Self care...or Self Stress?

It’s the same cycle every time.
You’ve had a long week.
Your brain feels like mashed potatoes.
Your to-do list is breeding like rabbits.

So you think: You know what? I DESERVE THIS!

Before you know it - dessert is on its way, a “premier” relaxing spa is booked, and those cute fits you’ve been eyeing for days are finally ordered (delivery in 3–4 days).

For a moment, it’s bliss.
Your brain is throwing a dopamine party — the same chemical high you get from winning a game or getting a text from your crush.

But here’s the trap🪤:
That high doesn’t last, the credit card bill does.

Psychologists call this hedonic adaptation — the tendency to quickly return to our normal happiness level, no matter the high.
Economists explain it with opportunity cost — spending on one thing means not having that money for something else later.

But here’s the thing:
When we’re tired, burned out, or in a moment of “I deserve this” - we don’t weigh the cost, we just want the now.

And marketers know it.👀
“You deserve it” has become the new tagline for self-care spending.
The FOMO outweighs the fear of losing money.💸

How to break the cycle?
Wait 24 hours before making a “treat yourself” purchase.
Choose treats that actually recharge you, not just give you a dopamine spike.

Because your present self and your future self deserve it equally — so save something for them too.😊