With only a few weeks left for New Year’s Eve, most of us might be putting our best foot forward to bring out the best version of ourselves. The users on TikTok are currently obsessed with the ‘Winter Arc’ challenge. This wellness challenge is all about being laser-focused on your goals and personal development. People are pushing themselves to stick to the challenge ahead of New Year.
What is the ‘Winter Arc’ challenge?
A 27-year-old self-development influencer named Carley Berges from Miami who goes by @carlyupgraded on TikTok was the one who coined the ‘Winter Arc’. This wellness challenge is a 90-day challenge, where people utilize the last three months of the year to focus on personal development, health, and fitness goals. Though the fall season marks the beginning of colder, shorter days, where most of us have a tendency to stay indoors, hibernate, and enjoy the holiday season, ‘Winter Arc’ encourages people to prioritize their physical and mental health rather than waiting for the new year to get a start. It’s quite similar to the popular 75-hard challenge.
According to several studies, you need around 66 days on average to create new healthy eating habits, while more challenging fitness routines often take up to seven months to develop into a habit. The ‘Winter Arc’ challenge can possibly help you to develop healthy habits.
Is the ‘Winter Arc’ challenge healthy?
Experts think that the Winter Arc challenge could possibly beat the winter blues. Shakira Espada-Campos, psychotherapist and Chief of Behavioral Health at MD Live by Evernorth, told USA Today, that Winter Arc encourages a mindset shift during the holiday season. Instead of simply braving the cold, this trend turns the season into a period of intentional personal growth. This challenge also encourages one to work for who they want to be. Espada-Campos also spoke about how this challenge brings a sense of agency and purpose and each little goal can boost your confidence. Jonathan Kaplan, M.D. a board-certified plastic surgeon, tech innovator, and TikTok influencer told Healthline that the ‘Winter Arc’ creates a community-driven, structured challenge is more likely to keep people accountable and moving. Small lifestyle goals such as getting up early, nutritional diet, healthy workouts, mindfulness, reading books, journaling, and self-reflection could be practiced during this challenge.
Cons of Winter Arc
The lack of credibility and risks associated with misinterpreting the rules or advice could be the possible downside of any viral challenge.
Joseph Trunzo, Ph.D. a licensed, practicing clinical psychologist, the Associate Director of the School of Health & Behavioral Sciences, and a professor of psychology at Bryant University told Healthline, to be cautious about such viral challenges. He spoke about how generalized health advice delivered through social media is not tailored to the individual’s physiological and psychological needs, which can be ineffective or sometimes directly harmful.
He observed that while advice may be generally helpful, misinterpreting them can result in something inadvertently harmful. He also pointed out that seeking professional advice from your doctor, therapist, or trainer is beneficial while working towards your goals.
(Pic courtesy: Pexels)
