How to celebrate a win on any budget!

Do you make time to pat yourself on the back for a job well done or do you keep your head down and just carry on to the next milestone? All too often I find people underplay their achievements as not being big or important enough for celebration. I’ve been guilty of it myself in the past, worried that if I took time to congratulate myself I might suddenly become a slovenly success-drunk sloth that never worked another day again. I’m pleased to report that this is yet to happen to me, or indeed anyone I’ve ever come across.

Instead let’s trust ourselves a little more and be generous enough to give ourselves credit where credit’s due. And the best way to do that? Well, a celebration, of course! Whether it’s tackling a mountain of washing or getting a promotion at work, below you’ll find a light-hearted list of treats to ensure your efforts don’t go unnoticed – by you.

Time to relax

If you’ve been feeling the pressure lately then a great way to celebrate a win is to indulge in some downtime. Forget the next deadline, task list or chore and give yourself a break to recharge.

Spend: Find your local spa and book yourself in for a 90 minute aromatherapy massage complete with candlelight and soft music to ease away any tension.

Save: The poster child for selfcare, a bubble bath is a low effort, low cost way to achieve relaxed muscles and surround yourself  with soothing scents without even needing to leave the house.

Invest in yourself

Investing in your personal development is a fantastic way to reward yourself as the benefits will continue to last long after the celebrations have ended. And it may just help you to achieve your next goal – double win!

Spend: Try an online training course if there’s a specific skill you want to master or invest in coaching for mindset development.

Save: YouTube has a wealth of how-to videos and tutorials so why not learn something new on your lunch break?

Tantalise your tastebuds

Maybe this says more about me than you need to know, but I consider eating a great way to celebrate something! Whatever cuisine gets your mouth watering, treat yourself to something delicious.

Spend: Have you got a restaurant you’ve been waiting to try? Perhaps you have an old favourite that you can’t wait to get back to. Either way, treat yourself to dinner out with great food and even better company to really unwind.

Save: It doesn’t have to be Michelin starred to hit the spot, sometimes just the pleasure of a night off from all the pots and pans is good enough. Major supermarkets usually do impressive ‘2 courses and bottle of wine’ deals for around a tenner or if that still feels like hard work, it’s take-away time! Light some candles to make it feel extra special.

A change of scenery

Sometimes the best way to get into a different headspace is to get into a different physical space, especially if you’ve been working hard and have spent an unhealthy amount of time staring at the same four walls day in and day out.

Spend: A weekend away in the country is ideal for blowing away the cobwebs and reminding yourself that there is a life outside of work. Whether you go exploring the local landscape or indulge in room service from your bed, feel good about what you’re achieved.

Save: If a whole weekend is a little beyond reach, why not head to a local park or National Trust site? For a few hours, switch off your phone (you can do this!) and just enjoy being around nature. If the weather’s good you could even pack a picnic.

Style update

Capitalise on your new-found confidence by making a bold new addition to your wardrobe, it’s all about wearing your wins this season!

Spend: A new coat? A new watch? Make it a staple piece that you get to wear a lot for a continued reminder of how awesome you are.

Save: It’s doesn’t have to be expensive to make an impact, go for a ruby red lipstick or sassy socks for an easy and low cost way to update your look and keep the celebration going for weeks to come.

So there you have it, 5 ideas for how to spoil yourself next time you deserve recognition. And remember, you don’t need to wait for someone else’s permission to celebrate your success – do it for yourself!

How do you celebrate your wins? Let me know in the comments below.