It’s that time of year again: the leaves have fallen, the temperature is dropping, and winter has officially arrived.
There has been a recent trend called the “winter arc,” a period of productivity and self-improvement. Discipline is key here. The typical winter arc consists of one deciding to go to the gym every single day, cutting out carbs, or cracking down on their spending budget. While these are all perfectly acceptable goals, I’ve found that I tend to burn out when my resolutions are too strict and structured.
The solution? A soft winter arc.
Within a soft winter arc, my goals are targeted towards my overall well-being, both physically and mentally. I agree that discipline is important, but it can be balanced with some well-needed relaxation.
This winter arc will be a gentle reset into the new year and will get me on track for my resolutions.
- Going Outside
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My first priority is getting outside every day. Nothing clears the head like a breath of fresh air. I love to put on an upbeat playlist and walk with no destination; sometimes, I grab a seat on a bench and start journaling.
I like this goal because it isn’t super structured. It’s okay if I only have time for a quick 10-minute walk outside; I make the most of what I have. When I take time to feel the sun on my skin and breathe in the cold air, I feel more energized and grounded in the present.
- Staying Hydrated
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Drinking plenty of water is incredibly beneficial.
We think hydration is only important in the hot summer months, but it’s equally — if not more — important in the winter. With the cold, dry air, dehydration is easier than ever. I carry my Owala water bottle with me wherever I go, and I drink at least three bottles a day.
I am also a huge fanatic of winter drinks. I’m currently obsessed with teas, especially herbal teas. Not only do they keep me nice and toasty during this cold weather, but they are also packed with health benefits like boosted immunity, reduced anxiety, and improved sleep quality.
- Sleep & Downtime
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With the sun going down earlier and earlier, it’s hard to stay up as late as I normally do. All I want right now is to be tucked into bed by 9… and I embrace this feeling. As long as I don’t have piles of work to do, taking the night off and getting a little extra sleep never hurts, and I always feel extra refreshed in the morning.
On the topic of getting extra rest, I also prioritize my downtime. Curling up under a warm, fuzzy blanket with a bowl of popcorn and one of my favorite rom-coms is my perfect idea of a Saturday night (or a Tuesday one). While I love spending time out with friends, there are some days when I just need to lie down and relax.
Instead of forcing myself to be social, I respect and even encourage these types of nights.
- Reading More
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I love to read, but the busyness of college life has left me unable to finish any books.
That being said, one of my New Year’s resolutions is to lower my daily screen time to make time for reading. I’ve just set a goal of reading at least one book a week, so hopefully I can get back into one of my favorite hobbies and work towards that screen time goal.
Setting smaller goals for myself can be easier to accomplish and always gives me a sense of productivity without overworking myself.
- Being Prepared
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The last part of my plan is to prepare for the blah days.
These low-energy, low-mood days are unavoidable, but arranging remedies to make them a little easier is crucial. I like to stock up on my favorite comfort snacks or queue up an episode of New Girl on my laptop. This way, I leave some flexibility in my day-to-day schedule, so I have the time I need to get myself through these days.
Anna Schultz / Her Campus
Don’t worry if these ideas weren’t on your winter arc plan; this is what works for me!
Take what resonates with you and your goals, and leave what doesn’t. The whole point of a winter arc is to support yourself through a tough three months. Focus on creating habits that will help you live through the winter blues, not just endure.
And when spring comes, you can look back on a season of personal growth.
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