Are you writing your winter arc?

The latest in mental health news, resources, and stories.

WEEKLY(ISH) ROUNDUP

Latest happenings in mental health 🧠

• Obama has released his favorite books of the year and Jonathan Haidt’s “Anxious Generation” is top of the list.

• California is considering a mental health warning on social media sites.

• More Americans make mental health resolutions heading into 2025.

Your mental wellness microdose 💊

• Need some crowdsourced inspo on your mental health? Check out this list of what others are doing to improve their mental health.

• Are you an entrepreneur? Here are 3 ways to prioritize your mental health.

• Still struggling with screen time? Look to Denmark and consider moving to a dumb phone.

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Change minds about mental health 🤝

Time to write your winter chapter

Hi fam,

The internet is at it again. A new trend has taken over TikTok known as the ‘winter arc’, a challenge designed to help you overcome the winter blues. While a bit controversial, the idea of doing more in the winter sounds absolutely atrocious, creating intention for this time of the year doesn’t seem like such a bad idea.  So whether you’re looking to “lock in” ahead of Jan 1 or disassociate to your little heart’s content, here are some ways to winter arc with realistic goals and self-compassion.

• Frame your winter arc: If this season were a movie, what would your character be working on? Self-love? Healing? Finally figuring out how to meal prep without crying? Whatever it might be, write it down with no regrets.

• Curate your aesthetic: Think cozy knits, candlelight, soft playlists, and snow-dusted vibes. Or as health psychologist Keri Leibowitz recommends, “no big lights”.

• Embrace the growth: The challenge isn’t about being perfect—it’s about leaning into whatever winter is teaching you. Maybe that’s sustainability. Maybe it’s patience. Maybe it’s learning to use a space heater without tripping the breaker. Whatever it is, commit to mastering it and enjoy the journey.

For more on the winter arc challenge, check out our latest post.

Here’s to taking the parts of winter that feel heavy or hard and turning them into something meaningful, even beautiful.

here* APPROVED

Things we’re loving 🫶

🍷 Avoiding hangxiety this holiday season.

😵‍💫 Apple’s Best Podcast of the Year, Hysterical, that investigates a mysterious illness among a group of high school girls that many officials deemed a case of ‘mass hysteria’ (insert eye roll here).

💻️ This op-ed from Teen Vogue on why we can’t solve the youth mental health crisis without including young people (say it louder for those in the back!).

BEFORE YOU GO…

That’s all for this week. In the meantime don’t forget to:

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<3

Meg, Quincy, and the Here* fam