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NDTV
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- NDTV
Matcha Latte To Labubu Charms, Why Gen Z Is All About The 'Little Treat Culture'
No one vouches for 'little treats' like Gen Z does. It is a term that they have coined for periodical - daily or weekly indulgences, such as their favourite matcha latte, fresh bakes, weekly manicures, a luxury lip treatment, a stuffed toy or a Labubu charm, or a trinket they always wanted to get their hands on. It might serve as a momentary dopamine hit, and more, as a form of practicing self-love and self-care. What Is The 'Little Treats Culture'? Little treats culture is an on-trend lifestyle practice where Gen Z makes use of small delights and pleasurable experiences such as snacks or treats from time to time, to keep themselves motivated. This motivation is to keep up with their daily tasks while overcoming all the hiccups and hurdles that are part of daily life. This trend, like all trends these days, is social media-fuelled. Take, for example, the Labubu dolls and the cultural storm that they have caused. Labubu is part of a character group, The Monsters. These adorable plushies have become a must-have accessory for every Gen Z (and millennial) after celebrities K-pop star Lisa were spotted with them. Or, swapping a mug of boring americano for a prettier looking matcha latte, for a premium, of course. All of these fit right in with the little treat culture, where people share how they literally bribe themselves with these small but significant treats to accomplish tasks and manage their responsibilities. It went viral on social media back in 2024, and since then, there has been no stopping for Gen Z. View this post on Instagram A post shared by rhode skin (@rhode) What Experts Say Are experts on board with the 'little treats culture'? What do they have to say? NDTV spoke to Dr Astik Joshi, Child, Adolescent & Forensic Psychiatrist from New Delhi, who backs the idea of the little treat culture. "It is about giving oneself small, enjoyable rewards like a dessert, a coffee, or even a 10-minute break as a way to cope with stress, lift mood, or acknowledge daily efforts. It's a form of self-recognition that helps people feel emotionally supported, in small ways," he says. Dr Gorav Gupta, CEO and Senior Psychiatrist, Tulasi Healthcare, Gurugram, agrees. He tells NDTV, "Little treat culture is popular because it's simple, comforting, and emotionally grounding. At a time when stress is high and big wins feel far from reality, little treats offer a sense of control, relief, and encouragement. They remind us that small joys still count, and that's a powerful message for today's generation." What Are These Little Treats? Dr Astik tells NDTV, "A chocolate is absolutely enough if it gives a sense of comfort or pleasure. In fact, a 'treat' can be anything such as a walk, music, journaling, or even saying no to something that is overwhelming. But the value lies in its emotional impact, not its size or price." Let us be honest, a little treat bandage applied over a gaping wound caused by stress, anxiety or daily life works like magic on the healing front. Little Treat Culture In The Age Of Social Media In this era of social media, it would be sheer blasphemy to not factor in the plethora of netizens' opinions, and the influence it has on Gen Z. Social media adds fuel to the engine of little treats by showcasing relatable, everyday self-care practiced by Gen Z via reels, videos, memes, and other quick content formats. While the social media storm on self-care and the joy of giving oneself a treat makes life worth living and encourages the self-treat culture, it could also introduce a pressure to keep up with these treats while not overspending on them. So, now, to the good and the bad. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Big Chill Café (@bigchillcafe) Why The Little Treat Culture Works First, the pocket-friendliness, which makes the little treat culture attractive to Gen Z. Most Gen Z people are conscious of their finances. So, the idea of affordable treats are totally up their alley. It not only makes this culture inclusive and sustainable, but also helps them feel rewarded without a crippling financial guilt. