Since I work at home about 80% of the time, I try to get out and away from my glamorous kitchen table desk at least for 10 mins each day. Sometimes that means running errands (so glam), or maybe just leaving to get the kids 10 mins early to get a little breather in. But more often than not it means running to the local coffee shop across the street, just to treat myself and be around other humans before I switch between work and kid mode.

That was pretty much my routine and plan, until I got this fancy new coffee maker from DeLonghi, and when I say fancy I really (really) mean it. At first I didn’t think I’d even use the machine, since I swear by my little french press — but I was instantly converted. I also quite honestly had serious sticker shock from the price (Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart retails for $1,299.99) and even mentioned to my sister-in-law “who pays this much for a coffee maker!?”. Well, with both feet in my mouth I am now singing the tune “everyone needs this coffee maker!!”, it’s insanely amazing and I figure I’m actually even saving a ton of money by not spending $3 a day on a coffee ($3 a day times 365 days a year is tons more than $1299.99).
From the moment this beauty made its way into my house (clearly I’m in love with it), I’ve gone from having maybe two cups of coffee a day to like 5! It’s hard not to treat myself when I can make espressos, cappuccinos and lattes with just a touch of a button, I actually have to hold myself back a little. So instead of heading out into the world for a tiny portion of each work day I’ve been working right down until the last min and enjoying extra cups of coffee. It’s a nice treat, but not the best mental treat — especially since I’m vibrating a bit from all the caffeine. I clearly need a bit of a reminder of different things I can do to treat myself (mostly my brain) during the work day, so I put together a quick 5 tip list which is for you and also selfishly me.

Magnifica S Cappuccino Smart $1,299.99 – available at De’Longhi, Amazon or tons of other retailers.

5 Ways to Actually Treat Yourself (without the treats) During The Weekday

Get Up and Go For A Walk – Okay not the best treat when it’s minus whatever outside, but it’s a treat when you are cooped up or sitting all day. Force yourself to get up and go even just for 10 mins, ‘uncoop’ yourself.

Turn Off Your Phone – Or at least social media, give your mind a little break because goodness it works so hard. I know mine could use it.

Drink a Big Green Drink – Make yourself a smoothie or grab a pricey juice. Indulgent yes, but it’ll be a bit like you drank the entire garden and you’ll instantly breathe deeper breath of fresh air. Clearly I’m very serious about my green drinks.

Have An Afternoon Cup-a-Something – Probably coffee, but maybe tea? Whatever the pick me up drink of choice try to avoid the sugary drink (just say no to the afternoon pop or super sweet milkshake type drinky) and do your best to step away from your day (computer, desk or laundry) for the duration of the cup.

Dump Your Brain – Take a few moments and dump your thoughts, to do’s, want to do’s and whatever else onto paper. I have notebooks and journals galore and find a forced mental dump so unbelievably helpful, especially near the end of the day. If you are like me and you have like 10 life roles (you totally do) then dumping your brain will be uber helpful, it also helps you prioritize for the next day which isn’t a treat per say but tomorrow you’ll be happy you did (a delayed treat).

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of DELONGHI. The opinions and text are all mine.