As the leaves turn amber and the days grow shorter, it’s natural to want to slow down, wrap up in cozy blankets, and take comfort in familiar rituals. But what if the last quarter of the year, starting in October, could be more than just a period of winding down?
Inspired by TikTok’s viral Winter Arc Challenge, this article will guide you through using fall and winter as a period of growth, glow-up, and setting yourself up for success come January. Let’s take the momentum from the summer glow-up trend and ride it through the cold months, not just to stay fabulous, but to grow in every aspect of life: beauty, wellness, and self- improvement.
What Is the Winter Arc?
The Winter Arc is a trend that’s been around in the fitness and wellness spaces for some time, but it’s blowing up this year thanks to influencers like Carly Berges, whose viral TikTok videos encourage followers to use the 90 days between October and December to make lasting changes.
@carlyupgraded
Instead of waiting for January to start on your goals, the Winter Arc pushes you to act now, transforming how you spend the colder months. Whether it’s setting new habits, improving mental and physical health, or simply ending the year on a strong note, this is about finishing the year with purpose.
Create Your Glow-Up to Growth Winter Arc Challenge
In keeping with this transformative mindset, let’s create a winter challenge designed to blend beauty, self-care, and goal-setting. It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about cultivating habits that make you feel your best inside and out. Here’s how to approach the Winter Arc for a well- rounded year-end transformation:
Weekly Self-Care Rituals for Glow-Up Goals
Dedicate one day a week for indulgent, pampering self-care. Think luxurious face masks, hair treatments, or at-home spa days.
• Skincare Reset : After the summer’s exposure to the sun, winter is the perfect time to purify your pores and repair your skin barrier. Use this opportunity to try out new skincare products that can maintain your glow through winter.
Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Minimising Cleansing Clay Mask
Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask
Black Rose Cream Mask
• Hair nourishment : With summer’s heat behind us, it’s time to rejuvenate your hair. Hydrating masks, especially in the dry winter air, will work wonders.
Oils like argan or coconut will help repair sun damage and protect against the cold.
Moroccan Oil Mending Infusion
Moroccanoil Mending Infusion Styling Hair Serum
Kérastase Nutritive Hydrating Split Ends Serum
• Home Spa Days: Indulge yourself with warm baths, fragrant oils, and soothing routines. Taking time to relax will also promote mental wellness, a key part of the Winter Arc.
Mental and Emotional Growth
• Journaling and Meditation : Set time aside each week for mental well-being. Whether it’s journaling about your day, writing or reading affirmations, or doing a guided meditation, nourishing your mind is crucial.
Moleskine Classic Notebook
Ryve Affirmations Cards
Affirmation Cards
- Early wake-ups : Avoid reaching for your phone first thing in the morning. Instead, spend the first hour of your day device-free, meditating, reading, or stretching. This small shift can help you start the day with clarity and intention.
- Gratitude Journaling: Begin each day by jotting down three things you’re grateful for. This simple practice can foster a more positive mindset and help you focus on the good throughout the colder months.
Physical Health and Movement
Don’t let the cold weather slow you down. The Winter Arc is a time to move your body and stay active, even indoors.
- Gentle Exercises: Commit to small, manageable daily exercises. Following a 10- minute Pilates or yoga video on YouTube is gentle enough for winter while still keeping your body active and engaged.
- Pilates easy workout
- Hydration and nutrition : It’s often falls by the wayside in winter, so be mindful of your water intake. Carry a stylish water bottle (a Stanley cup or any aesthetic alternative for motivation,) and make it a goal to drink a set amount of water each day.
- Stanley Cup
As for food, focus on nourishing meals that warm you from the inside—think hearty soups packed with seasonal vegetables and lean proteins to fuel your body through the transformation.
Accountability and Motivation
The Winter Arc is not just about setting goals but staying consistent. Create a plan that works for you. Some might thrive with daily check-ins, while others might prefer weekly evaluations. If you’re feeling ambitious, share your progress with friends or social media to keep yourself accountable. The sense of community can be encouraging, especially when the days feel darker and more isolating.
Why You Should Try the Winter Arc
While many people wait for January to set their goals, the Winter Arc flips this concept on its head. By focusing on small, sustainable habits now, you’ll build momentum that will carry you into the new year. This transformation isn’t about dramatic changes, but about refining your daily routine so that by January, you’ve already laid a strong foundation for growth.
As Carly Berges aptly puts it, these darker months are perfect for reassessing what’s working in your life and illuminating areas that need more attention. This time is not only about the glow-up but also about personal growth that will set you up for success in the coming year.
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