November Blues

November always feels like a transitional month. Halloween has just wrapped up, but it still feels too early to dive fully into Christmas mode. As college students, we’re caught in this strange limbo between Thanksgiving break and the stress of finals. And with daylight savings kicking in, the days suddenly feel shorter, the evenings darker, and the mornings colder. This time of year can make me feel sluggish and a little gloomy, but at the same time, I want to stay motivated and productive.

So, I want to share a few tips that help me stay active during November, along with some gentle ways to rest that don’t feel like “being lazy.” Because being tired is not a failure, rest is an essential part of growth, and your energy deserves to be restored.

1. Sleep

   Getting enough sleep becomes especially important this time of year. With the time change and colder weather, our bodies naturally crave more rest. The key is finding a balance, not oversleeping to the point where you feel groggy, but ensuring you’re truly rested so you can stay energized throughout the day. When you take care of your rest, everything else becomes a little easier.

   
   

2. Make time for yourself and the people around you

   It’s so important to put yourself first, both physically and mentally. Take a moment to reconnect with the goals you set earlier this year and give yourself space to work towards them at your own pace before the year comes to a close. At the same time, make room for the people who matter most. Spend time with the friends and family you love before finals begin to take over. Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to rest, reconnect, and enjoy a real break from the constant cycle of studying.

   
   

   

3. Practices to keep up with...

   Starting in November, my candles are almost always lit. They fill my room with a soft glow and a comforting scent that makes the space feel warm and calm. I also try to be intentional about keeping myself warm, even though the weather can be unpredictable. Some days I don’t feel ready to bring out my winter coat, and other days I absolutely need it. This month, I’m hoping to stay consistent with layering and staying cozy, so I don’t catch a cold. Small habits like this can make a significant difference in how we feel day-to-day.

   
   

4. Academic Work

   November is my checkpoint month. It’s when I look at my grades, see where I stand, and decide what I need to focus on as finals get closer. If there’s a grade I’m not happy with, I usually reach out to my professor to ask about extra credit or ways to improve, especially if there aren’t any big assignments or exams left that could help boost my grade and if there are upcoming projects or tests, I try to start preparing for them earlier rather than waiting until the last minute. This makes my finals week less overwhelming.

   
   

   

   (Image Credit: Pinterest)

I hope this helped to reflect on what you can do to make this November a better month for all of us. Every season has a different energy. Give yourself rest when you need it, stay connected to the things that ground you, and move at your own pace. We’re all navigating this month together.