Young Chinese Workers Adopt Self-Love to Combat Burnout

Young workers across China are treating themselves to extra cups of milk tea, late-night snacks, and small moments of joy as part of a viral wellness movement sweeping the nation. The phrase "ai ni lao ji," meaning "love you, dear self," has racked up billions of views on social media platforms as a generation redefines success on their own terms.

Celine Wang, a 26-year-old office worker in Tianjin, orders herself two milk teas on tough workdays. "After going through all the difficulties from trying to be the best performer at school to surviving at my workplace, I feel tired," she says. "I've decided to treat myself well."

The movement emerged as young Chinese adults face significant challenges. Urban youth unemployment for ages 16 to 24 hovers around 17 percent, while mental health surveys show nearly 30 percent of adolescents exhibit depressive symptoms linked to academic pressure and economic uncertainty.

What started in gaming communities has become a survival strategy for millions exhausted by cutthroat competition and long work hours. Users share posts about praising themselves after hard study sessions or enjoying small indulgences after overtime shifts. The collective message: small joys matter.

The Ripple Effect

The wellness shift is changing how an entire generation views success. Carrie Lian, a university student from Guangxi, says she stopped measuring herself against social benchmarks while struggling to find internships. "We have heard too much propaganda about the excellence of others," she explains.

Her perspective reflects a broader backlash against extreme achievement culture. In 2019, Zhejiang University faced criticism for highlighting 24 scholarship winners from 70,000 students, with readers arguing it ignored the vast majority. The article was removed after public outcry.

Ben Yang, a Guangzhou university student, sees the trend as liberation from endless comparison. "For a long time, we were too concerned about what others thought and quantifiable achievements," he says. "Now, people are realizing that constantly seeking all that leads to endless competition."

Chinese state media has embraced the movement with positive commentary. The Paper, a Shanghai-based outlet, published pieces celebrating the trend as healthy self-care. Mental health experts note the shift toward self-acceptance could help address rising anxiety and depression among young people.

The movement represents more than internet slang. It signals young Chinese adults prioritizing mental wellness over perfectionism, choosing self-compassion in a culture traditionally focused on collective achievement and external validation.

As millions continue sharing their "love yourself" moments online, they're creating space for a gentler approach to success—one milk tea at a time.