Being a student during the holiday season can be tricky.

Part of you wants to watch Hallmark movies all day, and the other half is stressing about final exams that are right around the corner. Amidst all the craziness, it’s still the perfect time to practice self-care and show gratitude for what we’re most thankful for.

This December, we are challenging you to some holiday self-care, and the only priority is YOU. Keep reading and get ready to put your best foot forward in 2023.

Daily Challenges

We’ve all been told that our small daily efforts make the big changes happen, and it’s true. Make an effort to complete these small daily challenges, and improve your mental and physical well-being all month long.

1. Wake up and write down what you are grateful for each morning.

2. Do something kind for someone else each day. (This can be a small gesture like holding the door for someone else or a larger gesture like paying for someone else’s coffee.)

3. End every night with 3 minutes of quiet time to reflect on your day and how you’ll make tomorrow better.

Weekly Challenges

1. Week 1: Get into the holiday spirit! Treat yourself to some holiday décor, listen to a festive playlist, or get some holiday shopping done.

2. Week 2: Sip some holiday cheer to help you through finals. Go to your favorite local coffee shop and indulge in a peppermint mocha, hot cocoa, or apple cider.

3. Week 3: Bake a festive treat. Pick a recipe that reminds you of the holidays and get cooking. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and there’s nothing better than a belly full of holiday cheer.

4. Week 4: Relax with a holiday movie night. Pop some popcorn, and sit down with your friends or family to enjoy a well-deserved chill night of holiday entertainment.

5. Week 5: Prepare your space for the new year. Take a day to clean up and organize your room or apartment. If you’re looking for some change going into the new year, pick up a few decorations to give your space a new vibe.

We hope you feel all the gratitude and rejuvenation after this self-care challenge. To help keep you on track, screenshot and print out the calendar photo. This way, you’ll be able to “check off” the daily and weekly challenges as you complete them. Happy Holidays!

Be Well, Auburn.