What’s the viral 'October Theory' and How Can Latinas Use It to Level Up Their Lives?

Discover how the viral "October Theory" can help you transform your life in the last months of the year! From reinforcing boundaries to cutting off toxic habits, this article breaks down simple steps Latinas can take to glow up before 2025.

October is more than just dressing up as your favorite spooky character and visiting haunted places. Did you know it can also be a moment of transformation?

A recent viral TikTok trend called the “October Theory” is about transforming your life in the year's final months. And while it might seem like just another made-up theory, it actually makes sense—especially as we prepare for 2025, and even more so from a Latina perspective.

As Latinas—whether you're U.S.-born or migrated to the U.S.—we grow up as overachievers, always planning our next steps. (Yes, we have a Plan A, B, and even Plan C!) So, it’s no surprise that some of us already have a New Year’s resolutions list. Sound familiar?

This ties into the “October Theory.” TikTok users explain that the “October Theory” is like a “second New Year”—a time to reflect on how to elevate yourself in the next three months before the year ends.

@somosproceso

👻 #psicologia #psicologa #terapia #saludmental #octubre

♬ original sound - Psico Isa Canales

It’s a season for making life-changing decisions to prepare for 2025.

If this sounds intimidating, let’s break it down. Here are some simple ways to level up your life using the viral “October Theory.”

Reinforce Your Boundaries

Sometimes, our boundaries can loosen over time. Ten months into 2024, it’s possible that the boundaries you set at the start of the year aren’t as strong now.

But don’t worry—it happens! Instead of dwelling on past mistakes, let’s use this time to reinforce boundaries in work, school, family, and relationships (including friendships).

Start by journaling about your responsibilities at work and school. How many hours do you work or attend classes each day? How do you manage those responsibilities? How do you decompartmentalize to avoid burnout?

Next, examine your relationships—family and friends included. What steps can you take to prioritize yourself in your decisions?

Reinforcing boundaries now will help you start 2025 with control and confidence.

Check-in on Your Mental and Physical Health

Another way to apply the “October Theory” is by reflecting on your mental and physical health. What’s really going on?

Do you need more mental health days? Do you need to refresh your diet or focus on better nutrition? Now is the perfect time to make decisions that will elevate your lifestyle and help you finish the year strong.

Alongside the “October Theory,” TikTok users are also talking about the “Winter Arc” as a self-improvement tool to glow up this season. The “Winter Arc” trend dives deeper, with specifics like when to wake up, a workout plan, and goals for the last 90 days of the year.

Both theories are excellent tools for reshaping and recommitting to elevate your lifestyle.

Cut Off Bad Habits—and Toxic Relationships, Too!

Besides boundaries, cutting off bad friendships, relationships, and overall bad habits might be the hardest thing to do. But it’s necessary.

Are you in a relationship or friendship that no longer serves you? One of the ways of noticing this is by trusting your gut instinct. If it doesn’t feel safe or “right” to be around this person, it’s time to look deeper into why this feeling is happening. Here are multiple ways to decide whether or not it’s worth keeping someone in your circle.

To break bad habits, Healthline advises starting by identifying your triggers, focusing on what you can change, and practicing mindfulness. I know, chica, it’s a process. But it’s one to start sooner rather than later to get closer to your higher self.

What are other tips you’re using to glow up this month?