Top 10 rewards that aren’t food

We’re now three weeks into 2016. Is it just me or did that feel more like three days? I’m sure I’m not the only one who set a few New Years resolutions about three weeks ago and I hop everyone has been doing well sticking to them (I’m doing ok, with the odd slip up).

For any resolution a great way to stay on the wagon is to reward yourself for working hard to meet your goals. However, if one of your resolutions is related to your health or fitness, chances are you don’t really want your reward to be a bar of chocolate. At least, not every time.

So, here are my top ten rewards that don’t involved food.

1. A bubble bath: Put those Christmas gift products to use and have a good long soak. Take care of yourself properly and don’t forget moisturiser afterwards.
2. A manicure: Ok, lets not break the bank here. Maybe you’re not going to head to the salon but that doesn’t mean you can’t apply some hand cream, let it soak in, push back your cuticles and shape and paint your nails. Your hands will look and feel great afterwards and you’ll be glad you took the time to do it right.
3. An hour with a good book: If you’re like me and one of your goals is to read more then this helps you to kill two birds with one stone. Make a cup of tea and get snuggly on the sofa.
4. Getting creative: Whatever your personal creative outlet is (mine are writing and calligraphy) now is the time to indulge it.
5. Netflix marathon*: I’m sure there’s something you need to catch up on? Even if it is old episodes of Buffy. Obviously there’s no need to limit this to Netflix, just watch something that will make you feel good.
6. Clean sheets (or new sheets if you have the cash to spare): Ideally washed with a good cupful of fabric softener so they’re nice and clean and crisp and smell amazing. It’s so simple, but this has always been a great way to improve my mood and that first night of slipping into freshly washed sheets always feels great.
7. A long walk somewhere beautiful: It’s not always easy to get out of the city but at least go wander around the park. You’ll feel happier for it and this has the added advantage that you can definitely count it as a work out.
8. A nap: You’ve worked hard, you’re tired, you deserve this. Just keep it under an hour so you don’t wreck your sleep cycle.
9. Dancing: Put on your favourite music and have a dance, even if you’re just in your living room, even if there’s no one else. You’ll feel silly for the first ten seconds and great immediately afterwards.
10. Video games: Get really stuck in for a couple of hours. Bonus points if they’re local multiplayer so you can have fun with a friend too.

*Ok, for me a Netflix marathon is 3 episodes because I don’t have the attention span for much more but I’m sure you can do better than me.

I hope you find this useful! What’s your favourite way to reward yourself?