We all know that work is sometimes challenging. So why not reward yourself? Do not wait for someone else to do it for you. Here are a few ways to show your appreciation (to yourself) after a hard day at work or outside the office. An article on this subject recently published the Fast Company website.
1. Have breakfast somewhere outside
You are probably used to eating alone or outside the office with colleagues. Don't you think that routine is a little boring? Try some graceful living and have breakfast outside.
2. Choose a related bribe
Are you learning a foreign language e.g., French? A nice way to reward yourself is seeing a French film or with a glass of fine Chardonnay.
3. Surf on the Internet (intentionally)
Admit that you have caught yourself many times spending time in aimlessly browsing the Internet instead of working on your projects. Most of us then feel guilty, while smart people consciously use these "squandered" online breaks before the next challenging brain activity (or after).
4. Relax on the go
Traveling by car, train or plane is for many a great opportunity to work continuously. If you are on your way to your job and you work while traveling, this takes up time that could still be yours. Next time, take along a nice book or mp3 player with your favourite music.
5. Go to an exhibition
Trade shows, exhibitions, markets, museums and more. In your neighbourhood, there are bound to be a lot of interesting places and events that you could go to. They are besieged by visitors and tourists during weekends, while on weekdays would serve as a nice place to relax.
6. Shop (controlled)
If shopping is relaxing for you, then try to hold your shopaholic tendencies at bay. Imagine that you are given a voucher for 500 crowns for every challenging task. So what are you waiting for? Go spend it.
7. The afternoon (evening) is yours
If you tend to work late into the evening, maybe it is time to change. Do you have something on a list that you have always wanted to try, but say there is no time? Baking? The gym? Dancing? Wine tasting? Do not sit at home or in the office working on tasks for long hours and go enjoy your life. You deserve it and your productivity will increase too.
8. Be generous
In many cases spending money on other people is associated with greater happiness than when you spend it on yourself. So reward yourself (yes, yourself) by taking a friend for coffee.
9. Buy flowers
A bunch of bright and colourful flowers will improve your mood and make you feel refreshed and ready for another work assignment. Why give flowers only on special occasions?
10. Drive away
Big successes requires big rewards. Weekends away from home are a great reward for surviving a demanding work week. Research even shows that planning such trips is associated with a sudden influx of happiness. So book a hotel on Tuesday and look forward to Friday!
How do you reward yourself?
-bn-