As the days grow shorter and the weather cools, November offers a crisp opportunity to tune into ourselves. With the hustle of the holiday season approaching, it is a perfect time to prioritize self-care routines that nourish both mind and body. Here are some easy self-care ideas to embrace this November:
Curate a Morning Routine: With mornings a tad colder and a touch darker, getting out of bed can be rigorous let alone getting the kiddos out of bed. As a fellow mom, I feel the pain of lightening speed mornings while inhaling a cup of coffee and jetting out the door by 7am. Yet, if time permits, and you are willing to muster up a healthy challenge, allow yourself fifteen extra minutes before your usual wake-up time to relish a few moments of bliss. With your coffee in hand and relaxing music in the background, embrace these extra minutes with some mindful breathing. This gentle start to the morning can uplift your mood and set a positive tone for everything that follows. If you can only do this twice a week, the impact will make a difference.
Mindful Walks: November’s crisp air is refreshing, and spending a few minutes outside can be energizing. Use this time to practice gratitude by mentally listing things you are thankful for. Look around you and cherish Mother Nature, take in and appreciate the natural colors, or focus on something personal you are grateful for. Waking up each day is a gift, so cherish it.
Embrace Cooking: Seasonal dishes are not only nourishing but can be a fun, creative way to unwind. This month my goal is to ambitiously cook a Julia Child autumn recipe. If I mess up, so what! The fun is trying something new and enjoying the process with no judgment. Cooking can be soothing, and appreciating your creation brings a satisfying sense of accomplishment and a tasty new meal to the table. Bonjour!
Curate a Gratitude Journal: With Thanksgiving around the corner, November is a great time to cultivate a daily gratitude practice. Spend a few minutes each day listing things you are grateful for is chicken soup for the soul. This is a great practice both in the morning and in the evening as the habit encourages a positive mindset and helps calm any stress. This can also be turned into a family project. As a family, write down what brings each of you gratitude, and embrace the moment of positive family connection.
Take a Self-Care Day: Life can feel full of “must-dos” and in a blink of an eye, a month has passed. Take a deep breath and allow yourself a day. Whether your body needs to catch up on sleep, binge-watch a favourite show, or explore nature, having a personal day can rejuvenate your mind and body. For those who cannot reserve a whole day, find an hour just for you. Everyone deserves a break.
Mini Meditations: Mindfulness practices do not require fancy yoga studio or sitting for thirty minute sessions. Let’s be real! If you only have sixty seconds or two-to-five minutes, use that time for deep focused breathing. Close your eye or gently glance down, and inhale through the nose to three counts, hold the breath for three counts, and exhale through the mouth for four counts. Try this five times in a row and witness your body and mindset alter.
Indulge in a Self-Care Night: Dedicate one evening each week to self-care. Take a warm bath with essential oils, enjoy a face mask, cozy up with a good book, or listen to your favorite music or podcast. A self-care night is a great way to unwind, de-stress, and recharge.
Self-care does not have to be complicated. The small, intentional practices you include during the month of November can set the foundation for a healthier, happier holiday season ahead. Embrace these simple ideas to nourish yourself from the inside out and keep the season’s warmth alive.
Mindfully curated by Debra Gudema for Well&Co.
📸: Xsandra / istock