My guilty pleasure is every summer watching every episode of America's Got Talent. I used to vote, but got pissed off when my favorites got kicked off, so I don't anymore.