Calling All Our Self-Improvement Girlies - It’s Time for Your Winter Arc!

Where has the time gone? It feels like only a few days ago that brat summer and back-to-school trends were overflowing our social media. However, just like that, November has entered the group chat with its shorter days, socially anxious sunshine, and perpetual cloud cover. You can be honest and say it, it can be a little depressing — that’s fine, we’re all thinking it! Between the post-summer blues, the gloomy weather, and the odd feeling that accompanies the end of the year, it is easy to overthink and miss out on all the great things that these pre-Christmas and pre-New Year moments have to bring.

Yes, we are team positivity over here and we are actively choosing to find the good vibes in everything! This is why we are bringing you a trend that will allow you to make the most of the last months of the year - the Winter Arc!

But what IS the Winter Arc and what CAN it bring you?!

Winter Arc… Huh?

Winter Arc is a new trend that has absolutely taken over social media over the last months. By taking over we mean TAKING OVER — it has been overflowing Instagram, TikTok and more. The trend has been popularized by self-development coach @carlyupgraded . To make it simple (because at Picta we like it nice and easy, like our photo printing services!), the Winter Arc is all about self-improvement and using the last months of the year to become a better version of yourself. The ultimate goal is for the Winter Arc team to enter 2025 with a significant head start on the ones counting on the 1st of January for their motivation boost!

When does the Winter Arc start then?

Some will say it started on October 1st but you can hop on the train RIGHT NOW! Joining the Winter Arc gang is the way to say bye-bye to the usual seasonal depression and replace it by the trendiest girl power move. So get your bullet journal, favorite to-do-list notebook, or just your iPhone because, let’s be real, we don’t always have time for paper and pretty calligraphy nowadays, and write down those goals!

Your own guide on “how to Winter Arc” to make it easier!

Step 1: Let’s get that workout in!

Winter Arc was initially essentially targeted at the gym rats. Even if the trend has now switched to a more global self-improvement vibe, adopting more active lifestyle habits is one of the prime pillars of the Winter Arc. Now now, no need to panic, you don’t need to spend 2h in the gym every day to have an “active” lifestyle! If that’s your thing you go girl (we’re each other’s biggest cheerleaders here) but there are SOOO many different types and styles of workouts out there and the key is to find the one that fits you. We’ll let you in on a secret: whether you do daily walks, tennis games with your friends or heavy weightlifting, it doesn’t matter! As long as it allows you to enjoy moving your body, the Winter Arc gang will be proud of you!

Step 2: Good food = good mood!

Rainy days and cold weather call for steamy cups of hot cocoa piled high with pillowy marshmallows and chewy-gooey cookies filled to the brim with your favorite Hershey’s chocolate chips … Yes, we are also drooling a little just thinking about it! The key to create healthier eating habits is to combine all this buttery and chocolatey goodness with nutrient filled food that will leave your mood boosted and energy levels at an all time high. You can stock your fridge with bright colored fruits, shiny veggies and protein sources (meat, fish, yogurt, plant-based everything - so much delicious options to choose from) and the life of a balanced diet queen will have no more secrets for you!

Step 3: You’re your own competition!

The mantra of the Winter Arc trend is self-development, not becoming better than that famous instagram model or this colleague at work who seems to have it all figured out! It is about actively taking decisions that will contribute to your long term physical and mental well-being. You can start journaling, daily affirmations, taking more time for your hobbies, being kinder, and so many other little changes that can have a massive impact in your life and that of the people surrounding you! And, since an important part of bettering yourself is caring about others, how about also taking this time to start thinking about your Christmas gifts for friends and family?! Picta is here to help you bring tears (of happiness of course) to the eyes of the people you love with the most wholesome photo-based presents!