Get ready to treat yourself by celebrating Reward Yourself Day on May 8. Today is the opportunity to give yourself the recognition and reward you deserve for taking steps to improve your health and overall well being.
This national holiday encourages people of all ages to take a few moments out of their day to celebrate their successes and reflect on how far they have come in reaching their goals. Whether it’s taking time to relax and enjoy a hot bath, indulging in your favorite treat, or going for a hike. Reward Yourself Day is the perfect excuse to show yourself some love.
History of Reward Yourself Day
Rewarding yourself has been a proven method of encouraging positive behavior changes since ancient times. The concept of rewarding oneself has endured through the centuries to reinforce good habits and celebrate accomplishments. For example, the Greeks and Romans used rewards to strive for excellence and perform heroic deeds.
In modern times, psychologists have used the power of rewards to motivate behavior changes, creating a positive reinforcement loop that makes it easier for people to stick to their goals. Setting specific milestones and rewarding yourself when you reach them reinforces the desired behavior and makes it more likely to stick.
That’s why May 8 is designated to you rewarding yourself for your achievements and get back on track with your resolutions. So celebrate your progress and give yourself the recognition you deserve on Reward Yourself Day!
Reward Yourself Day timeline
The Greeks and Romans use rewards to motivate excellence and celebrate heroic deeds.
As psychology begins to emerge as a field, the concept of using rewards to encourage positive behavior gains traction.
A renewed focus on self-care and personal development emphasizes the idea of rewarding oneself and the importance of celebrating accomplishments in order to stay motivated and promote mental well-being.
Albertsons sponsors Reward Yourself Day and the first celebration takes place. Want to be a sponsor: learn how.
Reward Yourself Day FAQs
Why was Reward Yourself Day established?
Reward Yourself Day was created as a way to encourage people to reward themselves for achieving their goals, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem.
What are some ways to reward yourself?
Taking a relaxing bath, going for a walk in nature, meditating, practicing yoga, reading a book, or listening to music.
How can you maintain good mental health?
Some simple tips for maintaining good mental health include staying active, maintaining social connections, practicing relaxation techniques, getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and seeking professional help if needed.
How to Celebrate Reward Yourself Day
Treat yourself to a spa day
Indulge in some well-deserved pampering with a spa day. Book a massage, facial, or mani-pedi at your favorite salon. Or, if you prefer to stay home, create a DIY spa day with some relaxing candles, face masks, and a bubble bath.
Take a solo adventure
Plan a solo adventure to celebrate your healthy habits. Take a hike in a nearby park, explore a new museum or art exhibit, or take a day trip to a nearby town. Don't forget to take some time to reflect on your accomplishments and how far you've come on your wellness journey.
Share with others
Healthy habits are easier to stick to when you have a support system. Track the process to achieve your goals and share it with other like-minded individuals to stay motivated. Get rewarded for healthy lifestyle choices and earn points each time you progress in your journey.
5 Facts About Health And Wellness Goals
Risks of physical inactivity
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), physical inactivity is a leading risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. In fact, physical inactivity is estimated to be responsible for 3.2 million deaths each year.
Mental wellness is just as important
A survey by the American Psychological Association found that stress is a major health concern for Americans, with 75% of adults reporting experiencing moderate to high levels of stress in the past month.
Risks of improper sleep
A lack of sleep has been linked to a range of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The WHO recommends a minimum of seven hours of sleep per night for adults.
The role of rewards
Rewards can be a powerful motivator for achieving goals, as they activate the brain's pleasure centers and reinforce positive behaviors.
Wellness goals
In a study of weight loss, participants who set specific goals and received a reward for achieving them lost significantly more weight than those who didn't receive a reward.
Why We Love Reward Yourself Day
It prioritizes self-care
Reward Yourself Day emphasizes the importance of self-care and taking time to recharge. You can choose to pamper yourself with a spa day, indulge in a favorite treat, or simply take a day off to relax and recharge.
It boosts motivation
Reward Yourself Day can serve as a powerful motivator to tackle tasks and goals. Knowing there's a treat or celebration waiting at the end of a challenge can help you maintain focus and enthusiasm.
It acknowledges progress
Reward Yourself Day allows us to recognize the progress we've made towards our health and wellness goals. By setting achievable goals and following through with healthy habits, we can take pride in our accomplishments and boost our motivation to continue.
Reward Yourself Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | May 8 | Thursday |
| 2026 | May 8 | Friday |
| 2027 | May 8 | Saturday |
| 2028 | May 8 | Monday |
| 2029 | May 8 | Tuesday |
