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Amélie Boukhobza (Clinical psychologist)
A new challenge called “Winter Arc” is causing a sensation on Tiktok. But what does it consist of? Should we be wary of it? We asked Amélie Boukhobza, clinical psychologist, the question.
Do you know the Winter Arc? He is following a new trend that has appeared on the social network Tiktok. Concretely, it would be a personal development technique promoting a “better self”. But is this a good idea? Decryption.
Good resolutions ahead of time
The concept of the “Winter Arc”? Follow a list of rules until January 1, in order to become “the best version of yourself”. In other words, improve yourself mentally, physically and spiritually.
But you don’t need to go running at 6 a.m. to achieve your goals. Carly Berges (@carlyupgraded), the 27-year-old American influencer who launched the idea (her video has been viewed more than 4 million times on Tiktok) advocates instead finding your “own rules”.
“Think about things you want to improve mentally, spiritually and physically” advises Carly, “think about habits to adopt and goals that you wanted to achieve this year and that you just put aside.
Among the most mentioned mental and physical challenges are:
- Get up early;
- Do more sport (three to five sessions per week);
- Spend less time on your phone;
- Read more;
- Take a vitamin cure;
- Eat healthier.
In itself, nothing really new, but just a way to set goals and improve your routine.
Beware of excess
If these resolutions seem rather banal, some Internet users seem to push this quest for “personal development“to excess. The influencer @Phoebeisginger1 therefore advises her subscribers to break up or divorce in order to”avoid social distractions“and so “really work on yourself”.
Another rather surprising “rule” – and one that we advise against – would be to no longer talk to anyone on social networks or in real life. “SIf someone says hello to you, ignore them“, says an influencer.
Good in his body, good in his head!
What does our expert psychologist think?
Amélie Boukhobza is rather doubtful about this trend.
“We don’t know what to invent anymore! Well why not, if this new trend makes it possible to transform winter, often synonymous with the blues, into a period of introspection and renewal… Take care of yourself, refocus and cultivate positive habits to overcome gloom.” she reveals, before continuing: “There’s definitely something appealing about this kind of trend, especially for those who are feeling depressed or want a change in their routine and life. This invites you to redefine your goals and priorities, to take stock, and to use these 3 months as an opportunity to strengthen yourself mentally. But beware of the risk of always wanting more, of seeking performance at all costs, etc. We also have the right not to always be in action or productivity!“
In the end, if this trend pushes you to listen to yourself more, so much the better.
“But be careful not to fall into excess control or pressure. We also have the right to let ourselves go a little sometimes!“, she recalls.