31-Day Self-Care Challenge to End the Year Right 🎉🧘♀️
- Sophia Whitehouse
- Nov 30, 2021
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 7
🎄 31 Days of Self-Care to End the Year on a High Note 🎉
The holidays can be a lot—family, obligations, stress, and expectations. But before you dive into New Year’s resolutions, take December to slow down and prioritize yourself.
This 31-day self-care challenge is designed to help you reset, refresh, and recharge before stepping into the new year.
✔ Simple & meaningful daily tasks
✔ No fancy equipment needed
✔ GIF-worthy fun to keep it light
So grab a cup of tea ☕, bookmark this list, and let’s end the year feeling our best!
🎁 December 1: Unfollow negativity ❌
Unfollow or mute anyone on social media who makes you feel bad about yourself, stirs up political rage, or just doesn’t bring you joy.
📞 December 2: Reach out 💙
Call or video chat with someone you love but don’t reach out to often enough. They miss you!
🎨 December 3: Get creative 🎭
Color, draw, or paint—no pressure, just fun. Doodle in a notebook, try an adult coloring book, or make a tiny masterpiece.
🌿 December 4: Take a mindful walk 🚶♀️
Go outside, breathe in the crisp air, and notice the little things—the way the leaves crunch, how the sky looks today, the sound of the wind.
😴 December 5: Go to bed early 🌙
Give yourself the gift of rest—and leave your phone out of the bedroom. Your mind will thank you.
🛁 December 6: Candlelight soak 🕯️
Take a hot bath or shower by candlelight. Make it a ritual, not a chore. Bonus points for essential oils or bath salts.
🧘♂️ December 7: Stretch it out 🙆♀️
Do your favorite stretches or do this quick video at work. Movement = mood boost!
📝 December 8: Write 10 things you love about yourself ✍️
Big or small, silly or deep—remind yourself why you’re amazing.
🌅 December 9: Watch the sunrise or sunset 🌄
Step outside, take a deep breath, and appreciate the beauty of a new (or ending) day.
🎶 December 10: Make a happy playlist 🎵
Fill it with songs that make you smile, dance, or feel unstoppable.
😂 December 11: Laugh out loud 🤣
Watch your favorite comedian, funny TikTok videos, or classic blooper reels. Laughter = therapy!
📖 December 12: Finally start that book or movie 🍿
You know the one. No more excuses—tonight’s the night!
💌 December 13: Give a random act of kindness 🎁
Leave a kind note, buy a coffee for a stranger, or drop off a little surprise for someone who could use a pick-me-up.
🗂️ December 14: Declutter one small area 🏡
Pick one drawer, one shelf, or one section of your closet to organize. Even a tiny refresh feels good!
🎠 December 15: Do something your inner child loved 🎈
Swing at a park, build a LEGO tower, watch an old cartoon, or color outside the lines.
🙏 December 16: Make a gratitude list 💙
Write 5 things you’re grateful for today. Instant mood booster.
🎧 December 17: Lay down & listen to calming sounds 🌊
Nature sounds, soft music, or just silence. Give your brain a break.
💬 December 18: Start your day with morning affirmations ☀️
Begin your day with this video of morning affirmations to start out on the right foot.
✉️ December 19: Write a thank-you letter 📬
To a mentor, teacher, coworker, or someone who made an impact in your life.
🧩 December 20: Do a jigsaw puzzle 🧩
Or a crossword, Sudoku, or anything that engages your brain in a different way.
🛏️ December 21: Change your sheets 🛌
Because nothing beats climbing into fresh, clean bedding.
🎙️ December 22: Listen to an inspiring podcast 🎧
Try: SuperSoul Conversations, Optimal Living Daily, Good Life Project, Freakonomics, or Happier with Gretchen Rubin.
💰 December 23: Cancel something unnecessary ❌
A subscription you don’t use? An auto-pay charge you forgot about? Free yourself from wasted expenses.
📝 December 24: Journal about holiday traditions 🎄
What memories bring you joy? What traditions would you love to start?
💖 December 25: Be present 🎁
Put the phone down. Enjoy the moment. Let yourself truly indulge.
😴 December 26: Take a nap 😌
No guilt. Just rest.
✅ December 27: Do the thing you’ve been avoiding 🏆
That annoying task you keep putting off? Today’s the day.
🧘 December 28: Do this 20-minute yoga session 🧘♂️
A quick stress-relief flow to ease any tension.
🧠 December 29: Try a guided meditation 🌀
Start the new year with clear intentions & a calm mind. Try this guided meditation to start the new year off with positive vibes.
December 30: Make a New Year Bucket List ✨
Create a list of exciting goals, experiences, and self-care intentions for the upcoming year! Try a fun twist like:
✔ "25 Things to Do in 2025" (or adjust for any year!)
✔ A mix of big goals and small joys
✔ Activities for personal growth, fun, and relaxation
💡 Need ideas? Travel somewhere new, start a gratitude journal, try a hobby, learn a skill, set screen-free hours, or schedule more time for YOU!
📵 December 31: 24-hour digital detox 🚫📱
Turn off your phone & truly disconnect before the new year begins.
🎉 Are You Up for the Challenge?
Save this list, tag a friend, and let’s end the year feeling amazing. 💙
📞 Call or text: 614-470-4466
📧 Email: admin@achievepsychology.org
🌐 Visit: www.achievepsychology.org
