How to make your 'Winter Arc' successful

Majority of girlies who have access to TikTok would have seen 'Winter Arc' content, and some of you may even be currently taking part in your own Winter Arc, or 75 hard, I know I am, so my first post will be a little bit of what I am doing to make my Winter Arc successful, and what I am implementing in my daily routine. Lets start with 'What is a Winter Arc?', this is a period when someone can use these cold months to refocus and realign their priorities. My idea is to have a vision of what I would like to achieve at the end of my personal Winter Arc and ensuring my actions are in alignment with this vision. I am definitely guilty of trying to implement too much too soon and giving up, but this time round I am definitely prioritising consistency over perfection!

Below are my Winter Arc non-negotiables includeing how I am implementing these, and more importantly why:

1. No Caffeine before 10am

I am a coffee girl to the core, but anxiety loves me so it was important that I regulate my cortisol levels by making sure I naturally wake up without overrelying on caffeine. This is also meant making sure I am eating a healthy breakfast and not attack my stomach first thing in the morning with a strength 10 Nespresso pod. It's a work in progress, and sometimes I love going for an early morning coffee and walk, but this is definitely a habit I have implemented 95% of the time now.

2. 10k steps a day MINIMUM

I love walking, personally no distance is too long for me. Walking is a great way to include a low intensity workout on a daily basis, it clears my head and allows me to regulate my breathing. Not to mention, I love multi-tasking, so at the same time I will listen to a podcast or meditation audio at the same time. I find myself sleeping so much better, and as someone who works majority from home I always have a reason to leave the house (aside from having to walk my dog).

3. 30grams of protein to start the day

This has been one of the best changes I have managed to implement to my daily routine. I find myself not snacking as much and overall I feel so much more energised. I never used to be a breakfast person and this would mean I would always snack during the day and my blood sugar levels would be all over the place. I now have two set breakfasts that I alternate between, one sweet and one savoury and it really makes it easier for me in the mornings especially when I am working.

4. Gym 4x a week

As someone who works from home, getting out of the house is so important, not just for my physical health, but also mentally. It adds to my stepcount, structures my day and not to mention the health benefits. I don't have an ideal weight, just a pilates/victoria's secret model body would be acceptable for me!

5. Wake up early no matter what

Some people view this as a it controversial as they state that not everyone is an 'early bird'. My opinion is that this is a lifestyle choice, unless someone has a job which does not allow them this luxury, then waking up early if you work normal shifts is the only way to maximise your potential and your day. I feel more energised, more positive and just feeling so much more productive when I am taking control of my day.

6. Journal every day

Journalling for me is personally difficult, I don't find it very easy to begin and I struggle with the depth aspect of actually 'working through' feelings and thoughts. However, I know how beneficial journalling can be and the research definitely backs it up, so for the time-being I use some specific journal prompts for gratitude and it allows me to take stock of all the things I am grateful for in life.

And that concludes post number 1! I hope you enjoyed it, I will definitely be posting updates of my WinterArc/75 Hard journey and what habits I will be adding along to my daily routine. This blog is going to me a little corner of the internet you can go to for all things wellness, there will be some advice, some research and a lot of reality. If there is anything in particular you would like me to talk about then just get in touch!

I hope you enjoyed!

Argita xo