Quite often I feel the need to do something for myself. 

I’m sure you’ve had those times when you’re tired, burned out, just need to slow down a bit.

It usually hits me on Friday. 

I’m good to push through the rest of the week, but by Thursday afternoon-Friday, I’m needing a pick-me-up.  

RE-THINK YOUR REWARD SYSTEM

I started thinking, why do I always reward myself with food or a soda? 

I’m especially feeling crappy about the food part. 

I find myself pulling through a drive thru that in the end makes me feel crappier than before I started. 

NO MORE my friends!  There has to be other ways that I can show myself a little love.  Some acknowledgement that I’ve worked hard and need a little break. 

Ideally, I should be doing this daily, meaning, taking short breaks every day that give me a little UMPH.

A little rest.

A little rejuvenating power.

Ideally doesn’t happen much, but it’s something to work towards, right? 

MAKING A LIST IS ALWAYS THE ANSWER

When I sat down to journal recently, I asked myself this question:

“What can I do besides get something to eat or drink that will be a treat for me?  What can I DO that gets me away from what I do all day every day, and allows me to recharge?” 

Here’s the list that I came up with.

• Read a book from my pile
• Watch a YouTube video that has nothing to do with work
• Crochet
• Embroidery
• Knit
• Color
• Sit in my chair with my feet up and think
• Sit outside in the shade
• Watch an episode of “Gilmore Girls”
• Go for a hike
• Go for a walk
• Take a bath
• Do a facial mask
• Go through some old scrapbook albums
• Look through my patterns and dream about making something
• Take pictures of beautiful things outside
• Take pictures of objects in my house.  Take it at an unusual angle.
• Call a friend
• Look through my Calvin and Hobbs books
• Go to the library
• Look at office supplies
• Browse an art store
• Find a new fabric store
• Play with an art supply I haven’t used very much.  Learn how it works.
• Make cards
• Go for a drive
• Watch/Listen to a musical or soundtrack
• Listen to a podcast
• Listen to a General Conference talk

I couldn’t believe how easy it was to make my list.  The ideas kept coming and very few cost anything. 

I’m on a mission to change a bad habit.  I’m not saying I won’t go out to eat any more, but…

I’m not going to use it as a reward.

If I am being honest with myself, how can eating food that’s bad for me be a reward?  It’s actually more of a punishment for my body. 

I DON’T WANT TO DO THAT ANYMORE!

I’m putting my list in my Travelers Notebook so I can access it easily wherever I find myself needing a little pick me up. 

Come visit me in my shop to design a TN to house YOUR list!

I’d love to hear what’s on your list.  I could always use more ideas for mine.