113 rewards that aren't food

Sometimes I don’t even know what I like to do anymore.  I get caught up in the busyness of the day and my “to do” list that I don’t even once think about myself.   I am a doer.  I like to be busy and have projects going.  Somewhere along the line my worth got caught up in being measured by how much I can get done.  This gets out of hand often and I forget to give myself permission to rest and just be me.  

For a long time (and still sometimes) I was very uncomfortable with not being busy.  When I was just plain exhausted and wanted to stop “doing” the only thing I would give myself permission to do was eat.  Somehow this didn’t make me feel guilty about not producing something or doing something because eating was a necessity.  But I wasn’t eating healthful things, I was eating foods to numb my unsettled feelings.

Turns out I am not alone in this.  We asked our clients to give lists of what they like to do besides eat.  Eating is so much a part of our culture that we forget there are other things to do besides eat.

Look below and see if you are inspired or reminded of something you like to do as well.  Keep a list in your mind and ask yourself next time you find yourself munching if one of these would fill you up in better way.  

We are made to work AND play AND be creative (and not occasionally, it’s more like daily)

What I like to do besides Eat:

1. Buy a new outfit
2. Allow yourself a weekend of NO chores
3. Enjoy a movie binge day
4. Get a massage/spa day
5. Sleep in!
6. Treat yourself to a new book/”toy” you wanted.
7. Treat yourself and your best friend to go visit a new town.
8. Buy new pillows
9. Take a bubble bath
10. For small goals, every time you reach one put $1 in a jar. At the end of the year treat yourself to that money.
11. Learn something new
12. Rest
13. Clothes that fit better
14. Reading
15. Jigsaw puzzle/crossword puzzle
16. Family game or movie night
17. Facetime with Friends
18. Family visits
19. Boat Ride
20. Play with dogs
21. Sewing
22. Scrapbooking
23. Napping
24. Mani/Pedi
25. Attend a show
26. Get outside to walk/hike
27. Listen to Music
28. Flowers
29. Cooking class
30. Buy exercise Equipment
31. Day off from work
32. Clean car/car wash
33. Go to the movie theater
34. Day at the Lake
35. Go to a sporting event (Bills)
36. Roller Blading
37. Doing a face mask
38. Going to the thrift store
39. Going to bed early
40. Sitting on the porch
41. Video Games
42. Bowling
43. New piece of music gear
44. Listening to music on a walk
45. Snuggle time
46. Facial
47. Walk the dog
48. Work on gardens
49. Getting a hug
50. Going to Hobby Lobby
51. Getting together with friends
52. Hanging out with grandchildren
53. Treat yourself to a new hairdo
54. Go on a date with spouse
55. Working in yard
56. Painting my own nails
57. Find a waterfall
58. Clean a drawer
59. Buy a new bra
60. Thank a Veteran
61. Encourage a child
62. Buy flowers for someone
63. SMILE
64. Read the bible
65. Sit and Breathe
66. Sit on the beach
67. Do a bible study
68. Petting my cat
69. Looking at the lake
70. Hearing Rain hit the roof
71. Watching the growth of a garden
72. Catching up with friends
73. Back Rub from significant other
74. TRAVEL
75. Get lost in nature
76. Kayaking
77. Bike riding
78. Day trip
79. Concert
80. Buy new shoes
81. Place a stone in a jar and see how it fills up
82. Plan a day away
83. Hire a cleaner for a day
84. Donate to a food pantry
85. Buy a new cookbook
86. New workout outfit
87. New makeup
88. Walk with a friend
89. Rest in a hammock
90. Redecorate a room or small space
91. Dance
92. Float in the pool
93. Go to a fun event
94. Plan a vacation
95. Journal
96. Buy a new toy “electronics”
97. Sleep in
98. Go to a batting cage
99. Go to a driving range

    100.Help a Neighbor

    101.Try a New craft project

    102.Goal setting

    103.Mission trips

    104.Subscriptions to stich fix

    105.Leisure walks (not for exercise but for relaxation

    106.Buy a plant or fresh flowers.

    107.Make a blanket fort

    108.Go to a farmers market or craft show

    109.Jam out session to your favorite song

    110.Ride a horse

    111. Learn a new skill

    112.Knitting/crocheting

    113. Volunteer

Pick the ones that "speak to you" or add your own. Try do at least one a week if not one a day!! I dare ya 🤪