Whether this year you vow to lose weight, exercise more, cut back on frivolous spending – or all of the above – it’s easy to slip up and break your New Year’s Resolutions. One of the main reasons people fail at keeping their resolutions is an “all or nothing” mentality where we wind up depriving ourselves.

Here are 10 ways to treat yourself while still staying on track.

 

 

 

1. Gift cards. If you were lucky enough to get a gift card for Christmas, now is the time to indulge in that mocha latte or small spending splurge. Some of the best sales are right after the holidays!

2. In-home “spa” treatments. You don’t need to drop major buckage at Bath & Body Works to get a soothing, aromatic soak. The 99 Cents Only Store sells lavendar scented epsom salts to soothe your body and your senses. Splurge on some dollar store candles or post-Christmas sale votives to create an even more relaxing atmosphere. For more ideas, check out our list of DIY spa treatments.

3. Chocolate. Whether you’re trying to save calories or money (or both), you don’t want to deny yourself the occasional treat. Even Weight Watchers will tell you that chocolate is good for you. Forget the cheapy chocolates – they are not worth the calories! Trader Joe’s sells Dark Chocolate Nibs which are inexpensive and only 70 calories for a handful (you could do worse). You can find organic full bodied chocolate for $1.49-$1.99 per bar at Trader Joe’s.

4. Read a good book. You don’t have to have a Kindle to download the FREE Kindle app. Did you know that your local library system has ebooks – including current bestsellers – available to download for free? A quick search of my library system revealed the following free downloadable ebooks: The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins, The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom, and What She Left Behind by Ellen Marie Wiseman.

5. Exercise. A friend of mine who is a personal trainer insists that in as little as 20 minutes a day, you can get a good workout. Can you carve out 20 minutes today? If so, fill that time with lunges, squats, push-ups and planks. Even the smallest push is better than doing nothing.

6. Catch up on some good shows.  When you’re done with your 20 minutes of exercising, reward yourself with some good viewing. You don’t need to subscribe to Netflix in order to chill. Check out CBS.com for full episodes of The Good Wife, CW.com for Jane the Virgin and ABC.com for Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and How to Get Away With Murder. Need to start at the beginning? Your local library has many shows available on DVD, like the full first season of Empire.

7. Treat yourself to a mani/ped. At home. Skip the salon and DIY. For extra-soft tootsies, try this Listerine Foot Soak which will remove dead skin from your feet.

8. Visit a museum. Many museums offer free admission on certain days. Walking around burns calories while taking in art feeds your senses. It’s a win-win!

9. Consider adopting a dog. Love animals? Adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue organization is a way to motivate you to go on that walk twice a day – cheaper than a personal trainer! Not sure if you can make the commitment? Many rescue organizations will allow you to foster so you can see if the fit is right for you and the animal. If you’ve been thinking about getting a canine companion, now might be just the right time.

10. Listen to free podcasts. There are some really terrific podcasts like Serial that you can listen to while walking, jogging, hiking, or just getting stuff done around the house. And did I mention the word “free”?

What frugal ways do you enjoy treating yourself?