Barely a day goes by without a social media trend of some kind, and our latest favourite has to be ’little treat’ culture. 

For the uninitiated, this is basically talking ourselves (pretty easily, let’s be honest) into a treat during the course of the day. This could be a mid-morning latte as we run errands for our boss or popping to the shops on our way home to pick up the lip balm that’s blowing up our Insta feed. Or it could be as simple as wearing that hot pink party dress to do the grocery shop. The point is, it’s something small and inexpensive that has a big impact on our outlook. 

Let’s face it, rising inflation combined with the cost of living crisis means that most of us are tightening the purse strings. As bigger luxuries such as holidays or even nights out with mates simply aren’t affordable right now, little treat culture is a surefire way to add some sparkle to our week. 

And before you say TikTok made me do it, there’s scientific proof that these tiny moments of pleasure can make us more resilient and boost happiness. 

Why are little treats good for us? 

We can all agree that a treat, no matter what it might be, provokes a pleasurable emotional response. Just the thought of chilling on the sofa in front of our favourite show can be enough to get us through a tough day, and experts agree that treats can be great for our mental health.

“We enjoy good feelings when we treat ourselves,” explains Rhian Kivits, a sex and relationship therapist. “It’s akin to the feelings we had as a child when we were treated by a parent or caregiver; we felt noticed, valued and rewarded. When we treat ourselves as adults, we’re reconnecting with those feelings, and indulging the part of ourselves that wants to feel special.”

Treats make us feel more optimistic

A treat can work as a daily dose of escapism. Stressful mornings in the office can pale into insignificance when our lunch break is spent sunbathing on the beach (yes, some people really do this) or browsing the high street. And if we succumb to the lure of a small purchase, so much the better.

“Allowing ourselves a ‘treat’ triggers a small dopamine hit,” says hypnotherapist and coach Vic Paterson. “Dopamine is our joy hormone, and as we make the decision to actually treat ourselves, our dopamine levels soar. If the treat also triggers happy emotional memories (like a favourite perfume or a meal at a favourite restaurant) then this feeling is even more heightened.”

If we know that all it takes to cheer us up is looking forward to a treat that we know we’ll be indulging in later on, we’re likely to feel happier and more content all day. Win, win. 

Treats are good for our self-esteem

Remember the old L’Oréal ad that told us we’re worth it? There’s something in that. The experts all agree that allowing ourselves a treat can be a reflection of our ability to engage in self-care.

“Giving ourselves a treat can be a positive way of affirming our self-worth,” says Kivits. “It’s not about the monetary value of the treat but more about the experience of delight we have when we enjoy an ‘extra’.

“We decide that we deserve whatever treat we have chosen, and we find pleasure in the fact that we have allowed ourselves to indulge in something we desire in the moment. People who treat themselves regularly may have a greater awareness of their needs and desires and could be demonstrating that they have a healthy self-esteem.”

Treats can increase resilience

Keeping those happiness levels topped up has a myriad of benefits. Studies show a correlation between happiness and resilience, and regularly taking action to boost our happiness creates a gorgeous upward spiral of contentment. This means that when life does get tough (as it inevitably will), we feel stronger and more able to cope. 

Treats aren’t a cure-all

A word of warning here: while we’re in no doubt that a little treat can be a great mood-booster, it’s not a magic wand, and shouldn’t become a crutch (especially if the treat is financial in nature).

“Treating ourselves isn’t helpful when we use it as a sticking plaster for problems like low mood or anxiety,” cautions Kivits. “It will only ever offer temporary relief, and if it gets out of control (perhaps because we get into debt or otherwise over-indulge) it can become detrimental. Moderation is key here, and we need to remain conscious of our behaviour choices.”

So go ahead, if you fancy an extra hour in bed instead of doing chores, or there’s something you’ve had in your basket forever – this may just be the motivation to go for it. Just remember, we’re into the feeling, not the size of the treat. 

Images: Getty