1. You work hard.

Do you really need a reason? You shouldn’t, but you probably find it easier to pamper yourself if you can support it with a resounding “I deserve this!” And mean it. Even though there are hundreds of reasons why you deserve a chance to take care of yourself, we came up with a few more to help you out.

1. You’ve been working too hard – whether at home or in the office.
Okay, so you probably work hard every day. But, sometimes it all gets a little overwhelming and you start to feel a little frayed at the edges. Your brain feels foggy, you’re starting to forget things and your patience seems to be non-existent. All of this may mean it’s time to slow down and take a break. What better way than to treat yourself to a little pampering? Something as simple as knocking off early, if you can swing it. At the very least, head out when its time – you deserve it!

2. You share living space with someone else (children, spouse, or a roommate).
Everyone needs their own space. If you’re sharing a home or an apartment with someone else, even the people you love, sometimes you need to take a break. So, pamper yourself with a little time away. This break could be as simple as closing your bedroom door or as big as spending a weekend away. Taking time for yourself gives you a chance to relax and reset and gives you the strength to shrug the next time someone forgets to take the garbage out.

3. You tried something new.
We often downplay the emotional stress we endure when we step outside of our comfort zones. Things like inviting the in-laws to visit, asking for a raise, and taking on a new task at work can all be daunting and more than a little stressful. For some of us it can be downright frightening. Whatever it is for you, reward yourself for steps taken. Trying something new warrants more than a mere pat on the back. Take it as an opportunity to pamper yourself with something fun or maybe just something comfortable – like a soak in the tub by candlelight or an hour to curl up with a good book.

4. Because you’re you – and you’re amazing!
Don’t forget that you’re amazing and for that fact alone, you deserve time to rest, relax and rejuvenate your body, mind and soul. So whatever it is you need right now – time for a bike ride, a day to feel pretty, a moment to yourself – take it. You’ll feel better for it. Even when things are going well, and especially when they’re going not so well, we need a reminder that we’re amazing for all of the things we’ve done: the chances we’ve taken; the achievements we’ve accomplished and even the mistakes we’ve made and the courage it takes to make them right. Congratulating yourself on the good can give you the strength you need to face the bad. It’s a balancing act. We don’t forget to beat ourselves up; don’t forget to pamper yourself, too!

5. You let go.
Letting go of things can be hard. Even things we know are bad for us, like an old boyfriend, those ten extra pounds, a ratty old chair, or a whole closet of old memories that don’t do us one bit of good. When you let go and move on, it’s an opportunity to celebrate. Getting rid of the old only makes room for something better to fill its place (except in the case of those ten pounds, maybe we can fill that with more energy!). Either way, it’s an important step and shouldn’t go unnoticed.