Buy Yourself That Little Treat
A small joy that’s worth every cent!
by Stella Coffaro
We’ve all experienced it: after a stressful week filled with looming exams and endless essays, all we crave is a little treat. Whether it’s in the form of an Einstein Bros. Bagel or a Raspberry Matcha from Saxbys, we reward ourselves with getting through a stressful week. Yet we’re usually left feeling more guilty than satisfied, especially when we notice the dent in our wallets.
However, the concept of the little treat was never intended to inspire guilt. A little treat means buying yourself a small reward for making it through a tough time, serving as a much-needed “pick-me-up.” Psychologists argue that a little treat is a form of positive reinforcement: it motivates us to take on difficult tasks, encourages good habits, and contributes to a happier life overall. One little treat may temporarily boost one’s mood, but continuously rewarding oneself can positively affect one’s mental wellness in the long term.
But how can we tackle the guilt associated with buying a little treat? It’s easy to fall into the trap of rewarding ourselves either too much or too little. Finding a balance is truly the key to the little treat! I recommend allotting yourself a weekly or bi-weekly budget for your treats, just in case you have a stressful day. Budgeting has helped me realize that I can treat myself without breaking the bank. And for those more expensive treats, I advise tracking down student deals or opting into free rewards programs. Many places around campus offer rewards systems where you can gain points towards a free drink or pastry. Nothing feels better than not having to pay for your little treat!
A few of my favorite little treats include a North End cannoli or gelato from Newbury’s Amorino. My more frequent little treat is Pavement’s Iced Maple Death Cream; it is the epitome of a fall coffee! Plus, Pavement has a rewards system on the Local by Toast app. I have earned my fair share of little treats this way.
As you consider some of your future little treat spots, remember that rewarding yourself is a healthy form of self-care. Throw out the guilt of spending money on your little treat; practice balancing your spending and recognize it is okay to invest in yourself. Trust in the little treat mindset—I know it will sustain you through your college years!
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