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Theobroma Patisserie India (@theobromapatisserie) These little treats have the potential to offer periodic dopamine hits that keep us getting back to the grind. This happens while we are juggling things like hectic work weeks, intense arguments or more such triggers in real life. They also help life feel a little in control. What Little Treat Culture Does For Gen Z And What It Doesn't Dr Astik Joshi says, "This habit can offer quick emotional relief, improve motivation, and encourage self-compassion. However, it's important to understand its limits." Little treats cannot replace therapy; a much-needed deep emotional healing, or consistent mental health support when people are dealing with anxiety, depression, a burnout and more. So, while it is a source of comfort, it comes with its limitations when it comes to mental health problems. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez (@rarebeauty) "Little treats may help your mental health positively by providing affordable rewards to self and a sense of accomplishment upon dealing with daily life stressors," Dr Astik Joshi tells NDTV. Basically, little treats work as treat-style baits you reward yourself with to help overcome things or experiences that helps you deal (better) with daily stress. Dr Astik says, "Rewarding oneself builds emotional resilience. These little acts tell the brain, 'effort is worth it,' which reinforces positive behaviour and nurtures self-worth. It supports emotional fulfilment by helping Gen Z take voluntary pauses for sheer joy." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Benefit Cosmetics India (@benefitindia) Is The Tittle Treat Culture Worth Your Money? It all lies in the name. Little treats are called little because they won't particularly break the bank. Speaking to SELF, financial therapist and speaker Lindsay Bryan-Podvin says, "Millennials and Gen Z are rejecting 'grit language' and fear of punishment as motivators. Instead, these young folks are responding to the promise of satisfaction and self-reward." While a person's emotional relationship with their comfort purchase is an important one for the pursuit of their happiness, this elusive happiness should not be the only factor that should be considered. The little treats that Gen Z sees as small expenses in the moment, certainly add up over time. View this post on Instagram A post shared by arsheen ִ𐙚 (@tooshietrash) Lindsay says, "If this sweet little treat is impacting your bottom line, then you need to be mindful about where to pull back." The key, of course, is to know when to step back. One does deserve a little treat from time to time and every bit of the joy coming their way along with it, but only till it doesn't take a heavier toll in the long run. In a world full of iced matcha lattes, peptide lip treatments, deli-made fresh bakes and shiny trinkets, all we can say is that little treats are winning. And Gen Z certainly is on board.
Mint
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
How autistic creators are using art to reclaim their personal narratives
In a quiet studio filled with soft music and the scent of acrylic paint, 23-year-old Amrit Khurana dips a brush into a swirl of colour. There's no plan, no pre-drawn outline—just a shape, a texture, a feeling. 'My art is intuitive," Amrit says. 'It begins with a sensation and unfolds into something meaningful." For Amrit, who is on the autism spectrum, painting isn't just about self-expression—it's survival. It's regulation. It's identity. Across India, autistic artists, filmmakers, musicians, and writers are pushing back against outdated stereotypes that paint them as incapable. Through their creative work, they are reclaiming narrative control, offering rich, textured insights into what it means to live and create as a neurodivergent person. Their stories aren't footnotes in clinical case files; they are loud, proud testaments to resilience, beauty, and voice. Also read: Garba as therapy? Know why therapists are treating Parkinson's with Indian dance Verbal communication isn't always the default for autistic individuals. For many, art becomes a bridge—a mode of self-expression that doesn't demand conformity to neurotypical norms. Amrit's sensitivity to detail makes her art vibrate with emotional depth. 'Colours hum, textures speak, spaces carry memory," she explains. The sensory overwhelm that often comes with autism finds a safe, malleable outlet on her canvas. This resonates with what Dr Munia Bhattacharya, a clinical psychologist in Gurugram, observes in her work. 