“itttttsss timeeeeee!” - Mariah Carey. December is here, and so is exam season. It’s that magical time of year when students everywhere are juggling finals, papers, projects, and—let’s not forget—the sweet distractions of holiday lights, hot cocoa, and endless holiday music. But instead of feeling like you’re trapped in a snow globe of stress, let’s flip the narrative. The secret to balancing it all? Your standing desk.
Yes, that humble desk isn’t just a piece of furniture. It’s a multitasking superhero that can help you power through finals, keep your energy up, and even sprinkle a bit of holiday cheer into your study routine. So grab your planner, your favorite holiday drink, and let’s make this December both productive and festive!
1. Set Clear Goals for the Month
If December feels like an endless to-do list, you’re not alone. Between final exams, last-minute projects, and holiday shopping, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The solution? Clear, achievable goals that give you direction and cut through the chaos.
- Why it works: Setting goals helps you prioritize, stay focused, and reduce stress. Plus, breaking big tasks into smaller steps makes even the most daunting assignments feel doable.
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How to do it:
- Start your day at your standing desk with a quick goal-setting session. Write down everything you want to accomplish this month—academic goals like “ace my biology exam” and personal ones like “build the perfect gingerbread house.”
- Break big tasks into smaller, bite-sized pieces. For instance, “Write history paper” becomes “research primary sources” and “draft outline.”
- Use a colorful planner or sticky notes to organize your goals and keep them visible on your desk. Seeing them laid out can be surprisingly motivating but dont have so many to the point where it’s overwhelming!
2. Prioritize Your Time with a Holiday Twist
December isn’t just about crunching numbers and memorizing facts—it’s also about enjoying the season. The trick? Striking the perfect balance between work and play.
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Plan It Out:
- Block off time for both studying and holiday fun in your calendar. Apps like Google Calendar or Todoist make it easy to schedule your study marathons and your cookie-baking sessions. Personally, I'm a “google-cal gal”, I put anything and everything in my google calendar. I even share mine with close friends and family so they know my schedule during the busy exam season!
- Create a “Holiday Fun” to-do list alongside your academic tasks. Include things like “watch Elf,” “decorate the tree,” or “host a cozy hot cocoa night.” You can even go one-for-one, aka get one study task done and reward yourself with some gingerbread cookies.
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Why a Standing Desk Helps:
- Alternate between sitting and standing during study sessions to stay alert and focused.
- Make productivity festive: challenge yourself to finish that essay before your favorite holiday movie starts or reward yourself with a peppermint latte after tackling a tough subject.
- Pro Tip: Decorate your standing desk to match the season! Add fairy lights, hang a mini wreath, or pop a tiny snow globe on the corner (mine is a sloth with a Santa hat saying “slow down”). It’s amazing how a little cheer can make studying feel less like a chore.
3. Use Your Desk as a Productivity Hub
Your desk isn’t just a workspace—it’s the command center for your December success. With a bit of organization and creativity, it can be the place where you conquer finals and channel your holiday spirit.
- Organize for Success: A clutter-free desk is a focused desk. Clear away distractions and keep only the essentials on hand—textbooks, planners, and maybe a festive mug for good vibes.
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Standing Desk Benefits:
- Standing while studying keeps you energized and helps combat the dreaded afternoon slump.
- Switching between sitting and standing gives you the variety you need to stay focused during long study sessions.
- Holiday Desk Decor: Turn your standing desk into a festive productivity zone! Add twinkling string lights, a mini tree, or even a cute holiday-themed notebook. Bonus: The festive setup might just make you want to spend more time there.
Bonus Festive Tip: Use your standing desk for holiday crafts during breaks—think gift wrapping, card-making, or even assembling gingerbread houses. I’m currently making bookmarks for all of my friends as gifts for the holidays. It’s a great way to recharge while staying on your feet.
4. Take Care of Your Mental and Physical Health
December might test your mental and physical limits, but that’s all the more reason to prioritize self-care. Productivity doesn’t mean much if you’re burning out!
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Mental Health Musts:
- Step away from your desk for mindfulness breaks. Take five minutes to meditate, journal, or simply enjoy the view of your holiday lights.
- Limit social media distractions during study sessions. Your desk is for conquering finals, not doom-scrolling.
- And please, no all-nighters! A good night’s sleep is your best friend this season.
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Physical Health Boosts:
- Alternate between sitting and standing at your desk to avoid stiffness and fatigue.
- Fit in quick stretches or exercises at your standing desk. Try calf raises, shoulder rolls, or a quick winter-inspired workout.
5. Celebrate Your Wins (Big or Small)
It’s easy to focus on what’s left to do, but don’t forget to celebrate what you’ve already achieved! Recognizing your wins—no matter how small—can keep you motivated through the month.
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Desk Celebrations:
- Finished a tough exam? Take a moment to relax at your desk with a festive treat, like a candy cane or hot cocoa.
- Wrapped up a big project? Clear off your desk and turn it into a gift-wrapping station or holiday craft zone.
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Holiday Rewards:
- Treat yourself to something seasonal after a productive day—like a stroll through a holiday market or a cozy movie night.
- Host a mini holiday gathering at your desk with snacks and cheerful tunes. Who says desks are just for studying?
December is a balancing act of productivity and celebration, but your standing desk can help you conquer both. By setting goals, staying organized, and sprinkling in a little holiday magic, you’ll breeze through finals and still have time for the festivities. You got this and enjoy the holidays!
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