Why “spoiling yourself” may be exactly what you need
Join my upcoming retreat!
Hey MoodFoodie,
Most people are taught to be careful about indulgence. It’s often framed as something excessive, even irresponsible—something to limit rather than embrace.
But that’s only part of the story.
The word “indulgence” actually comes from a root meaning to be gentle or forgiving toward yourself. And when you look at the research, a different picture begins to emerge. Thoughtful indulgence—whether it’s time, rest, or even small pleasures—has been linked to improved well-being, better stress recovery, and even greater engagement at work. Some studies also suggest that people who allow themselves to indulge appropriately are more likely to help others and feel more connected.
In other words, the right kind of indulgence doesn’t take away from your life—it can expand it.
If you’re curious how we think about this in a more structured way, you can explore the retreat here.
What’s often missed is that most people don’t truly experience indulgence. They either avoid it entirely or engage in it in ways that don’t actually restore them. Scrolling, rushing through time off, or feeling guilty while “relaxing” doesn’t create recovery. It keeps the system partially activated.
Real recovery feels different. It’s when your body actually settles, your mind slows down, and you experience a sense of ease without effort.
That is one of the intentions behind this retreat at Amrit Ocean Resort. It’s not indulgence as escape, but indulgence as restoration—an environment where your system can reset in a way that is both enjoyable and effective.
You can see how the experience is designed, including the full schedule, here.
What makes this especially powerful is that when you experience this kind of reset directly, it changes how you think about your everyday habits. Rest, food, movement, and even work can begin to feel less like obligations and more like forms of support.
If you’ve been operating in a mode where everything feels effortful, this shift can be surprisingly meaningful.
If it feels like the right time to experience that for yourself, you can reserve your place here
Warmly,
Dr. Uma
P.S. Please note that the information shared in this webinar is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.