'One teenager I worked with found verbal communication stressful, but began expressing herself through stop-motion videos and comic strips. These became her language tools." Storytelling, visual or otherwise, gives autistic individuals agency in a world where their voices are often overshadowed by pathology-focused narratives. Psychotherapist Niyanta Dey adds, 'Art provides opportunities for emotional regulation and healing that traditional talk therapy sometimes can't. I've seen how self-photography, for example, helps instill self-acceptance, especially among young autistic women." FROM SILENCE TO STORYTELLING Autistic narratives in mainstream media often swing between extremes—either the 'tragic burden' or the 'gifted savant.' But the real stories are far more nuanced. According to Dr Gorav Gupta, a senior psychiatrist and CEO of Tulasi Healthcare, 'Storytelling allows people to describe their lives on their own terms, countering the deficit model society too often imposes." Dr Darshita Salian from Mpower agrees. 'Storytelling reclaims narrative power. It validates the diversity of their experiences, showing their identities as multifaceted and dynamic—not defined by limitations but possibility and authenticity." Today, this shift is visible in practice too. From blogs about navigating sensory overload in Indian metros to YouTube channels where young adults script and share skits about daily routines, autistic creators are shaping how autism is perceived—by others and by themselves. Social media platforms have become a vital arena for autistic creators to find community, amplify their work, and escape the tokenism of traditional media. One standout example is Samar Jeet Singh, a 20-year-old baker, traveler, and lifestyle influencer from India—currently the most-followed autistic individual in the country. Alongside his mother Milan Singh, Samar advocates for autism awareness while documenting his love for food, cars, and Bollywood music. 'People used to recommend 'magic medicines' or spiritual healers," Milan recalls. 'But over the years, we've seen more support than stigma. Samar's journey has inspired many." Baking, for Samar, isn't just a job, it's a regulated, repeatable process that aligns beautifully with how his neurodivergent mind thrives. Their Instagram account doesn't dwell on deficits. Instead, it overflows with joy, humor, and everyday wins—proof that autistic lives are not lesser, just different. Also read: Why autism in Indian women often goes unseen For many autistic creators, creative work is not just about representation—it's about survival. As Amrit puts it, 'When I paint, I release tension, confusion, or emotion that might not have words. The canvas becomes a safe container—nothing is too much for it." Salian outlines how structured creative outlets—like journalling, collage, or digital art—can reduce anxiety and aid in emotional regulation. 'It creates a space where sensory preferences are respected rather than pathologised," she explains. Munia points out how digital tools like Procreate offer predictable environments for autistic individuals who might find traditional media overwhelming. 'For some, expressive dance in sensory-integrated settings has been transformative. For others, scripting YouTube videos or writing poetry has been life-changing," she adds. The stereotype of the autistic creator as either a genius or a charity case is fading. As Dey notes, 'Neurodivergent creators are finally receiving the recognition they deserve. Social media has democratized who gets to tell their story." Creators like Aditi Gangrade (@muchmuchspectrum) and Mugdha Kalra (@autismtaleswithmugdha) are leading this shift, curating content that's both personal and political. While this progress is promising, it's still uneven. 'Elite schools in India continue to use deficit-based frameworks," says Munia. 'Even in metros, autistic voices are sometimes celebrated only when they align with marketable talent." Amrit calls out this pattern too: 'People romanticize autism only when it leads to exceptional output. But they ignore the day-to-day challenges. We are not inspirational just for existing—we're artists. Period." So, what do these creators want from the world? 'Stop seeing us as puzzles to be solved," says Amrit. 'See us as people with a different lens." Samar and his mother echo this. 'Autism is not a disease. It's a part of society. Learn, don't judge." Experts agree that inclusion begins with listening. 'Autistic individuals don't need to be fixed," says Gupta. 'They need to be heard." Salian adds, 'It's not about fitting them into our world but letting them shape the world alongside us." This shift demands more than hashtags. It requires educational reform, better access to creative tools, and platforms that prioritize neurodivergent-led content. While they wait for a more inclusive future, autistic creators across India are reshaping not only how autism is perceived but how creativity itself is understood. Divya Naik is an independent writer based in Mumbai. Also read: Mental health: How old is too old for therapy?
