Winter Arc

I touched on this last week in my September Favorites, but I wanted to dive deeper into the idea of the "October Theory," or what some are calling the "Winter Arc." If you missed last week's post, you can check it out here! The idea is simple—each October brings a sense of change, a pull towards transformation. As winter approaches, it feels like the perfect time to prep, both mentally and physically, for the months ahead. Your Winter Arc can be a season of growth, learning, and maybe even trying new things. I first heard about this from TikTok, so if you’re curious, check out videos there to learn more. But I wanted to share a few things I’m focusing on to create my own Winter Arc.

One of the hardest parts of winter, for me, is dealing with shorter days thanks to daylight saving time. To combat that, I’ve been making a point to wake up earlier, aiming for around 7 a.m. on weekdays. (Weekends, well, no promises!) Waking up earlier helps me feel like my day is fuller, and it’s a great way to set the tone for the rest of the day. Getting up with a clear sense of what I want to achieve has been key to staying focused and productive.

I’ve also been prioritizing daily movement. I’m really into at-home workouts right now, and I’m trying to stay consistent with at least one session a day. My rule is no two rest days in a row—once I start skipping, it’s way too easy to fall off track. This winter, I’m committed to keeping up my daily walks, even when it gets a bit colder. (And hey, I’m in Texas, so it’s never that bad, but laziness is real!) Lately, I’ve been loving at-home Pilates—find something you enjoy, and commit to just turning it on once a day. You’ll feel so much better afterward, even if it's tough in the moment.

Another thing I’m working on is reducing my screen time, especially at night. Like most people, I’m glued to my phone way too much—late at night, early in the morning, and everywhere in between. This winter, I’m making it a point to put my phone away by 10 p.m., leaving it to charge in another room. I’ve noticed such a difference in my energy and mood when I start or end the day off my phone. I’m more focused, less sluggish, and generally in a better headspace. If you have any tips for cutting down on screen time, I’m all ears!

I’ve always got a book on my nightstand, usually rotating between two to keep things fresh. But lately, I’ve fallen off the reading train. One of my goals this season is to read at least 10 minutes a day, ideally before bed, to avoid that doom-scrolling spiral. There’s something about reading before bed that really helps me wind down and get into a good mental space for sleep. If anyone has any book recommendations, send them my way—I’ll need new reads soon!

These are just a few things I’m working on this winter, but my overall goal is to focus on my mental and physical health. By going into winter with strong routines and healthier choices, I’m hoping to turn this often gloomy time of year into something more positive. I want this season to be filled with growth, new adventures, and a renewed sense of self. Let me know if you’re working on your own Winter Arc or if you have any suggestions for things I can add to mine.

Ok, love you, bye!