>> Why We Have This Emotion
Indulgence is our brain's reward system doing its job, though sometimes past its useful limits. Pleasurable activities trigger dopamine, and occasional indulging can be a way to self-soothe.
◎ What to do in the moment
Good Ideas
- Savor the moment slowly
- Plan it so it feels like a reward
- Share it to improve the quality
- Pick a version with less fallout
- Set a soft limit before you start
- Check what need you're meeting
- Enjoy it without layering guilt on top
Bad Ideas
- Indulge in secret
- Indulge to procrastinate
- Indulge to avoid your feelings
- Substitute it for actual self-care
- Keep going when stopping feels hard
- Use "I deserve this" as an excuse
- Shame spiral immediately after