As we approach the end of 2024, many of us are beginning to set our goals for the upcoming year. There is a growing trend that encourages us to start focusing on our health and wellness objectives in the final 90 days of the year, so we can kickstart 2025 on a positive note. Referred to as the ‘Winter Arc’, this concept calls for the reevaluation and revamping of our daily routines and habits even before the start of the year.
So, what exactly is the ‘Winter Arc’? Conceptually, the ‘Winter Arc’ begins each year on October 1st and culminates on January 1st. The idea is to make a commitment to shift your everyday habits and activities before the year commences. This proactive approach allows you to solidify a healthy lifestyle and overcome the urge to indulge in unhealthy habits, particularly during the chilly winter months, which are often associated with a relaxed, less active way of life.
Surely, most of us have promised ourselves to adopt a healthier lifestyle, lose excess weight, or simply exercise more, only to be left disheartened a month later when we fail to honor these commitments. This trend of setting well-intentioned resolutions at the beginning of the year and then promptly forgetting them is all too common. However, setting up your ‘Winter Arc’ before the year begins might just be the motivation you need to uphold your wellbeing-related promises.
A traditional ‘Winter Arc’ would involve instilling simple, yet effective habits such as getting plenty of sleep, engaging in regular physical exercise, consuming nutritious food, and practicing mindfulness, all starting in October. In doing so, we ensure that we have already made significant progress towards our objectives by the time the calendar flips to January 1st.
If you haven’t yet implemented a ‘Winter Arc’ checklist, fret not. It’s never too late to set mental and physical health objectives for the closing months of the year. Even without a one-size-fits-all approach, you can develop your unique ‘Winter Arc’ tailored to your specific circumstances and wellness goals.
One effective strategy is to create ‘When-Then’ goals. This technique prevents you from getting off track and helps you adhere to the action part of a challenging goal. It is a fundamentally simple process: When ‘X’ occurs, then you will do ‘Y’. Try applying specific goals to your ‘Winter Arc’, ensuring they are practical and measurable.
Moreover, your mental wellbeing should always be your topmost priority. Stand up for your employees’ mental wellness, and refuse to compromise on it, no matter what. Regularly indulge in ‘me time’, and practice mindfulness to remain present and focused throughout your workday. Meditation practices and mindfulness exercises can greatly improve your focus and reduce stress.
Next, focus on self-care basics, like consuming nutritious foods, involving yourself in regular exercise, and ensuring sufficient sleep. Maintaining a steady sleep schedule is fundamental for your brain to function optimally. Combining mental exercises with physical activities is an integral part of the ‘Winter Arc’. Stay active, maintain a balanced diet, and avoid unhealthy fast food.
Remember to set healthy boundaries. Understand your limitations and know where to stop. Lastly, create a ‘To Be’ list. One common mistake while devising a ‘Winter Arc’ is to focus only on the action, while ignoring the benefits of rest and relaxation. A balanced ‘To Be’ list can comprise calming activities such as reading a book, listening to soothing music, or simply taking a quiet moment to appreciate nature.
So, here’s to your wellbeing this October and into the New Year, 2025!
