The Teacher Winter Break Self-Care Challenge

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and fun. But for teachers, the break can be a time of stress and overwhelm. How can we take care of ourselves during this time? By trying out some teacher winter break self-care challenges! In this blog post, we will give you 14 different challenges to try. Some are easy and quick, while others may require more time or effort. But all of them will help you relax and rejuvenate during this busy time. So what are you waiting for? Get started on your teacher winter break self-care challenge today!

Challenge Day # 1: Get outside for some fresh air

We all know that spending time outdoors is good for our health. But during the winter, it can be hard to motivate ourselves to leave the comfort of our homes. This is why one of our teacher winter break self-care challenges is to get outside for at least 30 minutes. It doesn’t matter if it’s sunny or cold. Just bundle up and enjoy nature. You can go for a walk, hike, or even just sit in your backyard. The important thing is to get some fresh air and vitamin D!

Challenge Day # 2: Unplug from technology

In today’s world, it’s easy to get sucked into our phones and laptops. But this constant connection can be draining. That’s why one of our teacher winter break self-care challenges is to take a break from technology. For 24 hours, disconnect from all your devices and clear your mind. This may seem difficult initially, but we promise it will be worth it! You can use this time to read a book, talk with friends and family, or just enjoy some peace and quiet.

Challenge Day # 3: Reflect on the past year

As you close out the year, take some time to reflect on all that you have accomplished. This can be a great way to boost your confidence and remind yourself of your strengths. Write down everything that you are proud of, no matter how big or small. Then, keep this list somewhere you can see it and refer back to it when you need a little pick-me-up.

Challenge Day #4: Set some goals for the new year

As you reflect on the past year, think about what you would like to accomplish in 2023. Setting goals is a great way to stay motivated and focused on what’s important to you. Be sure to check out the New Year, New Me: Teacher Edition Challenge to make some amazing goals for 2023!

Challenge Day #5: Make a vision board

A vision board is a great way to visualize your goals and dreams. Grab some magazines and cut out images representing what you want to achieve in the new year. Then, paste them onto a poster board or create a digital collage. Hang your vision board somewhere you will see it often to help keep you motivated. And the New Year, New Me: Teacher Edition Challenge comes with a super fun Digital Vision Board for you to try! 

Challenge Day #6: Give yourself permission to rest

During winter break, it’s important to take some time for yourself. This means saying no to things that don’t align with your goals and giving yourself permission to rest. Whether you need a mental health day or just an afternoon nap, make sure you listen to your body and give it the rest and relaxation you deserve!

Challenge Day #7: Do something nice for someone else

The holidays are a time for giving, so why not do something nice for someone else? Whether it’s making a holiday card, donating to a toy drive, or simply offering to help with the holiday decorating, there are many ways to spread some holiday cheer.

Challenge Day #8: Take a break from social media

Social media can be great for staying connected with friends and family, but it can also be a source of stress and anxiety. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all of the holiday posts, take a break from social media. Delete the apps from your phone or set aside specific times to check them. You’ll be surprised at how much better you feel.

Challenge Day #9: Make a list of things that make you happy

Sometimes we need a reminder of all the things that make us happy. During the holiday break, take some time to write down or brainstorm a list of things that bring joy into your life. This could include spending time with loved ones, listening to music, being in nature, or doing something creative.

Challenge Day #10: Disconnect from work

It can be hard to disconnect from work when we’re constantly checking our email and taking phone calls. But it’s important to take a break from work during the holidays. During this time, try to avoid checking work email, taking work calls, and thinking about work tasks. This will help you relax and enjoy your time off.

Challenge Day #11: Spend time with loved ones

The holidays are a great time to catch up with family and friends. If you can’t be with them in person, give them a call or video chat. Just spending time with the people you love will help you feel happier and more relaxed.

Challenge Day #12: Do something fun

The holidays are a great time to do things that you enjoy but don’t always have time for. Whether it’s going sledding, ice skating, or building a gingerbread house, make sure to schedule some time for fun. This will help reduce stress and bring some joy into your life.

Challenge Day #13: Give yourself a break

We often put a lot of pressure on ourselves during the holidays to make everything perfect. But this can lead to us feeling stressed and overwhelmed. If things aren’t going according to plan, give yourself a break. Let go of the things that you can’t control and focus on enjoying your time off.

Challenge Day #14: Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is a great way to reduce stress and boost our mood. During the holidays, take some time to focus on the present moment. This could involve taking some deep breaths, listening to calming music, or spending time in nature.

Challenge BONUS: Plan for a post-holiday vacation

The holidays can be a lot of work, so it’s important to have something to look forward to afterward. Plan a post-holiday vacation or staycation that will help you relax and recharge. This will help you avoid the post-holiday blues and start the new year off on a positive note.

We hope you enjoyed this teacher winter break self-care challenge! Which challenges did you try? Let us know in the comments below. Happy holidays! 

Want to start the year off with goals in mind and a plan ready to go? Check out the New Year, New Me: Teacher Edition Challenge. It's a workbook that allows you to take a hard look at your work/life balance and make goals to improve it!