Time for an iced coffee.
Sluggish in the afternoon?
Better get a bagel.
A new lip balm will cheer you up.
On TikTok, this is calledlittle treat culture and its a lifestylesomany folks happily follow.
In the grand scheme of things, these purchases are small, but in the moment they meaneverything.
When we treat ourselves, ourbrains release dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is associated with pleasure, saysDr.
Elizabeth Campbell, licensed psychologist, marriage and family therapist, and career counselor.
Its why the call of the treat is strong mid-afternoon when youve hit a slump.
Its nothing a chocolate croissant wont fix.
Of course, its a good idea tostick to a budgetin a way that works for you.
If its better to treat yourself every other day or once a week do that.
As Campbell says, treat culture can be a healthy way to add moments of joy to your life.
The rush that comes from buying an over-priced oat milk matcha is real, after all.
Studies referenced:
Grelle, K. (2023).
The Generation Gap Revisited: Generational Differences in Mental Health, Maladaptive Coping Behaviors.
Who Can Get More Happiness?
Effects of Different Self-Construction and Experiential Purchase Tendency on Happiness.
source: www.bustle.com
