Reprogram with Real Treats

“Treating yourself” usually means indulgence in food or spending. But before we reward ourselves, we should examine whether that choice benefits us in the long run or is a reactionary dopamine fix. Neurons that fire together wire together, so let’s not disguise the reinforcement of negative behavior as self-care.

Investing in self-constructive choices over self-destructive ones will lead to happier and more satisfying lives.

My journey in the past few years was focused on building a foundation of health. With that base, I’m ready to take it beyond by addressing more challenging habits. You know, the patterns that are so ingrained you feel like it’s part of your personality. But we all have a choice; if you don’t like that version of yourself, you don’t have to continue being that person. By visualizing your highest self, you can identify the behaviors you want your ideal self to uphold.

The best way to break a bad habit is to replace it with something better. Slowly but surely, you’ll be left with more good than bad.

Here are a few of my swaps:

• Spending money on fitness classes and wellness treatments over vices.

• Spending time learning and reading over social media consumption.

• Listening to instrumental, classical, and jazz music over songs with lyrics that don’t resonate with me.

I’ve already used a similar approach with my diet by picking foods that nourish and make me happy. Eventually, most of the junky processed foods I craved have been replaced by organic produce, wild-caught seafood, and grass-fed pasture-raised protein. Spoiled by the best foods, your body will turn adverse to low-quality choices, and your health will thank you.

So, consider a more self-fulfilling reward next time you want to treat yourself because you deserve the best. Let’s treat ourselves better this year with intention and mindfulness.