New York — As the New Year dawns, many individuals take the opportunity to set fresh goals. However, research indicates that a significant percentage of people struggle to maintain their New Year’s resolutions beyond the first month.

In light of this trend, a new wellness initiative has emerged online, known as the ‘Winter Arc.’ This approach aims to reshape intentions around goal-setting for the new year.

So, what exactly is the Winter Arc?

This goal-setting concept was popularized by various fitness and wellness influencers, resulting in no fixed definition or method. The hashtag #winterarc has amassed over 400,000 posts on Instagram and nearly 600,000 on TikTok. For those engaging in this trend, the Winter Arc encourages individuals to embrace the cold, dark winter months as an opportunity for self-reflection and preparation, helping them to establish their goals ahead of January 1.

The challenge also aims to promote strict discipline and focus in achieving personal objectives since it encompasses a limited timeframe compared to a full year or an open-ended approach. Influencer Laura Galebe, who refers to herself as the “CEO of Glowup Series,” shares her experience with the Winter Arc on social media. She has committed to daily walking, journaling, and adhering to her skincare and wellness regimens during this time.

Galebe has found the experience transformative for both her mental and physical health, noting that her consistent movement boosted her energy and provided a structured routine that lightened the heaviness of the season.

Interested in participating?

Although some suggest initiating the Winter Arc as early as October, it’s never too late to join in. Alex Rothstein, an exercise psychologist from the New York Institute of Technology, advises setting aside time each day to focus on your goals.

“By actively planning and scheduling your commitments,” Rothstein notes, “you’ll find it easier to stick to the program.” He emphasizes the importance of creating realistic, attainable goals that can be achieved daily. “If unexpected challenges lead to missing a day or a particular goal, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed the entire process. Allow yourself the grace to start fresh the next day.”

Galebe highlights the importance of making fitness enjoyable and accessible during the colder season. “If the idea of going to the gym in chilly weather feels daunting, you could opt for at-home workouts or join a heated indoor Pilates or yoga class,” she advises. “Also, consider reimagining your physical activity as self-care. Winter can be challenging for both mind and body, so I approach my walks or workouts as a part of maintaining my overall wellness.”

To summarize:
– Set achievable, realistic goals.
– Organize your routine and schedule time for your commitments ahead of time.
– Accept that missing a day is okay, and give yourself the freedom to resume from where you left off.
– Discover cozy and convenient ways to stay active during the winter months.

What’s the underlying purpose?

Elliot Berkman, a psychology professor at the University of Oregon, believes that making progress towards goals—not just achieving them—can yield psychological benefits. He suggests that this process can lead to positive emotions, a sense of purpose and meaning, as well as agency and autonomy.

When setting goals within a defined timeframe, such as the Winter Arc, these boundaries can be quite advantageous. “Time-limited goals can enhance the likelihood of success. It’s easier to stay motivated knowing there’s an endpoint instead of feeling the pressure of indefinite efforts, which can be discouraging,” Berkman explains.

Some social media users have likened short-term fitness challenges to fad diets, suggesting a return to unhealthy habits once the challenge concludes. However, experts argue that this notion isn’t entirely accurate.

Rothstein explains, “If the challenge fosters the formation of healthier, long-term habits for overall wellness, then these challenges can serve as effective tools for motivation and change.” He advises creating a strategy towards the conclusion of the challenge to ensure ongoing progress with your goals in an achievable manner.