Embracing November: How to Stay Balanced and Beat the Winter Blues 🍂

I love anything new and the opportunity for change and a fresh start, including the beginning of each new month, but for some, including myself, the start of November and the shift from autumn to the depths of winter can create mixed feelings. So this year I have made a promise to myself to focus more on self-care and nourishing activities to help keep my spirits high and I thought it might help some of you if I shared the things I plan to do!

So, let's dive into some self-care ideas that will help us to survive and thrive this November…

Bring on the Cosiness

Snuggle up in a warm blanket (or even better a weighted blanket – I love mine), sip on a cup of hot cocoa (maybe with a splash of Baileys in), and enjoy the simple pleasures of a cosy night in.

I’m going to embrace the hygge lifestyle to create a serene and inviting space that is good for my soul.

Connect with Nature

Since getting our dog, Rosie, a couple of years ago walking her has become one of my favourite things to do. Although the mornings and evenings are darker so time is limited I will make sure weekends are full of leisurely walks in our favourite places, breathing in the crisp, cold air – and even if it is raining! Rosie doesn’t care about getting a bit wet so I won’t either. Nature has a way of grounding us and lifting our spirits.

Practice Gratitude

I’m not sure how well I’ll do with this one but I have heard so many positive things about doing it so I will really try to make it a habit. Every morning I’m going to write down three things I’m thankful for. I’m going to use the notes app on my phone so I can do it whenever I remember and I will have the list with me at all times. Cultivating a mindset of gratitude can shift your perspective and bring more positivity into your life.

Move Your Body

Physical activity releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones, helping to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). I don’t have SAD but I know I feel so much better if I have moved around more than just going to make a cup of tea. So as well as walking I’m going to get a couple of dates in the diary to go out dancing with friends and make myself available for the odd game of netball too.

Light Up Your Space

I thrive on sunlight so as the days get shorter I’m going to review the lighting at home to see where I can improve it for the winter months. Simple additions such as fairy lights, scented candles, or a new lamp with a suitable warm light bulb can create a cosy ambiance and uplift your mood.

Plan Meaningful Activities

I am very guilty of being a workaholic – it’s part and parcel of owning and running a small business – but I am going to make a conscious effort to switch off more in my downtime and plan activities that will bring me joy (that doesn’t involve work). I love to cook so want to start doing more of that and everyone keeps telling me how good Rosie would be at dog agility so I want to explore that too. Doing what you love can be a powerful way to stay balanced.

Staying grounded and finding moments of joy is key if you find the winter season hard-going, and if you’re planning your wedding as well both are even more important!

Whatever small changes you make or fun activities you plan I hope we both have a November filled with warmth, balance, and beautiful moments. We've got this!