Why Experiential Ice Cream Is the New January Self-Care Trend

BY DANIEL GOLIK

‍

Self-care used to mean bubble baths and scented candles, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But self-care has changed. More and more, psychologists and wellness researchers highlight experience, presence, and novelty as essential parts of emotional well-being. In other words, doing things that make you feel alive matters, often more than just relaxing. Take nitrogen ice cream, which comes with swirling smoke clouds. It’s an experience that delivers joy and presence in one sensory moment. Let’s look at why this kind of treat is more than just fun; it’s a self-care moment your brain truly appreciates.

‍

🍨 The Power of Novelty and Experience

When we try something new or unexpected, our brains get excited. New experiences release dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure, motivation, and reward. Recent studies show that encountering novelty—even in simple daily activities—can boost happiness, increase motivation, and enhance overall life satisfaction. [1] That’s why dessert that looks and feels different, like nitrogen ice cream in a fog cloud, doesn’t just taste good; it FEELS good.

‍

🌟 Experiential Over Material: Why This Matters

Research in consumer psychology consistently finds that people experience more lasting happiness from spending on experiences (like events, meals, and travel) than from buying material items (like gadgets and clothes). Experiential moments create stronger memories, emotional connections, and social ties—all important for mental health. [2]

A nitrogen ice cream experience fits neatly into this category:

- It’s lived, not owned

- It’s in the moment

- It’s shared (social)

- It’s memorable

That’s why a family at a Chill-N location isn’t just enjoying dessert — they’re creating a memory.

‍

💭 Mood Boosts from Small Treats

Want some science? Several studies show that even small indulgences can affect mood and stress levels. One study had participants eat ice cream while practicing gratitude over two days. The blend of a pleasant activity and a positive focus significantly boosted happiness and well-being compared to baseline levels. [3] Another set of research finds that eating favorite foods mindfully, paying full attention to the experience, improves mood more than eating distractedly. This effect is similar to the mood benefits of meditation and mindfulness. [4]

In essence: It’s not just what you eat — it’s how you eat it.

‍

🧠 Presence and Savoring: Key Components of Self-Care

Positive psychology defines “savoring” as the ability to focus on and appreciate positive experiences—the opposite of living on autopilot. Savoring intensifies and prolongs positive emotions, enriching experiences. [5]

Nitrogen ice cream naturally invites savoring:

- The fog cloud piques curiosity

- The sensory contrast (coldness, texture, novelty) grabs your attention

- The shared experience with family and friends enhances connection

These traits come together to create a genuine self-care moment that engages both the mind and body, not just cravings.

‍

🤯 Surprise, Wonder, and Emotional Well-Being

Feeling awe, wonder, or surprise offers more than just fun; these emotions have real health benefits. Neuroscience shows that experiences that inspire awe or wonder reduce stress, activate reward systems, and improve cognitive flexibility. These feelings can even lower inflammation markers linked to chronic stress. [6]

Experiential desserts like nitrogen ice cream provide perfect opportunities for wonder:

- Watching the fog swirl

- Feeling the cold vapor

- Anticipating that first taste

These moments stimulate emotional systems associated with joy and presence.

‍

🎯 What This Means for Your January Self-Care Plan

January can seem long. After the holiday rush and in cold weather, mood drops are common. But self-care is not just about comfort; it’s about engagement, novelty, and presence.

Nitrogen ice cream offers:

- A new experience

- A moment of sensory engagement

- An opportunity to savor the present

- A memorable moment

This isn’t just any ice cream; it’s a small moment of self-care — an intentional pause that lifts your mood and breaks the routine. So instead of simply lighting a candle, try:

- Watching your ice cream being prepared

- Smelling the nitrogen smoke

- Feeling the cold

- Tasting it slowly

Because self-care isn’t passive; it’s an experience.

‍

✨ Final Scoop

Self-care in 2026 isn’t just about doing less; it’s about feeling more. Sometimes the simplest, most sensory experiences — like a scoop of freshly made nitrogen ice cream — can greatly enhance your well-being.

So here’s to:

- New experiences 🌀

- Small moments of joy 😊

- Savoring the present🍦

A January that feels good, not just looks good. You deserve it!

‍

References

1. Hall, K. "The Magic of Novelty: Why It Matters and How to Embrace It." Psychology Today, 6 January 2005, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/pieces-of-mind/202501/the-magic-of-novelty-why-it-matters-and-how-to-embrace-it.

2. Puente-Díaz, R., Cavazos-Arroyo, J. "Experiential gifts and the construal of meaningful consumption episodes." Humanities &Social Sciences Communications, 21 December 2022, https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-022-01486-w.

3. Linley, P.A., Dovey, H., de Bruin, E. et al. "Two simple, brief, naturalistic activities and their impact on positive affect: feeling grateful and eating ice cream." Psychology of Well-Being: Theory, Research and Practice, 12 November 2013, https://doi.org/10.1186/2211-1522-3-6.

4. Meier B.P., Noll S.W., Molokwu O.J. "The sweet life: The effect of mindful chocolate consumption on mood." Appetite. 1 January 2017, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2016.09.018.

5. Jose, P.E., Lim, B.T., Bryant F.B. "Does savoring increase happiness? A daily diary study." The Journal of Positive Psychology, 7(3), 176-187, https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2012.671345.

6. Wright, P. "The neuroscience and health benefits of experiencing awe and wonder." Nuvance Health. 9 August 2024, https://www.nuvancehealth.org/health-tips-and-news/the-neuroscience-and-health-benefits-of-awe-and-wonder.

‍

About the Author

Daniel Golik is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream. In 2012, Daniel Golik, then a senior at the University of Florida, had a wild idea: nitrogen ice cream made fresh to order. He began experimenting with recipes at home and consulted chefs, eventually opening the first Chill-N location in Pinecrest, Florida in 2014. Now with 16 locations across the country, he currently runs operations across all stores and always innovates to make the best ice cream in the world.