Participation trophy? 2 in 3 people want rewards for having a healthy lifestyle

NEW YORK — Should living your best life come with a prize? Two-thirds of Americans believe they’d be more motivated to pursue a healthy lifestyle if they received a material reward for their effort. According to a recent survey of 2,000 people, nearly two-thirds are also already rewarding themselves for working out or achieving fitness goals; three in five relax and unwind, more than half watch a TV show or movie, and almost half treat themselves to a favorite food or beverage.

Health RewardsWhile just as many respondents treat themselves for getting their finances in order, three in five worry that prioritizing one type of goal (e.g., getting in shape) may make it more difficult to achieve a different one (e.g., saving money). Results also show that financial rewards, such as significant discounts to their favorite stores, were a much bigger incentive than “nice-to-haves” like medals, trophies or tickets to sporting events and concerts.

Conducted by OnePoll in collaboration with Walgreens, researchers also examined the reasons wellness and financial goals can sometimes be at odds with each other. More than two in five agree that wellness goals are more difficult to accomplish, which may be why 57 percent place financial goals at the forefront of their minds.

Sometimes, though, the smaller accomplishments can have a domino effect. More than half the poll believes saving money via discounts or coupons often gives their mental health a boost. Other simple goals that gives respondents a spring in their step include completing errands (43%) and drinking enough water (42%).

Everyday errands can lead to better mental health

Health RewardsWhile shopping for essentials can sometimes feel like a chore, Americans feel good about being able to provide themselves and their families with groceries/healthy food (55%), personal care items/toiletries (49%), beauty/self-care products (44%), and pet food/supplies (41%). Three in five feel good about getting something they need, while more than half say the same after buying essential items at a great value.

Nearly eight in 10 add checking things off their “to-do” list makes them feel productive, and that boosting productivity can be just a matter of cleaning up/organizing (60%), paying the bills (53%), or doing laundry (50%).

“Our survey reinforces what we’ve heard from our customers – that financial and personal wellness goals can oftentimes feel at odds,” says Maria Smith, vice president of payments & financial services at Walgreens, in a statement.

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