How to know if you’re overdoing ‘self-care’
“Little treat” culture is rife on social media, with many seeing it as a necessary form of self-care. But how many treats are too much? We take a look at the risk that comes with regular reward.
We all practise treat-taking differently. Some might provide themselves with small rewards for doing dull chores or getting through a bad day. For others it could be a dinner out at the end of the week. Be it coffees, cosmetics, records, or vintage rugby league shirts, little treats come in all shapes and sizes.
Indulging in a treat provides a dopamine fix, with the excitement of the new or delicious thing causing a short-lived sense of wellbeing. It can also be an understandable way to find light in an occasionally dark world (especially if you are reading the news each day).
Treating yourself can also become habitual without us realising. Unfortunately, this can have the opposite of the intended effect of a simple, small pleasure.
A treat is defined as “an event or item that is out of the ordinary and gives great pleasure”. When the ‘out of the ordinary’ part is ignored, the treat becomes less effective. It can stop providing the nice buzz that comes with something “earned”, instead resulting in guilt for spending money that should be saved.
Whether you ‘earned it’ or just feel like you need it, these small items can add up too. Too many treats will negatively impact the environment, your account balance and, potentially, your physical health too. And they won’t make you any happier.
So how much is too much? And how do you stop?
First, it’s helpful to look at your big picture goals. Do you want to travel, save a certain amount for retirement, or pay off the mortgage?
While it may not be continuously exciting, achieving these goals is sure to make you feel even better in the long run. If you can see it as a step in the right direction, you may start to gain a deeper sense of satisfaction from going without than you would from an extra coffee or bottle of wine.
Treats are not inherently bad. Indeed, having a little out-of-the-ordinary experience now and then can really help boost your mental health. For this reason, rather than going cold turkey, why not reduce your treats? A Friday treat is fair enough after a busy week. So try waiting until then to give yourself a little something. Everything in moderation, as they say.
If these treats are a regular account item a simple yet effective approach is to check how much has been spent over the last few months. Then perhaps aim to halve this amount, putting the money that would be spent into a savings account instead.
You could also replace your financial treat incentive with a non-spending one, such as a long soak in the tub, a sunset walk, or (dare we say it?) some time away from the everyday demands of family.
With our work lives getting increasingly busy and the outside world becoming more and more complex, there is little wonder that treat culture has risen. However, so too can regularly treating become a negative aspect of our lives. Adjusting your view and pulling back from the spending can be more worthwhile.
After all, good things come to those who wait!
