YES, it’s okay to have that slice of chocolate cake. Guilt weighs on you. According to a study in the journal PLOS ONE, people reported feeling physically heavier when they thought about past unethical acts than when they recalled ethical acts. So take a load off! Here’s your permission slip to stop feeling badly about these common guilt-inducers:

    1Indulging in dessert

    Treating yourself to the occasional slice of chocolate cake should not make you guilt ridden, said dietitian Lisa DeFazio. “When you constantly deprive yourself, you end up binging on sweets,” she said. Monthly PMS symptoms may make it particularly hard to stay away from treats, so just eat the cake. “Enjoy it and move on without worrying about the fact you ate it.”

    2Obsessing

    If you worry about whether you left the iron on or wonder if you should wash your hands again, you’re actually quite normal. A study in the Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders uncovered that these unwanted thoughts pop up in 94 percent of people. “But feeling guilty about the thoughts increases their intensity,” said Elizabeth Lombardo, PhD. “Simply acknowledging ‘I’m having an obsessive thought, and it’s normal’ reduces its power.”

    3Craving time to yourself

    When all your extrovert friends go out together, feel free to stay home with a book, suggested Lombardo. If you prefer calm one-on-one interaction, embrace it. Doing what’s comfortable for you reduces stress, and that can lower your blood pressure and boost your immune system.

    4Not being a good

    enough friend

    Remember that because friends are different people, there will be times when one falls short of meeting the needs of another. If you constantly feel like you aren’t good enough for one pal, he or she may be too demanding. And, your wellbeing needs to come first. If the feeling occurs with other friendships, though, you may not be giving enough. Take time to pinpoint the problem to make the relationship better for both of you, suggested Irene S. Levine, a professor of psychiatry at the New York University School of Medicine.

    5Sleeping in

    Weekends seem made for sleeping in. If you rest an hour or more past your usual wakeup time, but have no problem falling asleep at your normal time the following night, enjoy your guilty pleasure, suggested Peter A. Fotinakes, medical director of St. Joseph Hospital. Sleeping a full eight hours may even boost brain health and prevent loss of brain tissue, according to a Swedish study.

    6Dreaming about cheating

    on your spouse

    “Whether it’s sex with your boss, a celebrity, or a friend, you may believe that on some level you want to jump into bed with that person,” said Dr. Lombardo. “But a sex dream may just mean you have unresolved issues.” For example, if your boss is the star, perhaps you want to make changes in your job. Rather than feel guilty, simply remind yourself that one fantasy doesn’t equal real feelings.

    7Skipping workouts

    during vacation

    No need to turn your getaway into a guilt trip. “If you exercise daily or almost all days, it’s good to give your body a break once in a while to recover,” explained Nara Yoon, a physical therapist. Even if you opt to just chill out the entire time, give yourself permission for a complete rest and recovery, physically as well as mentally. “Once you’re back, return to your regular routine as soon as possible to avoid muscle atrophy.”(SD-Agencies)