November can feel like a long and arduous month. The clocks have changed, the sky seems to darken before you’ve even left school, and the weather can be a bit on the soggy side (thank you, Storm Claudia!) But these slower, darker days can actually offer something valuable: a chance to pause, get cosy, and focus on looking after yourself.
Think of November as a buffer zone between the busy excitement of autumn changes and the oncoming sparkle of December. It’s a time to build small habits that lift your mood and restore your mind. Start with maximising natural light: open your curtains as soon as you wake up, sit by a window at lunchtime, or step outside for even five minutes of daylight between lessons. It will boost your energy levels and get you some much needed Vitamin D.
Then, aim to create tiny moments of joy and notice when they arrive. Put on a song that makes you feel warm inside (is it time for Mariah yet…?), make a hot chocolate to curl your chilly fingers around, or wear something that feels winter comfy. Reach out to friends, even if it’s just sharing a funny voice note or having a quick chat on the walk to the dinner queue.
Most importantly, be kind to yourself. Winter has evolutionarily always been a time to restore ourselves, keep others close and take stock.
Wellbeing November Challenge:
This week, choose one uplifting habit you may have been neglecting: try to journal for two minutes, send a gratitude photo to someone important to you… you choose, but aim to stick to it for seven days. Notice how your November days brighten.
