WIML

 Winter Arc💪🏼

If you have been spending time on TikTok and have come across videos about "Winter Arc", then you know what I am going to be talking about. If you haven't seen those videos, let me give a brief introduction. Winter arc starts on October 1st and ends December 31st. Some people like to start in September to have that habit slowly being built by the time October comes around. This is a 3 month process of health improvement, goal setting, and building habits. A lot of the videos shown on social media is people going to the gym 5-7 times a week to hit their health goals and maintain a healthy eating habit but there is more to that. As for me, my winter arc will be differently.

Goal Setting

The way that I want to start my winter arc is goal setting. There are a couple of goals that I have in mind and want to transition them into habits.

1. Eat cleaner: This is my main target and by doing so, I will be cutting down on sweets, including sweet drinks. As of recently, sweets have been something that I am not constantly having. I will crave for something sweet once a month but it is not a constant crave. 

2. Working out 5x a week: With my currently schedule, sometimes it is hard to find a time that I want to go workout at the gym. I prefer going right after I wake up in the mornings but then I get schedule for work and it makes it harder when my shifts are not consistent. I might have to start going in the evening when it is crowded or later at night around 8:30pm. This is something that I will be working on and planning accordingly. 

3. Staying active: On days that I will not be going to the gym, I want to continue staying active. This can be going on walks, hikes, or doing stretching exercises at home. 

4. Getting proper rest: My sleeping schedule has been a mess and it has to be fix. Getting 8 hours of sleep is the goal and making sure that I am sleeping early. Giving my body and mind a proper rest will improve day to day activities.

5. Waking up at 7am: I am not a morning person and this one is going to be a challenge. For those that know me, I love sleeping and waking up is the worst part of my day. This is what I need to fix and I know I will struggle but giving up is not an option. Waking up early will also allow me to have more time to tackle all of my tasks that I have planned out for my day.

6. More books, less phone: Being on my phone can be addicting and the books that I have got to be read. I have recently bought more and haven't read half of my book cart. I will have to put myself on a book buying ban soon because that tbr list is getting longer and it is time to shorten it up. This is a habit that I go back and forth with but slowly adding it to my routine by reading a chapter (or more) before going to sleep.

7. Journaling = healthy mind: There are days where I do forget to journal and catch up either the next day or a few days after. I have been trying to work on that in the morning but I keep forgetting. A habit that is still being in the works and I know I will be able to do it. Journaling will help me ease my mind and give myself a bit of self care.

8. Staying hydrated: No matter what time of year we are in, staying hydrated is a priority. I have been able to maintain my hydration pretty well and I know for this winter arc I will be able to keep doing well.

With a total of 7 goals, I know that it may be a struggle to stay consistent but I will not be giving up. I am starting this upcoming week Sunday to build these goals into habits by the time that winter arc officially begins. There are days where I will struggle but I will be reminding myself that these habits are not going to be built overnight. They take time and that is okay. If I can do it, so can you!! 💛