It has been said we are a society that loves to be rewarded. We want to be rewarded for everything. Whether it is credit card rewards, fuel points, or discounts, these positive reinforcements help motivate us to make purchasing decisions.
Let's talk about what rewards you could achieve through living a healthy lifestyle.
Decide what your wants, needs and goals look like. Everyone's list will be different. These rewards can both encourage and motivate you to participate in an activity. Some rewards are instantaneous, like washing your car, while others are long term, such as studying hard for years to earn a degree.
One way to view things you do is to look at the benefits and rewards first and then decide how you will achieve them. For example, you may want to participate in water sports. It is important then to learn to swim first.
Think about all the choices we make where we are unaware of the rewards we are receiving. They are a habit. Many of these habits were instilled in us at a very young age. Creating awareness in the family where kids understand that living a healthy lifestyle through food, exercise, hygiene and safety is a choice.
You could benefit from putting some kind of reward system in your own family setting. Decide how this will work for your family. Make it a game. This teaches the family that there is a goal, there are rules, and there is accountability.
For example, your family could make a "reward" chart with each family member. You may have categories such as: exercise; chores; food; and school work. Each member of the family works toward a reward each week or each month. Maybe it's praise for work well done, a family retreat to the park or getting ice cream.
Healthy living rewards are numerous. Exercise is one of the best examples of action followed by reward that anyone can do for themselves. By exercising, you are taking care of your body inside and out through strength, cardio and flexibility training.
The reward is not something that can be bought! It only comes to those who MAKE it happen. Healthy living is more than just exercising. It's taking care of you. All of you!
Not everyone loves going to the dentist, but everyone loves a great smile. A white dazzling smile is a reward of care. Eating a healthy diet, brushing and flossing your teeth every day and visiting the dentist for routine cleanings and check-ups, all lead to healthy dental hygiene that will reward you for many years.
The outcomes of some activities are the reward, such as good grades, gardening or a clean house. What about when you lose your first five pounds, quit smoking or save money? All these things have rewards. It's okay to tell yourself, "Good job," and reward yourself with something that is meaningful to you. Maybe that's a new pair of jeans, a good book or a massage.
None of the things we do or want, just happen. They are a reward of effort. Making choices that lead you closer to your goals will allow you to reap the benefits that living a healthy lifestyle provides. A healthy and fit body is an amazing reward, wouldn't you agree?