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You’ve probably been hearing people talk about starting their “Winter Arc” all over social media by now, but have no idea what that even means. Don’t worry, you’re not the only one.
During the cold months of the year when many people are used to slowing down and filling up on festive holiday foods, some are opting to spend the season a little differently.
Rather than nonstop hibernating and munching during the Winter months, the main mission for a “Winter Arc” is to spend that chunk of time regrouping, refocusing and really homing in on the biggest goals. That way, by the warmer months, there will be a completely transformed lifestyle, providing the chance to level up long before most others that slow down in the Fall and Winter.
If this sounds a little vague, it’s because it kind of is, as everyone has their own take on what their “Winter Arc” looks like for them but we’ve gathered some of the most common examples to help you get your “Winter Arc” started.
The winter arc starts As Early As October
The first thing to know about a Winter Arc is that it can officially starts in October and is more or less a 90-day challenge in which people use the last three months of the year to achieve their goals.
With that said, but don’t worry if you’re starting after October, as many people start their challenge a little later in the Winter months. Women’s Health says a Winter Arc involves “setting personal-betterment targets around working out, eating well and improving your mind and relationships.” It began as a trending TikTok challenge, but has branched out to beyond the social media platform.
It’s essentially all about self-improvement in key areas of our lives within a three-month timespan. Here are some common Winter Arc goals.
Physical health
Physical improvement is a major part of a Winter Arc, as it’s marked as an essential part of this challenge. Again, for different people this means different things.
For some, it means getting up earlier, training harder at the gym, eating better and diving completely into a new lifestyle as a reset before the new year. Some people even schedule it all out day by day or week by week to really turn their goals into realities.
However, others take a more subtle approach. For instance, this could mean starting yoga and meditation or eating less processed food, and even simply walking more.
Both approaches are great, as the main goal is to make new strides for better physical health and dispel the idea that these objectives have to wait until the new year or the warmer months. Plus, it can be nice to get a new gym or fitness routine going before all the “new year, new me” folks flood the gyms throughout January!
mental health
Leveling up our mental health is the other key component of a Winter Arc because it’s all about stepping outside of our comfort zones.
This can mean refocusing on our needs and goals, rather than outside distractions and life’s overall demands. While this approach can be considered a privilege for some, it’s deeply rooted in the importance of self-care.
Some people set out to form a better sleep schedule to help with anxiety and low energy, other people start going to therapy, learn more about the benefits of certain mental health treatments, spend more time with loved ones and/or pursue new or neglected hobbies.
This phase is also about forming discipline and not making excuses when something of importance is at stake. For instance, if reading an hour before bed is something that we really want to do for ourselves, we need to ensure that time is placed aside for that. A healthy amount of accountability is key.
It’s not easy, but using a Winter Arc as a motivator for progress is supposed to be fun and fulfilling. So, if it ever seems like it’s causing stress, it may not be the best fit for you–and that’s okay!
Journaling
People championing this trend across social media recommend including journaling in our Winter Arcs.
Whether it’s bullet journaling, doing journal prompts, or just a free write, the idea is to keep a log of thoughts and feelings throughout the duration of the Winter Arc, and possibly beyond.
Some people say journaling is best for them first thing in the morning or last thing before bed at night, but it really is whatever works best for each person’s schedule.
Some even find that their journal is also a good place to put their Winter Arc schedule.
You can add any other goals you want
Now that you know the tenets of focus that are generally included in a Winter Arc, you can feel free to customize yours even further. For many, it’s about pursuing whatever the best version of yourself is.
There are even online communities working together to cheer one another on as they all embark on their own version of the Winter Arc. We personally love YouTuber LenaLifts’ “The Day by Day Club” because it’s free and offers such a nurturing community.
Don’t be afraid to add some personal touches that are specific to you, like focusing more on a religious faith, giving back to your community and/or getting back into dating, etc.
It’s up to you to decide how to have your best Winter Arc.
