Rethinking “Treat Yourself” | One-Minute What
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Rethinking “Treat Yourself” | One-Minute What
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About this listen
Today’s question: does “treat yourself” actually work?
I love treating myself. Truly. But there’s some fascinating research that made me pause. Studies in psychology, including research by Elizabeth Dunn and Lara Aknin, found that when people are stressed or feeling low, Americans tend to do something for themselves to feel better. In other cultures, people are more likely to do something for someone else.
Here’s the twist. The research shows that acts of kindness toward others tend to boost long-term happiness more than self-focused treats do. Treating yourself feels good in the moment, but helping someone else creates a deeper, longer-lasting sense of well-being.
And of course, marketing noticed. For years, self-care has been sold as consumption. You deserve this. Buy this. Reward yourself. And sometimes that’s great. But the science suggests the real emotional payoff often comes from connection, not just consumption.
So maybe “treat yourself” doesn’t always mean buying something. Maybe sometimes it means showing up for someone else.
I still love a good treat. I just see it a little differently now.