I'm obsessed with habits: how we make them, how we break them, how they change over time.

It comes with the territory of helping people live a life of positive change, growth, and transformation (what I like to call the Upward Spiral).

I'm always finding ways that we can motivate ourselves to make the changes we desire, which sounds easy but so often isn't so.

If you're a fan of the show Parks and Rec, you're probably familiar with one of the most popular scenes in which Donna and Tom celebrate "Treat yo'self day."

I’m convinced they know what they’re talking about

Studies show that when we treat ourselves, we are more likely to be motivated to self monitor. Yup, you read that right. Essentially, letting yourself go out shopping or get a massage, can actually help you to eat better, exercise regularly, do your chores, and all those other things you'll easily push to the side thought you know you "should."

For example, my husband collets honey and we will occasionally treat ourselves to tasting one from the collection. Since we don’t do this everyday or even weekly, it’s a treat. There’s nothing that helps make life sweeter than a spoon dipped in hone… — For example, my husband collets honey and we will occasionally treat ourselves to tasting one from the collection. Since we don’t do this everyday or even weekly, it’s a treat. There’s nothing that helps make life sweeter than a spoon dipped in honey.

But let's get one thing straight, treats are NOT rewards. Rewards are indulgences we give ourselves for doing certain things ("I did the dishes so I get chocolate." "I exercised today so I get to watch my show.") But treats are indulgences we allow ourselves to enjoy just because we want to.

I know, I know.

This seems so counterintuitive and like a recipe for disaster. Indulgence can be a slippery slope of repeated occurrence; one might fear that we’re going to slip into watching our show all day long while eating all the chocolate.

But consider this: When we don't allow ourselves indulgences SOME of the time, then we are actually MORE prone to losing control of our will power and giving in to temptations.

That's not to say that rewards don't work. They do. Sometimes. As long as you want the reward.

But treats we get just because.

Here’s my latest treat: It happened this morning (why not start the day off with a treat, amiright!?). I still had about 10 minutes before my alarm went off, I didn't want to get out of bed yet, but I also didn't think I'd be going back to sleep for a few minutes.

So I decided to use this time to read a few pages in Harry Potter. And I did. Reading in bed in the morning is something I've rarely done, so it's not a habit. I didn't allow myself this activity as a reward for a good night's sleep or waking up a few minutes early. I just wanted to, so I did.

Can’t wait to see how Harry and the crew make it through this year with all the shenanigans going on down at the Ministry of Magic! 🤓📘🧙‍♂️

The best part? It's not an unhealthy treat! (Yes, those do exist and be wary of them)

So my question for you is, what is a healthy treat you can give yourself this week?

What is something that you don't do often or in any regularity, but you just love and it makes you feel good? Something that you don't have to do or accomplish anything in order to allow yourself to get it? Something that you can give yourself just because?

Leave me a comment with your answer.

If you need any idea for treats, check out what I've got in the online store and use the code HAPPY35 to get 35% off any order until Midnight on Thursday. I'll even include a extra surprise treat for you in your package.

Treat YourSelf