Treat Yo' Self!

How do you usually treat yourself?  A special ice cream?  Dinner from your favorite restaurant?   Treats are very often food.   Occasionally this is fine!   However, it can be easy to overdo it and eat too much.  Which leads to weight gain...which leads to us needing to lose weight...and feeling bad about those treats that ultimately were not so good for us.  We need to find things to treat ourselves in a healthy way!  

Gretchen Rubin talks about the strategy of treats in her book about habits, Better Than Before.  Treats are different than rewards.  Rewards are given to us because of something.  There does not have to be a reason to receive a treat other than we simply want it.  Treating yourself makes you feel appreciated and energized.  It can also increase your self efficacy.  It is important to treat yourself (but in a healthy way) so that you don't feel deprived.  Gretchen Rubin says, "When we don't get any treats, we begin to feel burned-out, depleted, and resentful."   It is difficult to start or maintain habits if you are in that state.  You may start telling yourself that you "deserve this" chocolate chip cookie or "you've earned" that extra brownie after lunch.  By identifying and indulging in healthy treats you enjoy, you will be less likely to derail your healthy habits.  

So how do you treat yourself?  A treat can be anything that gives you joy!
Start to think about the things that you find pleasure in doing.  It will be different for everyone.  For me, it is taking 20-30 minutes and reading a book or magazine.  It could be browsing through a book store or painting your nails.  Others might want a long bubble bath.  While someone else could savor a really great cup of coffee or tea.  Whatever it is for you, make sure you enjoy every second of it!

Treats are an important part of self care.  A treat doesn't have to be food related.  Finding ways to treat yourself in a healthy way will help keep your health and fitness on track.