De-Stress December Challenge

Hope everyone had a very happy Thanksgiving!

The holidays may look incredibly different this year, as coronavirus cases rise and we limit travel, but we can still find ways to bring joy to the season. Many of us (myself included) have at times written off 2020 as a complete dumpster fire, but when we take a step back and look critically at the year behind us, we can still find some beauty among the chaos.

As we approach the final month of 2020, I’d like to end the year on a more uplifting note. Introducing: the De-Stress December Challenge! I polled readers of the blog on Instagram earlier this fall to find out what everyone has been struggling with most, and what you might find helpful as we round out 2020. You each had some great insights to share, and I couldn’t have put this challenge together without you.

So how does it work?

From December 1 through 30, you’ll have one challenge item to complete. These items are designed to make your life a little happier, healthier and more intentional. If you’d prefer to complete the challenge items out of order or switch up a few of the dates, go for it! Wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all, and this challenge was created to make your life less stressful, not more so. Do what will work for you!

Follow along on Instagram at @wellnessandwanderlustblog. I’ll be in my stories every day, sharing the daily prompt and how I’m doing in the challenge as well. Be sure to share your own progress on social media, tag me, and use the hashtag #DeStressDecember. I’d love to see how you’re doing!

What are my prompts?

1. Be intentionally kind.
   Whether you buy Starbucks for the person behind you in line or donate to your favorite cause for Giving Tuesday, do something kind for someone else.
2. Spend 5 minutes outside.
3. Journal your feelings for today.
4. Track your water intake.
5. Try a workout you’ve never done before.
6. Meditate for at least five minutes.
   Meditation looks different for everyone. If you have a practice already, do your thing! If you don’t, consider a guided meditation on an app like Spotify or Insight Timer, or look into other forms of meditation.
7. Evaluate your budget.
8. Check in with a friend or loved one.
9. Time-block your day.
   If you don’t already use time-blocking as a practice in your life, consider designating certain times of the day for certain projects or activities, whether personal or work-related, to help you stay organized.
10. Write down five things you’re grateful for.
11. Practice reverse gossip.
    Our default is often to find fault in others, so make it a point to say something nice about someone!
12. Test out a new recipe.
13. Choose an affirmation for today.
14. Clean up one area of clutter.
15. Get hygge with it!
    Hygge is the Danish art of contentment, and it’s all about warmth, comfort and togetherness. Find ways to stay cozy and add a little luxury to your night!
16. Write snail mail to someone.
17. Take time for creativity.
18. Choose a one-word theme for 2021.
    Find about what I chose for 2020 here. I’ll be sharing my “why” on Episode 14 of the podcast, along with my word for 2021. Let me know what you pick!
19. Take a mini digital detox.
20. Listen to music.
21. Embark on a power hour.
    Set aside an hour working on those annoying little miscellaneous tasks you’d rather push to the side. I promise you’ll be amazed at how much you can get done in a short amount of time!
22. Treat yourself.
23. Practice 4-5-6 breathing.
    Do this when you start your day or any time you find yourself stressed. How does it work? Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 5, and exhale for 6.
24. Create a list of dreams for 2021.
    What do you hope to make a reality next year?
25. Write down the good things that came from 2020.
    Need some inspiration? Check out this gratitude reflection challenge from Prosecco & Planners for several helpful prompts to get started. (And tune in to the Wellness and Wanderlust podcast for Episode 13 in a few weeks, where we’ll chat with Cynthia from Prosecco & Planners all about getting organized and bringing purpose into 2021!)
26. Evaluate your goals and resolutions.
27. Incorporate laughter into your day.
28. Color your plate.
    Make sure you’re getting plenty of nutrients by getting as many colors of the rainbow as possible on your plate today! (No, Skittles don’t count. :))
29. Honor the full moon.
    On Episode 6 of the podcast, we do a deep dive into how we can honor the full moon and what a full moon ceremony might look like. Take this time to think about what boundaries you want to set, and what no longer serves you as you move forward into a new month and year.
30. Create a ritual to welcome 2021.

I hope you’ll join me for the challenge this December! Let me know what you’re working on and be sure to tag me on social media to share what you’re doing. Happy de-stressing, everyone!