12 Days of Wellness - Take Some Time to Refresh Your Mind and Body During a Crazy Holiday Season

The holidays should be a time to rest, recharge, and reconnect with friends and family, but they can also get crazy. Between final exams, travel, and the all-around quickness of the season, it’s hard to remember to take care of your mind and body. Make time for you as we count down to Christmas with this holiday wellness guide.

Day 1: Dec. 13th - Winter Wellness Playlist

Kick things off with the perfect playlist! Music can help lift your mood, reduce stress, and keep you motivated and energized as your days fill up with chores and events. Curate a playlist filled with your favorite upbeat holiday tunes to help fuel your workouts and keep your spirits high throughout the season.

Day 2: Dec. 14th - Declutter and Deck the Halls

A tidy and festive environment can work wonders for your mindset. Take the day to refresh and reset your space and add some fun, holiday touches. A clean space is a great way to mentally reset after a long semester.

Day 3: Dec. 15th - Healthy Holiday Baking

Whip up some healthy holiday treats to enjoy the season and fuel your body. Experiment baking with fruits, dark chocolate, and nuts to keep your sweet tooth satisfied and your body feeling good.

Day 4: Dec. 16th - Holiday Treat Swap

Share the fun! Invite friends and family to bring a holiday treat to trade with everyone. You’ll get to try new foods, enjoy social time, and discover new holiday favorites.

Day 5: Dec. 17th – Hydration Challenge

Staying hydrated can be hard with a full schedule. Set a goal of drinking at least 4 bottles of water throughout the day. Proper hydration can improve focus, energy, and overall wellness during the cooler months of the year.

Day 6: Dec. 18th – Get Organized

Set yourself up for success this semester and start organizing your folders and schedules for the upcoming months of classes. Tasks like cleaning out your backpack or setting new goals are easy ways to start. A little preparation now can lessen stress later.

Day 7: Dec. 19th – Recharge and Reconnect

The holidays are the perfect time to reach out to friends you don’t get to see during the busy school year. Carve out some time to relax with the people that matter. Reconnecting and sharing laughter support mental wellness and reminds us of the importance of community.

Day 8: Dec. 20th – Get Outside

Even in winter, fresh air and sunlight are powerful mood boosters. Go for a walk, hike, or just spend a few minutes outdoors soaking up the sun and the scenery.

Day 9: Dec. 21st – Prioritize Rest

Fight off the winter sickness and go to bed early for 8+ hours of sleep. Getting quality rest strengthens your immune system and helps you recover from a busy semester of classes and exams.

Day 10: Dec. 22nd – Run, Run, Rudolph!

Bundle up and hit the pavement! Just because the temperature has dropped doesn’t mean you should skip out on exercise and vitamin D. A brisk morning run boosts energy, improves mood, and helps you soak up some much-needed early morning sunshine.

Day 11: Dec. 23rd – Digital detox

After dinner, unplug from screens and enjoy some old-fashioned fun. Break out the board games, read a book, or simply be present with family and friends. Give yourself the gift of connection with the people that matter most.

Day 12: Dec. 24th - Christmas Movie Marathon

Put on your favorite Christmas pjs and invite your favorite people. Cozy up with some hot chocolate and your favorite holiday classics and enjoy relaxing downtime with loved ones.

As the year winds down, these small wellness habits can help bring a bit of structure and balance to a busy season. Taking time to reset, get organized, and check in with yourself can make the holidays feel a little less overwhelming. This break is an opportunity to slow down, focus on what matters to you, and head into the new year feeling more refreshed and prepared.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Be well, Auburn.