For many of us working toward simpler living, it requires a significant effort to de-materialize our lives. There is a psychological push to participate less in a destructive commercial culture. “Conserve more. Be conscious. Buy less stuff,” we tell ourselves.

This line of thinking is a good one. But it’s important to realize that not every “material item” is created equal.

In fact, there are material indulgences that are authentically good for you. Rather than fulfilling some perceived need, like the “need” to have a fast car, they can inspire creativity, provide an outlet for your emotions, and ultimately help you stay focused and mentally crisp.

1. Musical Instruments

Some of the most valuable material items in my life are my musical instruments. Besides being a fun activity, music can provide much needed mental clarity and a consistently fresh feeling to your day. When you start to feel that mid-afternoon drag, try picking up a guitar and strumming a few chords. Spending just 15 minutes away from your desk engaging the more creative part of your brain is a great way to enable yourself to come back to work fresh, inspired and ready to execute.

2. Art

Like music, art is an outlet that stimulates our creativity. Personally, I’m no artist. But that doesn’t stop me from taking time each day to wireframe a new site idea, play around with Photoshop, or otherwise create something visually challenging to produce. While art supplies, like musical instruments, can cost a pretty penny, the resulting sense of well being can do wonders for your motivation each day.

3. Video games? Maybe.

This one is a maybe. To me, video games offer a simple escape from the daily grind. Plus, because of their inherent insignificance in the greater scheme of things, it’s easy to breakaway and return to work.

But what makes videos games even more exciting to me is that they have been shown to benefit the brain, critical thinking, and creativity in a number of ways. One way they do this is by improving people’s social ability. For example, I’ve found that by having a team engage in a fun video game – be it a sports game or first person shooter – it increases cohesiveness and communication skills (there’s just something so human revealed when you see someone holler and laugh at a screen).

This goes for other games as well, which is why so many startups have that pingpong table in the back room. It’s an opportunity to engage with others, play, and ultimately create a human experience through a material object, the game.