Life is busy. We're always expected to be productive and engaged, whether that's with parenting, housework, or work. While taking time for small rewards can feel like a luxury (奢侈) , the truth is that it is necessary for improving our mental health. A key psychological idea behind this is the Premack Principle, which explains why treating ourselves is more than a tendency; it's a way to improve our daily lives.
In the 1960s, American psychologist David Premack developed a theory now known as Premack Principle. He explained that doing something you're more likely to do can be a reward for doing something you don't actually want to do. For instance, if you finish a task you're not interested in, like cleaning the bathroom, you can treat yourself to something you like, such as watching an episode of your favorite TV show. This approach takes advantage of our natural need for fun to help us get through tasks we might not enjoy.
Recent studies keep showing that giving yourself rewards can help improve your work and happiness. For example, Woolley and Fishbach discovered that getting rewards right away can make you more motivated because it links the reward directly with the task. What's interesting is that it's not about how big the reward is but how quickly you get it that matters. Another study by Landry and others found it's not the reward itself but rather how the reward makes people feel that helps them do their best. This makes sense because rewards boost our dopamine (多巴胺) levels, which plays a key role in how our brains feel pleasure.
The idea of giving ourselves "little treats" is not just about enjoying something; it's proof of how positive reinforcement can change our behavior and make us feel better mentally. By carefully using the Premack Principle and rewarding ourselves, we can find more motivation (动机) to face challenges and lead a happier life. It's okay to
recognize and celebrate our efforts, big or small.
So, go ahead, give yourself that little treat. You've earned it.
