Why Occasionally Treating Yourself is Important for Your Mental Health
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Whether you’re picking up a bar of chocolate after a long day, getting pampered at a nail salon, or sitting down for an evening with your favourite video game, there’s a lot to be said for the occasional bout of indulgence.
While you might be forgiven for thinking that a monastic, disciplined existence will help to keep your mind and body healthy in the long term, there are undoubted psychological benefits to occasionally providing yourself with a reward.
Self-Compassion
The golden rule tells us that we should treat others as you would like to be treated. But this works in the other direction, too. If you think that it’s a good thing to be kind to others, then you might remember to be kind to yourself, too.
One effective way of doing this is to treat yourself to a dopamine rush, especially if you know that you’ve earned it. If you’re just reached a career milestone, or the end of a tough week, then there’s nothing wrong with your favourite fast food. You can make this affordable with the help of industry-specific discounts. For example, McDonalds NHS discounts can put that box of chicken nuggets within easy reach!
A Treat Can Be Anything
What constitutes a treat will vary according to the tastes of the person being treated. Pick out a treat that appeals to you, rather than the person you think you should be. Whether you’re hankering for something edible, a spa treatment, or a good book to read in bed, buy the thing that brings you joy.
Improve Your Productivity
If you don’t reward yourself and your brain, then you won’t be able to relax, and you’ll eventually burn out. This applies to treats, but it also applies to your sleep hygiene: a good night’s rest will help you to get through the following day.
Rewards Reinforce Positive Behaviour
If you want to nudge your subconscious in the right direction, then the right rewards will help you to do it. You can think of this as a form of conditioning: if you’re able to associate the reward with a particular kind of activity, then you’ll eventually come to relish that activity. Whether it’s doing the dishes or writing a chapter of your next novel, a treat can help you to find the motivation for any task!
What is your favourite way to treat yourself?
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I am absolutely terrible at doing anything for myself. between my teenage daughters, my other half and my dog I just don’t have anything left for myself lol
Definatly needing some time out, our dog is poorly and the stress is taking its toll
Oh gosh I am so sorry about your pup I really hope they improve – having a poorly pet is so hard to deal with.
i agree with you sarah , its very important to take time for yourself ,wether thats a bubble bath or a giant bar of your favourite chocolate, whatever makes you feel good
I have to admit I miss being about to have a nice bubble bath – showers when it is cold are no fun lol.
I definitely agree. Self care is so important and sometimes a treat can be so important. I like to treat myself to a costa hot chocolate and a cake every other Monday when I go and do the big shop, as thats something I absolutely hate!
Ohh what a lovely treat, I think we all need to allow ourselves to have a treat sometimes as it can be really hard.
At one time I used to go get my nails done, facials, spend time with friends, window shop etc, do face packs and have a nice bath. now I’m lucky if I can get a shower once a week due to my bad health and disabilities, it does really get me down I used to be proud of my appearance and taking care of my self, not i just feel a mess all the time… it gets me down alot
It’s so hard isn’t it – I feel the same, those little things that a lot of people take for granted can really help pull you up. Have you looked into having someone come to your house to do a bit of pampering for you? I’ve not sure if it’s something you could mananage.
It’s not only about productivity, is it though? It’s about simply believing that we are important for our own sake, not just for what we can do.
That is true – there are so many different things that go into it – this is just a small idea of a much larger picture.
Important to treat yourself every now and again. Always treat myself by going to the football and getting the new team shirts when they come out on sale.
That is a great way to treat yourself, I think we all need to find that one thing that makes us happy.
Half an hour in a bubbly bath with my kindle is always a treat.
I miss being able to get into a bath I have to admit – used to love a good soak.
@Sarah-Louise Bailey,
Yes, I miss being able to get into a bath too. Or, more accurately, I miss being able to get out again!
Yes, that probably is more accurate, oh dear. There is something about a bath that is just relaxing a shower gets you clean but just isn’t quite the same.
It’s sad that in many cultures, self care is not seen as a necessity, it’s pretty much seen as selfish. I was brought up in a culture where it is very much about collective thinking, fitting in and following what the majority is doing. It’s never about individualism as family values are place very high. So it’s been very hard for me to adapt to this new way of thinking. I’m breaking that thought that self care is selfish and really trying hard to love myself and treating myself occasionally, even if it is a nap. Napping does not make me lazy
I am with you there – it just so under done for so many of us we see taking care of ourselves just not important as we are made to think we should look after everyone else.
I treat myself in various ways, I like to visit the hairdresser and the nail bar. I am also happy if I pick up a good book in the charity shop. It is the little treats that all add up to make me happy and help my mental health
It always amazes me some of the finds you can come across in charity shops I do love a good nose in one I have to say.