Every new year brings the familiar ritual of setting resolutions, yet studies show many individuals struggle to stick with their goals beyond the initial weeks. Enter the 'Winter Arc,' a modern wellness trend gaining traction on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
According to recent reports, the Winter Arc aims to shift the narrative surrounding new year resolutions by encouraging participants to seize the colder, darker months of winter as a period for self-improvement and discipline. With over 400,000 posts tagged #winterarc on Instagram and almost 600,000 on TikTok, this challenge invites individuals to prepare their goals well before January 1 arrives.
The Winter Arc offers flexibility, as it can begin as early as October, making it suitable for individuals who seek to establish their aspirations before the year fully kicks off. Influencer Laura Galebe, who describes herself as the “CEO of Glowup Series,” shared her transformative experience with the Winter Arc. Galebe committed to daily walks, journaling, and maintaining her wellness routines. “I found it very transformative both mentally and physically,” she explains. “The consistent movement helped me stay energized and the structure made the season feel a lot less heavy.”
So, how does one participate? According to exercise psychologist Alex Rothstein from the New York Institute of Technology, the key to success lies in creating and sticking to a daily plan. “If you make sure to actively plan and schedule each commitment, you will have an easier time adhering to the program,” Rothstein advises. He emphasizes the importance of setting realistic, achievable goals. If unexpected circumstances disrupt the path, missing one day doesn’t equate to failure. “You should be willing to pick up where you started the next day,” he suggests.
Galebe also recommends making fitness activities “cozy and convenient” during winter months. She encourages individuals to explore at-home workouts or join heated indoor fitness classes, reframing physical activities as acts of self-care. “Winter is tough on your body and mind,” she notes. “So I treat my walks or workouts as part of keeping my overall mental and physical health in check.”
The crux of the Winter Arc lies not just in achieving goals, but also appreciating the progress made. Elliot Berkman, psychology professor at the University of Oregon, highlights the psychological benefits of goal progress, which can offer positive emotion, purpose, and autonomy. He notes, “Putting a time bound on a goal can improve the chances the goal is achieved. It’s easier to maintain motivation if you know you get to stop at some point.”
While some critics equate such short-term goals with crash diets, experts like Rothstein assert their validity, provided they cultivate long-term, healthy habits. “If the challenge is used to help establish new and healthier habits for long term health and wellness, then the challenges are exceptionally useful,” he remarks. Rothstein advises participants to devise plans for continuing their efforts even after the challenge concludes.
While the Winter Arc celebrates discipline and introspection, it also allows individuals to reflect on the past year as they forge new pathways. John Warner, author and book enthusiast, exemplifies this attitude by setting his own reading resolutions aimed at engaging independently owned bookstores. This approach encourages community connection and shared values, breaking away from traditional self-improvement narratives.
Warner’s method is rooted in the idea “success isn’t only about selling books,” but about creating inviting spaces for conversation and connectivity within the community. Such sentiments echo the fundamentals of the Winter Arc, emphasizing shared journeys through seasonal shadows.
With this novel concept, the Winter Arc not only encourages people to tackle personal goals but also inspires engagement with local communities, fostering growth beyond individual aspirations. Individuals may find it refreshing to think of themselves as part of something larger than personal ambition, all stemming from the introspective practice of the Winter Arc.
By repackaging the goal-setting process, the Winter Arc proves to be both timely and effective for these challenging winter months. After all, it’s not solely about what one can achieve by the end of December; it’s about the effort, connection, and transformation throughout the season.