Self-improvement doesn’t have to wait until you start your New Year’s resolutions. I typically make a few like everyone else, but TikTok inspired me this past fall. I saw the winter arc challenge and decided to jump in.
The experience has been so much better than any resolution I’ve ever reached. Check out why people are loving it to see if it’s right for you.
// What Is a Winter Arc?
A winter arc is similar to a New Year’s resolution, but it doesn’t start on any particular date. Think of it like a quarterly or seasonal goal. The challenge is working toward long-term growth that begins as the weather cools.
You might reach your goal in a month, by spring or within the next year. It depends on what you want to achieve and how much time you realistically need. If you know your core motivation, you’ll likely feel happier about your quality of life whether you reach it or not.
// Things to Focus on During Your Winter Arc
You don’t need to wait until next October to make your winter arc. Get inspired by setting one of these goals while the weather’s still chilly.
1. Maintain a New Skincare Routine
Dry air and cold weather make it harder to produce oils that naturally give your skin elasticity. I started applying moisturizer every morning before doing my makeup. As my self-growth journey continued, the new habit made my skin feel healthier without complicating my mornings.
2. Enjoy a More Nutritious Diet
Plenty of people start healthier eating habits during the winter. Your arc could include a goal like adding one veggie to your daily dinners for a month.
Once that feels normal, add one serving of fruit as a snack. You’ll curate a healthier diet and start feeling better because your body is getting more nutrients to support your health.
3. Try New Workout Routines
Make your fitness dreams a reality by spring by spending time getting to know exercises like Pilates or gentle cardio during winter. You could also consider weight training, given how only 24.2% of American adults meet the recommendations for muscle training and aerobic activities.
4. Start a Hobby
Having multiple hobbies may help you navigate life’s stressors more easily, so add one to your routine while you’re sheltering from the cold breezes outside. You might have fun learning how to crochet, paint or bake new recipes. Try something new each month to benefit from a full winter arc.
5. Stick With New Financial Goals
If you’re among the average millennials with over $125,000 in debt, trying a different financial strategy could be the best way to spend your time this winter. You might switch grocery stores to reduce your weekly spending or put an extra few dollars away in a high-yield savings account. Regardless of how you change your money habits, your journey will show you what works better for your lifestyle.
How to Have a Successful Winter Arc
Once you know how you’ll spend your winter growth era, use a few strategies to stay on track with your goal. They help people remain focused on any long-term goal.
1. Choose One Small Goal
Imagine your winter arc is about finding an optimal protein balance to overcome frequent snacking. It’s an admirable goal, but it’ll take time to find the best nutritional intake for your body. Break it into steps you’ll gradually work through. Protein helps the body stay satisfied for longer, but everyone digests it differently. A week gives you time to notice your recurring hunger cues.
2. Hold Yourself Accountable
When that first week ends, it’s tempting to congratulate yourself and consider your arc complete. I know that’s how I felt after using a fancy moisturizer for more than a few days in a row.
Remember — a winter arc traditionally guides you through the entire season. You’ll need to commit to small steps over an extended period to establish a lasting habit. Give yourself a month or longer before asking if it’s time to adjust your new routine.
3. Give Yourself Grace
We’re all human, so it’s crucial to give yourself grace during your winter arc. It’s how we avoid the self-criticism that derails our goals. As you employ this aspect of positive psychology, you may even achieve greater transformation because you’ve learned lessons and altered your negative mindset.
4. Reflect on Your Progress
Think about putting a jigsaw puzzle together. If you only focus on the tiny pieces, you’ll never get excited by the picture you’re creating. Reflection allows you to do the same thing with your winter arc.
What was successful about your journey so far? Which strategies weren’t so helpful? Refine your expectations for the rest of your arc after celebrating your wins.
// Reach Your Goals With Less Stress
Winter arcs are popular alternatives to New Year’s resolutions because they give us time to take things slow, grow with grace and reflect on our successes. Best of all, they’re easy to personalize. Start your own winter arc journey to see how the viral challenge might change your life before the first spring flowers bloom.
// Mia Barnes, Editor-in-Chief at Body+Mind
Comments