A couple of weeks back, I wrote this post about the importance of rewarding yourself when you’re trying to start a good habit…or break a bad habit. This is basic brain science. Naturally, good habits can be their own reward, but most of us benefit from extra reinforcement. So as a great philosopher once said, “Treat yo self!”
One reader reached out to me looking for ways to reward himself for losing weight and reaching weight loss milestones (so he wanted ways to reward yourself without food). Rewards can really work as motivation and inspiration for accomplishments as well as support for daily habits.
I believe just framing something mentally as a reward can help reinforce good habits (such as exercise or writing) and help you break a bad habit (whether it’s alcohol, smoking, another addiction, or losing your temper for no very good reason.)
The first 25 on this list are small, cheap rewards–some don’t cost any money at all! Then I have 15 medium-sized rewards and 10 big ones. Some of them are also good self-care ideas. You can use this list for inspiration on how to reward yourself for meeting goals of any kind.
I know not everything on this list is going to work for everyone. We all like different things, and we all have different circumstances. I hope you can find a few things here that work for you!
SMALL REWARDS
1. A new book. You knew I’d make this #1, right? Even if you’re on a budget, you can find good ebook deals. Or treat yourself with one from the library!
2. An hour devoted to reading. Or make it a whole afternoon…what a luxury!
3. Watching a movie–at the theatres, a drive-in, or at home.
4. Watching an hour of something you love–whether it’s a couple of episodes of a TV show, or nonstop kitten videos.
5. A magazine or two.
6. New socks. (Confession: I’m addicted to the fuzzy kind.)
7. A home beauty treatment, like a face mask, hair conditioning treatment, or body scrub.
8. A meditation recording or video.
9. A houseplant.
10. Fresh flowers.
11. A walk in a park…or in the woods, if they’re close by.
12. A visit to a museum. Lots of them have free days!
13. New stickers for your planner, if you’re a planner addict.
14. An hour playing videogames or computer games.
15. A nap.
16. A phone call or texting session with a friend.
17. A journal full of creative exercises about positivity…The Book of Dreams Come True.
18. Fifteen minutes of doing nothing but listening to beautiful music–classical, jazz, or New Age–is a reward that refreshes your brain.
19. Take some time exploring new music and make a new playlist.
20. A visit to a coffee shop, complete with your favorite fancy drink order.
21. An afternoon indulging in a craft of hobby.
22.A coloring or doodling session.
23. Watch the sun rise or sun set. (Watching sunrises is a personal favorite of mine.)
24. A coffee mug with a saying that cracks you up.
25. Give yourself a whole day where you don’t think negative thoughts about yourself. Look, if self-flagellation is really so important, it can wait until tomorrow.
MEDIUM-SIZED REWARDS
26. Dinner at a restaurant you really like.
27. A manicure or pedicure. (This isn’t just for women…it’s for anyone who likes to look well-groomed and get a nice hand or foot massage.)
28. Something new for your home or office: a framed print, a sparkly geode, or a bit of geek decor. Whatever inspires you!
29. A new outfit. If you’re rewarding yourself for sticking to your workout goals, this could be athletic wear.
30. A new pair of shoes.
31. A gorgeous water bottle…great for fitness and health goals.
32. New underwear. It could be novelty boxers or pretty lingerie.
33. A candle with a scent that uplifts you.
34. An amazing new perfume or cologne.
35. Give yourself a trophy!
36. A new purse or laptop bag.
37. A massage.
38. Go to a baseball game.
39. Take a day off to relax and do whatever you want. Get babysitting if necessary.
BIG REWARDS
40. A high-tech item you’ve been wanting for a while.
41. A concert, performance, or high-ticket sporting event.
42. A clean house…call a housekeeping service.
43. A night or two at a hotel or B&B.
44. A party. This could be big, but it could also be small–just a few friends to celebrate an accomplishment!
45. A hot air balloon ride.
46. A tattoo.
47. A meaningful piece of jewelry.
48. A professional photo shoot to give you great pictures of your amazing self.
49. A new car.
50. A dream vacation.
Do you have ideas about how to reward yourself? Let us know in the comments and add to the list!
And if you could use more inspiration on how to be kind to yourself and get inspired again, check out the interactive journal The Book of Dreams Come True. It’s full of easy and creative exercises about gratitude, manifestation, and finding your true self.
Thanks for reading, and have a great week!
You must really like kitten videos, you mentioned them twice! 😉 I love these ideas! Although spending the whole day reading is a habit I’m trying to break, so I can make more time writing. I’m looking at fuzzy socks right now!
Ahahaha! I do like them! But I was moving things around on the list and my last edit didn’t take. Updated! Thanks, Merrideth! And thanks for the kind words. That’s great to make more time for writing…and all the past reading will only help with your writing. 🙂
To snuggle up in a chair and read for several hours is a luxury I long for. I read a bit at night before I go to sleep and sneak a few minutes here and there. Breaking a social media habit would free up some time but that’s my connection to a lot of other writers.
I belong to a four person critique group, and am nearly through the third revision of my novel. That, and life-as-normal, keeps me busy.
Not only do I have a ton of books waiting to be read, I won a $50.00 gift certificate at a local book store for second place in a mystery writing contest. Hmmm. Maybe they have a book on how to organize time to allow time to read—if I can find time to read it.
I know what you mean about reading time vs. connecting-with-other-writers time. I want both! And oh wow, congratulations on winning a prize in a mystery writing contest! That’s awesome!
This is GREAT! (note: I was just reading ‘Sorcerer’s Stone’ again and number 6 on your list made me giggle!)
I haven’t given myself rewards lately, I give myself stress treats. I am going to change my point of view and do rewards instead.
Ha! I haven’t read Sorcerer’s Stone in so long and it’s one of my all-time favorites!
Thanks, Kris. You deserve to reward yourself!
You had me at the first two. I would add a trip to the nearest Half Price Books store or any bookstore will do!
Rae, you’re after my own heart. There’s a reason I put those first! Thanks for stopping by!
I think this is such a good idea! And one that has never occurred to me – and it should! I’ve worked VERY hard this year and ought to reward myself for it. Also… give myself something extra to earn to inspire me to shed those extra pounds I’ve put on while working so hard:)
It never would’ve occurred to me if my friend hand’t encouraged me! You deserve some rewards for all that hard work!
I certainly do!
This is JUST what I was looking for! In my job I have daily and weekly minimums on certain tasks. Working from home can make it difficult to stay on task. I like how you broke up the small medium and large rewards. I needed daily, monthly, quarterly and annual rewards for consistency in reaching the goals. I’m going to use this as a template and add to it as I am inspired. Thank you!