To recap for those just joining us. I’m the blogger who hates November. It’s dark, it’s cold, it’s often rainy, it’s not yet snowy, there are no long weekends, and no happy holidays. There’s Remembrance Day and that’s important but it’s also sad.
(One bright light: It’s Sarah’s birthday. But that’s a personal good thing.)
You might have heard all of this before! See Is there a way to redeem November? and 10 things to make it through November and November is my toughest fitness month: Here’s why. Way back in 2014 I wrote November goals.
You see, over the years, I’ve come to hone in on what it is I dislike so much about this month. But I’ve also managed some coping strategies that have helped make November not so bad.
Here’s ten things that have helped me, and if you find any of them useful, that’s great too.
LIGHT. Check out this CBC piece for some strategies and stories.
GRATITUDE. See November is Gratitude Month: What are you grateful for? #NationalGratitudeMonth
WALKS. See The case for cold, dark walks #November
GETTING COZY. See Nat on hygge.
FASHION. See my November 2022 plan. I try to wear bright colours in November and take pleasure in wearing clothes I like, not saving them for special occasions.
FICTION. Deliberating reading for pleasure was a habit I picked up during the pandemic. Sometimes I struggled. My attention span waned. I also started listening to audiobooks on dog walks. See Reading for Pleasure.
FRIENDS AND FAMILY. This goes without saying but focusing on time with the people I love makes my life better.
WATER. Swimming, hot tubs, sauna, spa days. Please give me all the water!
EXERCISE. See Even a Little Exercise Might Make Us Happier.
FOOD. See F is for Fall, Feminism, Food, Friends, Flow and Fits
Basically, I think there are three attitudes to take towards November.
Some people advocating leaning into the sadness and making time in our lives for hard and difficult emotions. I’m all for the latter but not in November. For me, November is sad enough on its own, without leaning into it.
Alternately, you can try to overwhelm the gloom with happiness. Think bright lights, and good food. Dancing and time with friends and family. That’s the all out Aggressive Cozy approach. It’s been my strategy.
Or you try to ignore November and treat it like any other month, the “don’t mention it” approach.
How do you do November? What are your strategies?
