Ready to treat yourself without regrets or a hefty price tag? Discover the art of a good rewards system with my guilt-free, low-cost ways to pat yourself on the back.
From simple pleasures to creative indulgences, find out how to reward yourself and celebrate your successes in a way that’s as responsible as it is gratifying.
Key Takeaways
- Celebrating achievements doesn’t have to be expensive; activities like trying new things, making your favorite meal, or having an at-home spa day.
- There are healthy rewards and more that are small things you can enjoy for getting through hard times and tough work. I love a nice yoga session followed by a movie on weeknights.
- Creative rewards, such as engaging in art or simply doing nothing, can be both fulfilling and revitalizing.
- Use rewards to recharge and reflect on personal growth and accomplishments. That way you can keep motivated moving forward.
5 Simple Ways How to Reward Yourself Without Guilt
You’ve achieved some goals, good on you! Now, what’s the best way to celebrate? Let’s delve into the art of rewarding yourself.
From trying new things to indulging in a day of doing nothing, there are countless ways to give yourself a well-deserved treat.
Let me share the ways I unwind and the small rewards I give myself that aren’t “too much:”
1. Trying New Things
I love trying new things, and if we’ve been productive and gotten a lot done, this is the one big thing that I’ll schedule for summers or vacations.
My rewards were things I had always wanted to try: ziplining, a local yoga class, and smash rooms just for the experience.
But there are free things you can try or make inexpensive to fit your budget.
I used free apps to learn to play some songs on the piano and watched YouTube videos to make paintings- and let me tell you, that paint-and-sip idea is fun from home without costing much!
Brainstorm things you’ve wanted to try, and if you need to budget for it, take it one step at a time to get that treat you deserve!
2. Making Your Favorite Meal
Why not whip up your favorite meal or make something entirely new? I recently splurged and made a homemade lobster bisque that I can’t stop thinking about!
But I’ve also treated myself to homemade lasagna and a good roast beef sandwich (not too expensive to make!) because I love them, and they make me feel good inside.
But I know that food as a reward can sometimes lead to feelings of guilt, especially if it leads to overindulgence.
Think about your favorite meal as a form of self-care, a celebration of your culinary skills, and a way to nourish your body with delicious, healthy food while eating healthy.
3. At Home Spa Day
Next is the true pampering I need a few times a month! An at-home spa day can be easy and inexpensive to treat myself after getting through a hard week.
Setting up a spa day at home can be a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. Here are some steps to follow:
- Prepare some refreshing drinks like mocktails or herbal teas
- Dim the lights
- Light some aromatic candles or use an oil diffuser to create the perfect ambiance
- Pick a great movie (I prefer rom-com, but my crazy friends tell me they watch murder mysteries??)
- Get soft, fluffy towels and a nice bathrobe or soft PJs
- Look up how to make a homemade body scrub or a coconut oil treatment for dry skin
- Do your nails, pluck your brows, or whatever else you think you’d want from a salon
- Take a long bubble bath or shower, extending the relaxation and pampering effect of the treatments
Make this your own reward by changing it up however you want. But tell me what you think is a good reward for a spa night, I may need to try something new as my special treat!
4. Do Nothing
In this fast-paced world, the idea of doing nothing might seem counterproductive. But think about it, when was the last time you truly allowed yourself to just exist quietly?
Taking strategic breaks from work, including a mental break, has been shown to enhance productivity, job performance, and health.
Giving your mind and body a day off can be a reward in itself!
I’ll watch one or two episodes of my favorite show, read a new book, lounge out in the sun, or just go to the beach and watch the water (or go swimming if I feel like it).
Doing nothing isn’t actually doing nothing- it’s doing none of the expected stuff or daily chores that bog us down some days.
5. Have Some Art Time
Art has a way of touching the soul like nothing else. Whether it’s painting, drawing, or writing, engaging in creative activities can be a cathartic experience.
You might choose to paint outside, letting the beauty of nature inspire your creativity. Or perhaps you prefer to write, pouring your thoughts and feelings onto the page.
You don’t have to be an artist to enjoy art. The process of making can be rewarding or you could visit a museum, farmer’s market, or local festival to see art out in the world.
Benefit Of Rewarding Yourself
Now that we’ve explored various ways to reward yourself, let’s delve into the benefits and why you should skip it:
Avoid Burnout
Daily life and work can get overwhelming, leading to stress and burnout. This is where rewarding yourself comes in.
Taking time for self-reward allows you to manage stress levels and disengage from sources of stress. It’s like hitting the pause button on life and allowing yourself to relax and rejuvenate.
Continued Motivation
Imagine climbing a mountain. Each step is hard, and the summit seems far away.
But what if you rewarded yourself after each milestone? Wouldn’t the journey seem more enjoyable?
Each reward acts as a stepping stone, propelling you toward your ultimate goal and keeping the flame of motivation alive.
Rewarding yourself helps to reinforce positive behaviors, making you more likely to repeat them.
Prevent Procrastination
Procrastination is the thief of time. But what if you could combat it with the power of rewards?
Offering yourself a reward after completing a task can create a positive link between productivity and pleasure, serving as motivation for future tasks.
Establishing a reward system that acknowledges small achievements can maintain motivation and contribute to sustained efforts towards larger goals.
FAQs
Should I reward myself for accomplishing goals?
We often get overwhelmed and honestly feel lazy if we don’t get enough done, but we have a lot to reward ourselves for.
Giving yourself little rewards for accomplishing goals can help maintain good motivation, prevent burnout, and reinforce positive behaviors.
Providing yourself with rewards, even for small accomplishments, can help you stay motivated both personally and professionally.
What are ways to reward myself that aren’t food or shopping?
There are countless ways to reward yourself without spending money or indulging in food. Find activities that bring you joy and make you feel good.
I’ll give myself a manicure, take a relaxing nap, or even go for a leisurely walk all by myself after a productive day.
Kelan may want to hit up a sporting event, go hiking, or get ice cream, and I’m happy to come along for the journey, too!
You can also explore free local museums or attractions, spend quality time with pets, or listen to podcasts on topics of interest to you.
Are there inexpensive ways to treat myself?
Absolutely! Hosting a potluck game night, taking a hike, or getting movies from the library are all inexpensive but enjoyable ways to spend time with yourself.
You could also indulge in simple pleasures like baking a favorite dessert, creating a spa experience at home, or organizing a backyard campout.
These are affordable ways to indulge in personal interests and hobbies, making you feel rewarded without breaking the bank and helping you save money.
These treats are not only enjoyable but also give you the satisfaction of taking care of your well-being by incorporating healthy habits.
Final Thoughts
Rewarding yourself is more than just a treat; it’s a powerful tool for personal growth.
From trying new things to having a spa day at home, there are countless ways to reward yourself without feeling guilty or overspending.
Not only do these rewards help maintain motivation and prevent burnout, but they also reinforce positive habits.
So go ahead, reward yourself. You’ve earned it!
