Eating more fruits and vegetables. Drinking more water and less soda. Getting your heart rate up and your stress level down.
It takes a lot of small steps to reach big health goals. How can you keep yourself motivated over the weeks and months?
Rewards!
It’s important to celebrate your successes often. Try out a few of the rewards below. Keep yourself on track during the holidays—and into the new year.
Keep your long-term rewards in mind
The small health goal you meet today gets you one step closer to your larger goals.
Need a little boost? Remind yourself of the benefits you’ll enjoy in the future.
These might include:
- Recovering more quickly from pregnancy and childbirth
- Reducing your risk of diabetes and other chronic conditions
- Having more energy to play with (and chase after) young children
- More muscle strength and stamina to get chores done faster
- Less pain throughout your body
- Being able to enjoy exercise in hot Texas weather
- A stronger immune system for fighting colds and flu
Practice short-term rewards several times a week—or more
- Celebrate each success with a “goal buddy.” Encourage each other via text.
- Use fun stickers on a wall calendar to tell yourself “Good job!”
- Use a special mug or glass when you hit a small goal.
- Treat yourself to movie marathon night at home.
- Visit a free local event.
- Schedule a bubble bath and relax with a good book or magazine.
- Invite friends over for a board game night.
- Post your achievement on social media.
Changing a health habit can be hard, but it’s worth it in the end.
Keep going … and keep rewarding yourself!
Do you need insurance for yourself and your children?
Texas STAR (Medicaid) and Texas CHIP provide healthcare for low-income families, children, and pregnant women at low or no cost.
Already a Parkland Community Health Plan member?
Visit our Member Portal to search for doctors near you.
