Party Girl Therapy: Why Guilty Pleasures Keep High-Achieving Brains Sane

Most weeks I bring tips, frameworks, and tidy outlines. Today? We’re girlfriends on the couch with a glass of wine. I’m sharing the story of how a quiet night alone on vacation spiraled into a full-blown guilty pleasure obsession, and why I’m not mad about it. We’ll talk about “cognitive rest,” the real mental load ambitious women carry, and why guilt-free guilty pleasures can be powerful stress relievers. If your version of therapy is Bravo binges, suspensey reels, or scrolling Zillow for mansions you’ll never buy…welcome home, sis.

Top takeaways:

• Guilty pleasures aren’t moral failures; they’re brain breaks that lower stress and help you reset.
• High-performing women stay in “performance mode” all day—planned escapes can keep you energized and human.
• Give yourself permission to enjoy something purely because it’s fun and comforting.

Try this this week (mini action):

Schedule a 30–60 minute “cognitive rest” pocket—something low-stakes and enjoyable (yes, even the cheesy movie). No multitasking. No guilt.

Connect with Daphne:

• Instagram: @thedaphnewalter
• Email: [e-mail]
• Share this episode with a friend who needs permission to not be productive for an hour.

What’s your guilty pleasure? Reply to my stories, DM me, or email me—no names shared, but I might read a few on air!

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