NDTV
13-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Why You Need Boredom And How Gen Z Doesn't Really Know What It Means
When was the last time you were truly bored? No, not the kind where you're lounging on your sofa, doom-scrolling reels. We're talking proper, staring-out-of-the-window, no-phone, just-you-and-your-thoughts kind of bored. The kind where you're so idle you start noticing how the fan spins or how your breath fogs up the glass. Today, it seems the only time we get bored is when our phones finally run out of charge and there's no power bank at hand. The art of sitting idle, doing absolutely nothing, sounds ludicrous - especially if you're Gen Z or Gen Alpha. But believe it or not, embracing boredom can be one of the best things we do for ourselves. Even Einstein championed its virtues: " I lived in solitude in the country and noticed how the monotony of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind." But before we dive into those benefits, let's explore why the art of genuine idleness is slowly being lost. Getting bored sometimes is good for your health. The Lost Art of Doing 'Nothing' A 2018 report from Ofcom, the UK's telecoms regulator, found that people check their phones every 12 minutes while awake. Seventy-one per cent never switch them off, and 40 per cent check them within five minutes of waking up (unless they are waking up to a notification, that is). This compulsive connectedness has wrecked our attention and glorified multitasking. Now, juggling 10 things while being glued to a screen is seen as efficient. But in reality, we've lost the ability to be still, to focus, and yes-get bored. Especially Gen Z and Gen Alpha, who have grown up in a world where silence and slowness are practically extinct. A World Of Endless Digital Stimulation Dr Gorav Gupta, senior psychiatrist and CEO of Tulasi Healthcare, New Delhi, explains that Gen Z has grown up in a world of endless digital stimulation, phones, social media, streaming, all at their fingertips. Dr Shaunak Ajinkya, consultant psychiatrist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, agrees. He says the moment there's a lull, Gen Z reaches for their devices. Unlike earlier generations who had to wait for a specific TV show or travel for activities, today's generation is never more than a swipe away from instant entertainment. How Social Media Trains Our Brain According to Dr Shaunak, social media is a prime culprit. Platforms like YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels are designed for fast, dopamine-packed content. "These platforms train the brain to crave constant novelty. That means slower or quieter activities now feel dull. Plus, the algorithms are built to serve up a constant stream of engaging material, leaving little room for actual downtime, " He adds. Then there's FOMO. Seeing what others are doing online makes the idea of doing nothing feel like falling behind. Ironically, all this overstimulation has led to shorter attention spans. Gen Z's attention span is now likened to that of a goldfish, averaging around eight seconds, compared to 12 seconds for Millennials. Ironically, we're always feeling bored; yet, we've lost the ability to be bored in a meaningful way. Practice ROMO (Relief Of Missing Out). Image: Unsplash But What Does Getting Bored In An Efficient Way Even Mean? There's an increasing buzz around the idea that boredom is not merely a void to be filled but a vital catalyst for creativity, concentration, and mental well-being. Some retreats even offer no-screen detoxes (yes, like the one you saw in The White Lotus Season 3) where people intentionally disconnect and embrace the stillness. But why is boredom such a big deal? NDTV spoke to experts to find out. Boredom Fuels Creativity Professor Sairaj Patki, faculty of psychology at Pune-based FLAME University, tells NDTV that boredom lets our minds wander, allowing us to slip into a state called incubation-where we unconsciously mull over problems. This is often when those "aha" moments sneak in. Think about it: Archimedes wouldn't have had a 'eureka' moment without boredom. Enhances Concentration Experts say boredom gives us space to reflect-on thoughts, feelings, goals-and that reflection improves concentration. It builds our tolerance for stillness and enhances our ability to be present without needing constant distractions. It's Good For Your Brain Dr Shaunak adds that, just like our bodies, our brains need a break too. Boredom gives our minds time to rest and recharge. Taking time to disengage replenishes our ability to focus later. In contrast, always being "on" burns out our mental resources. The Japanese Have Already Figured It Out: MA Trust the Japanese to have a beautifully nuanced philosophy for this. MA, which roughly translates to "pause" or "interval," is about becoming aware of space and time. MA encourages us to focus on transitional moments, to reflect and find clarity. By embracing these pauses without discomfort, we develop patience, resilience, and a deeper connection with ourselves. Is There A Right Way To Get Bored? Let's start with what not to do. Boredom isn't a cue to binge on junk food, spiral into passive scrolling, or bounce between Netflix and YouTube until your brain melts. These "coping" habits prevent real mental rest. Here are a few ideas for embracing boredom the right way: Take a walk without a plan: Choose a familiar route and allow your mind to meander without a predetermined destination. Engage in simple chores: Activities like folding laundry or washing dishes by hand can be meditative. Practice mindfulness: Sit quietly with your eyes closed, or gaze out of a window, and focus solely on being present. Limit digital distractions: Put your phone away. Designate specific times or areas where digital devices are off limits so that your brain can truly rest. Because in a world that's constantly buzzing, the best thing you can do is sit still and just be... bored. Not at the desk; no; but certainly on the pot.
