What luxuries make your life easier/happier - particularly if you're depressed

[smartgreenball]

I've been careful over the years not to increase my spending as my salary has increased but I'm struggling at the moment with chronic illness and depression and wondering if I should be spending on a few more luxuries if it will make things easier rather than save every penny.

I know you can't buy your way out of it and I don't want to go crazy or spend for the sake of it but was looking for ideas that might make day to day life easier.

Initially I was thinking:

Cleaner - I live alone and have always felt this was unecessary but I am starting to struggle with energy/pain from my condition. I can do it, but it wipes me out for a day of the weekend and am starting to dread it

Fancy gym 2 mins away - I should be exercising more and it has nice facilities so if I liked going I wouldn't mind paying the extortionate fee but I'm worried i'll be intimidated by the fit people and not be able to force myself to go when i'm having bad days (i'm quite overweight)

Any other ideas?

Sorry to hear times are tough OP

PPs have already suggested some brilliant suggestions.

it might not be the type of thing you are thinking but if you have a garden I recently bought one of the big swinging cocoon chairs.

They are lovely and relaxing and means I take some time off from work or anything else and just sit outside for a bit.

So I'd recommend some really nice garden furniture to really enjoy your garden and get some of that vitamin D!

Have you been to see a specialist/ counsellor rather than spending the money on treats? Doing this helped me to understand my problems were treatable and it wasn’t just me not trying hard enough made huge difference to my confidence and pain.

I was coming on to say a clean house, clean bedding and fresh flowers.

Nice coffee, a good book, music.

If you can get out and walk, then do - listen to a podcast maybe as you walk. I find Fortunately by Jane Garvey and Fi Glover funny (but I'm a middle aged woman, so I would).

A cat?

Gym is great. My other suggestion
A good scent, try different perfumes through frangancesamples or similar sites till you find something that lifts your spirits
A personal trainer
Fluffy socks and nice slippers
Soft clothes like cashmere
Candles, I personally prefer unscented ones, just for the soft light
A bean to cup coffee machine
Good speakers and uplifting playslist

A cat is definitely a game changer