[Wellbeing] Introducing the Wellbeing Challenge!

We’re excited to launch the Wellbeing Challenge for the Fall 2026 semester! This easy, flexible, and low-pressure challenge invites you to try something new from October 1 – 31.  Choose a hobby or activity you’ve been curious about, such as drawing, cooking, photography, gardening, knitting, learning an instrument, pottery, dancing, or another activity.

To participate, complete the registration form and tell us what you plan to try.  Be as specific as possible and identify a goal you would like to work toward during the challenge. For example: “I will learn the process of baking a cupcake from scratch and will bake some to share with classmates” rather than simply “Bake cupcakes.” 

The deadline to register is 11:59pm, Wednesday, September 30.

Throughout October, document your progress by submitting photos, videos, reflections, or other evidence of your learning and participation. Please refer to the flyer below for submission examples and guidelines. You may use different formats throughout the challenge. The goal is explore, practice, and engage with something new!

How it Works

• Aim for approximately two hours per week, divided however works best for your schedule
• Your activity should be related to the new hobby and goal identified in your registration form.
• Up to four submissions per week may count toward your challenge total.
• Only one submission per day will be counted.
• Activities completed as part of KSOM coursework or academic requirements do not qualify.
• Success is not required. Trying something new, making mistakes, and learning along the way are all part of the experience.

Why Two Hours? 

Research suggests that people who spend approximately two or more hours per week engaging in enjoyable creative activities report higher levels of mental wellbeing (Davies et al., 2016). While this does not prove a causal relationship, it highlights the potential value of making time for meaningful hobbies and creative exploration.

Prizes

Each qualifying “submission” earns credit toward a prize tier. At the end of the challenge, you will be sent a form that allows you to select one prize from the prize catalog based on your total number of submissions: 

• Tier 1: 5 to 8 submissions
• Tier 2: 9 to 12 submissions
• Tier 3: 13 to 16 submissions

Participants with more than 16 submissions will receive a prize from the 13 to 16 submission tier. You will earn one prize based on the total number of submissions. Your prize will match the tier you reach. Prized cannot be combined or stacked.

Questions?
Wellbeing Questions/Concerns
Dr. Maria Juliani
[email protected]

Challenge Questions
Peter Miranda
[email protected]

Reference: Davies C, Knuimanm M, Rosenberg M. The art of being mentally healthy: a study to quantify the relationship between recreational arts engagement and mental well-being in the general population. BMC public health. 2016;16(1):15. doi: 10.1186/s12889-015-2672-7