While the term “treats” may initially appear to be a trivial indulgence, it serves an essential purpose in our lives, particularly when it comes to parenting and maintaining healthy habits. Establishing positive routines can be taxing, and incorporating treats into our lives can provide significant benefits. Treats can rejuvenate our spirits, foster a sense of self-care, and enhance our overall contentment, which in turn strengthens our self-discipline. Research indicates that individuals who indulge in small treats—like receiving a surprise gift or watching a humorous video—experience a boost in self-control. This aligns with a key principle of adulthood: by allowing ourselves to enjoy treats, we can demand more from ourselves. Prioritizing self-regard is not an act of selfishness.
However, when we deprive ourselves of treats, we may begin to feel exhausted, unappreciated, and resentful. Recently, I spoke with a colleague, Mark, who mentioned, “I don’t allow myself to have any treats.” This statement led me to explore two important ideas. First, regardless of whether he indulges in treats, he identifies as someone who abstains from them. This mindset can be detrimental to habit formation. While it may seem noble or disciplined to avoid treats, I would argue that it can lead to negative consequences.
Even something as simple as a warm cup of herbal tea or a set of freshly sharpened pencils can be considered a treat. When we fail to reward ourselves, we risk feeling deprived, which is a detrimental state for maintaining good habits. When we perceive ourselves as deprived, we may justify breaking our healthy routines by thinking, “I deserve this,” or “I need to make up for what I’ve missed.”
Secondly, I suspected that Mark did, in fact, treat himself in some way; he simply didn’t recognize these moments as treats. After a brief discussion, he revealed that he buys new music weekly, which he enjoys immensely.
For something to qualify as a treat, we must acknowledge it as such. By consciously recognizing our moments of pleasure and savoring them, we elevate the experience into a treat. A newfound appreciation for beautiful scents, for instance, can unlock a range of simple yet delightful treats. We should aim to cultivate a diverse array of healthy treats that enable us to recharge our energy in constructive ways. Surprisingly, many people find joy in activities that don’t traditionally fit the treat mold; for instance, some individuals consider ironing to be a treat.
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In summary, treats are not merely indulgences but vital components of a balanced life that can enhance our ability to form and maintain healthy habits. By acknowledging and embracing small pleasures, we can recharge ourselves and foster a more positive mindset.