By Rebecca Jones

Come Friday we all feel ready to indulge a little bit. If you are suffering from a case of the Fridays and feel likes it’s time to reward your week of hard work here are a few treats that it turns out are actually good for you.

1. Have a Glass of Red Wine

Nothing says Friday like a trip to your favorite happy hour watering hole and with all the antioxidants packed into a glass of red wine you can indulge (in moderation) guilt free. The antioxidants, called polyphenols, found in wine are known to prevent heart disease by raising levels of good cholesterol and protecting your arteries against damage. Particular attention is being paid recently to a polyphenol called resveratrol. Researchers believe that resveratrol could not only reduce bad colesterol and prevent damage to blood vessels but also help prevent inflammation and blood clotting. In tests done on mice it appears that resvertrol might also be able to prevent obesity and diabetes so the next time you are indulging in a glass of pinot noir just think of all the good things it can do for your heart.

2. Grab a cup of Coffee

Feeling a little run down after a long day, grab a pick me up cup of coffee on your way home. People who consume a moderate amount of caffeine are less likely to develop Parkinson’s, some types of cancer, strokes, type 2 diabetes, and dementia. Whether it’s a skinny mocha or a plain cup of joe you can enjoy your coffee guilt free.

3. Go for a Roll in the Hay

Good news, turns out that a healthy sex life doesn’t just feel good it’s good for you as well. People who orgasm on a regular basis sleep better, experience less pain, have healthier immune systems, and have 50% less of a chance of fatal heart attacks. And, if that wasn’t good enough a reason to take your clothes off, one session of lovemaking can easily burn off a hundred calories so why not pencil in a little bedroom time this afternoon.

4. Treat Yourself to a Steak

Trying to figure out what’s for dinner tonight, why not treat yourself to that steak you’ve been craving. Beef is a good source of Zinc, important for healthy skin and a healthy immune system, iron and of course protein. Not only is red meat a great source of energy but it is rich in B vitamins which are essential for blood and nerve health and can only be found in animal products. Scientists in Australia have discovered that a diet high in lean red meat, in combination with fruits and vegetables, can lead to greater weight loss than low protein high carb diets so whether you like it well done or medium rare steak is one health indulgence.

5. Spend Time with Loved Ones

The stress hormone cortisol is responsible for everything from weight gain to decreased bone density. It can raise your blood pressure and lower your immunity but there is one sure fire way to beat the stress that accumulates over the week. Just 15 minutes of laughing with friends and family can reduce cortisol levels, relax blood vessels, increase flexibility and prevent heart disease. Every you know already have plans, pop in a comedy and you can get the same benefits even when flying solo.

6. Get out on the Dance Floor

With the music pumping and the lights flashing you might think that you are up to no good but dancing is not only a fun way to spend a Friday nigh it’s good for you too. dancing is a great source of exercise but that’s not all. Learning new steps provides you with a chance to challenge yourself while socializing with fellow revelers is a great stress buster. Break out your dancing shoes.

It’s almost five, get out of the office and go indulge, you and your health deserver it.