The 31-Day Winter Challenge!

Hi! I’m Catalina, and I’m currently studying Media and Communications! I really enjoy combining content creation with mental health, and volunteering at The Mix has helped me share that passion.

Winter is officially here! December often feels like the end of a chapter, but there’s still time to take on new challenges.

Check out these fun 31 budget-friendly ideas you can do on your own or with someone else! Pick one challenge to complete each day in December and take pictures, or short videos along the way. You can use the 1 Second Everyday app as a visual diary throughout the month.

Recreational challenges

Virtually interact with a charity

There are so many ways of virtually interacting with charities. Keep an eye on The Mix’s socials throughout their Winter Warmer campaign!

Build a blanket fort

Reconnect with your inner child by creating your own hideout space. Grab a few blankets, pillows and two chairs and cosy up with a good book or movie. It’s the perfect activity for a cold, rainy day! 

Random number generator for your favourite series  

When you just can’t decide which episode or season to binge, let a random number generator choose for you! It makes re-watching your favourite TV show more exciting.

Cook or bake something comforting

Whether it’s something that brings you nostalgia, a cultural dish or food you enjoy, having a comfort meal during winter can lift your mood. If you can’t think of anything, Yummly is a free website that suggests personalised recipe recommendations based on your dietary requirements, allergies, and favourite cuisines.

Start a memory box

It’s never too late to start collecting little reminders of places you’ve been to. Just grab an unused box, personalise it, and place inside anything that brings you joy.

Have a dance party in your room

You don’t need a reason to have a dance party! Put on your favourite playlist and express yourself however you like. It’s not only fun but it can have so many benefits for your mental health.

Pick a ‘choose-your-own-adventure’ activity

Immerse yourself in the world of interactive storytelling where you decide how the story unfolds. Choosing from a wide range of books, video games or websites will be your first step in this challenge.

Go on a museum scavenger hunt

Come up with a list of items you’d be likely to find in a museum. You can start with a painting of a cat sleeping, a mask, or an ancient item, and add anything else you can imagine! Then walk around and tick them off as you see them!

Write a letter or a card for someone

Receiving a handwritten letter or card is a very personal gesture and can make someone’s day. Think about someone you would want to send it to and write a nice message to them.

Explore somewhere new

We often go to the same places because it feels familiar. But how about challenging yourself to try and find an area you’ve never been to? It can bring so many nice surprises!

Creative challenges

Make your own winter decorations

There is a wide choice of creative ideas on Pinterest you can try. You can have a craft day and have a go at creating winter origami, pinecone crafts or snow globes.

Create paper mosaic art

Making mosaic art is easier than it seems. Just draw the outline of something you want to create and glue down bits and pieces of colourful paper inside it.

Illustrate a new cover for your favourite book

This is your chance to re-interpret a book cover design by putting your own spin on it. Let your imagination flow!

Design your own calendar

For a digital calendar, you can use Canva, but if you prefer a physical one, grab a few pieces of paper and a few pens and decorate each month with designs or stickers!

Follow a Bob Ross tutorial

Let me paint you a picture: it’s a rainy day outside, you’re in comfy clothes, and decide to get painting supplies, ready to draw along a Bob Ross tutorial. Make yourself a cup of tea and spend a relaxing afternoon painting.

 Make your own short film

Lights, camera, action! You can recreate your favourite scene or come up with your own script and story, then get your phone camera and start filming. You can even use different clothes or props you have around the house to make it more exciting.

 Create an inspirational board

Gather your favourite quotes, pictures, memories, or DIY decorations and arrange them on a board or on a cardboard sheet. Then place it somewhere in your room where you can look at it when you need to.

Create an “ugly jumper”

You don’t need to buy or destroy a jumper for this challenge! Use easily removable items such as safety pins, ornament hooks or thread to secure or move different decorations around.

Educational challenges

Watch TedTalks

From design to technology and mental health, there are so many brilliant TedTalks you can watch.

Listen to a podcast

Podcasts are a great way of discovering new interests and you might even get invested into a series!

Explore Google Arts and Culture

If you haven’t used this platform, now it’s your chance! You can explore museums, historical places, and countries from the comfort of your own bedroom.

Learn something new

Keep your brain active by discovering a new topic! You can watch Crash Course videos or browse free courses on Future Learn.

Wellbeing challenges

Write a letter to your future self

Is there anything you want the future you to remember? Looking back can help you realise how much you’ve changed and who you were all those years ago. You can handwrite it and put it somewhere safe, or you can use the FutureMe website and send your letter to the future!  

Start a well-being jar

When something nice happens to you, no matter how small, write it on a small piece of paper and put it inside an empty jar. As time goes on, notes will start to build up and at the end of next year, you’ll have a nice collection of wholesome moments to look back to.

Journal your feelings

Life can be hectic and bring a lot of challenges. Taking some time to reflect on your emotions, writing down your thoughts can bring up new perspectives. It can be a very personal experience and it’s worth giving it a try!

Have a self-care day

As author L.R. Knost wrote, “Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean me first, it means me too.” We sometimes tend to prioritise others and lose sight of ourselves, but it’s important to set aside some time for you. Take a look at The Mix’s article about practicing self-care and try to implement at least one in your day!

Practice yoga or meditation

There’s a wide range of yoga YouTube videos out there. Pick one and try it out for a few minutes to see if you enjoy it. For meditation, you can try apps such as Calm or Headspace to get you started on a new wellness journey.

Donate if you can

Winter months can be tough for most people. If you can, make a small donation to a charity like The Mix, or donate any unused clothes, toys or food to your local shelters or charities. Check what you can bring to those places beforehand and set up a day to drop them off. Your small gesture will make so many people happy!

Volunteer

If you can’t donate, don’t worry! There are still ways to help other people. Volunteering can be such a rewarding experience where you can meet many like-minded people. You can volunteer in-person in your local area or online. Your involvement could make a difference in someone’s day.

Go on a walk and take pictures

Sometimes going out for a walk can help you reset your day and clear your head. To make it more fun, take pictures of the winter decorations around where you live.

Make a bucket list for the next year

And finally, this may sound obvious but don’t underestimate the power a list can hold! The goals don’t need to be big; it’s better to start off small and build up from there.