Last Updated on December 15, 2024 by Erin
There is a new trend among teens and young adults. It’s called a “winter arc” and it’s a trend that many of us can hop on without being too cringey. It’s a time of personal growth instead of personal hibernation and seasonal depression. I’m challenging myself this year and I hope you will, too!
What’s a Winter Arc?
For a lot of us, winter starts off with cozy holiday cheer. But for many of us, it takes a turn when the cold weather and early sunsets begin to feel never-ending. What if this winter, instead of merely enduring the season, you embraced it as your “winter arc”? Think of it as the next thrilling chapter in your story—a time for personal growth, renewal, and maybe even a little magic.
To be fair, when the younger generation came up with the idea of a winter arc, I think they were being a little bit stricter with their diet and exercise. For me personally, those types of plans don’t work well for me and leave me feeling burnt out. I still believe there are plenty of ways to “glow up” besides purely physical aspects, especially for those of us in midlife.
Millennial midlife women often juggle so much: families, careers, caregiving, personal goals, and the ever-present mental load. Winter—with its slower pace—offers the perfect opportunity to step back and focus on yourself.
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Winter Arc Challenges to Try This Year
1. Create a Vision Board for the New Year
Grab some old magazines, print out Pinterest inspiration, or go digital with a Canva board. (I have an entire post about how to make a quick and easy board in Canva, so definitely go check it out!) Envision what you want this winter to look and feel like. Maybe you want more rest, more laughter, or a specific goal like starting a new hobby.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to include self-care elements like “evening tea rituals” or “quiet mornings” alongside bigger dreams like “write a book” or “plan a summer getaway.”
2. Embrace the Art of Hygge
Pronounced “hoo-gah,” this Danish concept is all about creating cozy, comfortable spaces that bring joy and warmth. Transform your home into a hygge haven with:
- String lights or candles for soft lighting.
- Plush blankets and pillows.
- A dedicated nook for reading or journaling.
Cultivate rituals like sipping mulled cider while reading or hosting low-key gatherings with friends. A warm environment can do wonders for your mental health.
I have personally struggled to connect with other like-minded moms my age and it is one of my goals this year to make this a priority.
3. Dive into a New Winter Hobby
Winter is the perfect time to pick up a hobby you’ve always wanted to try. Here are a few ideas:
- Knitting or Crocheting: Create your own scarves, hats, or even cozy blankets.
- Baking: Experiment with bread-making or perfect a signature cookie recipe.
- Creative Writing: Start journaling, write poetry, or tackle that novel idea you’ve had for years.
- Photography: Capture the beauty of winter landscapes.
Pro tip: Don’t focus on being perfect—this is about enjoying the process, not the outcome.
Finding new midlife hobbies is something I have written about a lot on this blog. To get started, make sure you visit this post to find the entire hobbies series.
4. Prioritize Your Mental and Physical Health
Winter can be tough on both your body and mind, so make intentional moves to nurture both. Here’s how:
- Exercise Indoors: Whether it’s yoga, Pilates, or a dance workout, find ways to keep moving even when it’s too cold to go outside. One of my new favorites to get more steps in, is to complete an “indoor walk.” Give the Grow With Jo videos on YouTube a try. They’re so fun and motivating!
- Mindfulness Practices: Try meditation, breathing exercises, or even a gratitude journal to ground yourself.
- Light Therapy: If you’re prone to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a light therapy lamp can make a huge difference.
And don’t forget to get outside when you can. A brisk winter walk can help clear your mind and boost your mood!
5. Reevaluate Your Goals
Winter’s quiet energy is perfect for reflection. Take stock of where you are in life. Are your goals still aligned with your values and priorities? If not, it’s time to pivot.
Break down big goals into smaller, actionable steps. For example:
- Instead of “get healthier,” aim for “drink 8 glasses of water daily” or “exercise 3 times a week.”
- Replace “start a business” with “spend 1 hour a week researching my business idea.”
Need more goal ideas? Check out this blog post about midlife goals for the new year.
6. Lean Into Rest and Reflection
Winter is a natural time for slowing down, and that’s not a bad thing. Use this time to:
- Journal about your feelings and experiences.
- Practice restorative yoga or take leisurely baths.
- Give yourself permission to sleep more. Sleep is restorative and critical for midlife women juggling so much.
Pro tip: Create a “wind-down” routine before bed to signal to your body and mind that it’s time to rest. If you stick to it, your body will naturally start to pick up on those sleepy cues.
7. Add Magic to the Mundane
This is one of my favorite things to do! I’m all about the magic and romanticizing my life. You can absolutely find ways to bring joy to everyday routines:
- Use a fancy mug for your morning coffee.
- Play your favorite music while cleaning the house.
- Light a candle during dinner, even if it’s just pizza night.
Small touches can make ordinary moments feel special.
Make sure you’re making it magical for your kids, too! I wrote a blog post about how I make our daily routines feel a little bit more special. I’m hoping one day they will look back and tell stories about their everyday childhood experiences.
8. Read More Books
Books can be powerful allies during your winter arc. They offer inspiration, comfort, and a window into new perspectives. Here’s how to make reading part of your winter growth:
- Self-Discovery: Choose books that align with your personal goals or provide insight into areas of growth. Memoirs, self-help, or psychology books can be particularly enlightening.
- Comfort Reads: Reread an old favorite or pick up a heartwarming novel to soothe your soul on a chilly evening.
- Book Clubs: Join or start a book club to stay connected and spark meaningful conversations.
- Learning: Tackle a subject or skill you’ve always wanted to explore—whether it’s a historical topic, finance, or creative pursuits.
Set up a cozy reading corner, light a candle, and make books your companions on this journey.
You can easily read several books without financial strain by thrifting books or checking them out for free at the library.
9. Give Yourself Permission to Dream Big
Winter is a season of stillness, but it’s also a time for dreaming. As you embrace your winter arc, think about what you want your life to look like next spring, next year, or even in five years. Allow yourself to dream big and trust that the steps you’re taking now are leading you there.
10. Celebrate Your Wins—Big and Small
Don’t wait for spring to celebrate progress. Did you finish a book? Survive a tough work week? Finally clear out that junk drawer? Celebrate it! Treat yourself to a little reward, whether that’s a favorite healthy snack, an hour to yourself, or simply acknowledging your effort.
Final Thoughts
Winter doesn’t have to be a season of survival. With a little intentionality, it can be a time of growth, joy, and transformation. So grab that blanket, light a candle, and get ready to write the next chapter of your story. Your winter arc is waiting.
Sincerely,
Erin
