There’s something about November that feels a little in–between — the golden autumn leaves have mostly fallen, the magic of Christmas isn’t quite here yet, and the days turn dark before you’ve even finished your afternoon coffee. It’s a month that can dip your energy, your motivation, and your mood. But it’s also a month filled with small joys, cosy moments, and gentle ways to take care of yourself, even on the tougher days.
As a single mum, November can feel especially heavy. The shorter days, the colder air, and the early sunset can shift the rhythm of your whole day. But with a few simple habits and mindset changes, you can move through this season feeling a little lighter and a lot more grounded. Here are the simple ways I’m beating the November blues this year.
1. Getting Outside — Even Just for a Few Minutes
We don’t yet have a favourite outdoor spot this time of year, but I’m learning that it doesn’t have to be anything big or planned. Even a short walk, standing on the porch with fresh air, or letting my daughter explore for a few minutes helps break up that “November heaviness.”
Being outside definitely lifts my spirits. The cool air actually helps when I’m feeling a little poorly, almost like a natural reset button for my mood. While we don’t have a specific place we return to yet, we’re building those routines slowly — and come warmer months, we’re always at the parks she loves.
2. Creating Slow, Cozy November Mornings
My ideal November morning? A warm soup simmering for later, cuddled under a blanket, watching our favourite Christmas movies — yes, in November! There’s something so comforting about starting the day slowly, especially when it’s bright out and not pitch–black like the evenings.
Most mornings for us look like a blanket, a movie, and easing into the day rather than rushing. After the clocks change and the evenings get dark so early, I find I appreciate the sunlight even more when we do head out in the morning.
3. Adding One Cozy Thing Into Each Day
Comfort doesn’t have to be complicated. For me, it’s the little things — a bowl of French onion soup, wrapping up in blankets with an iced coffee (yes, even in November! I’ve never been a hot drink person), or just enjoying the stillness after my daughter goes to bed.
My daughter loves making blanket forts, so some days our “cozy moment” is crawling into one together with her toys and letting her imagination take over. It’s simple, but it makes the day feel a little more magical.
4. Choosing Simplicity Over Overwhelm
November is the start of that slowly building pressure before Christmas. The lists, the gifts, the budgets, the events — it all starts creeping in. This year, I’m reminding myself it really is the small things that count.
I’m also trying to be more mindful of my purchases. It’s so easy to get carried away in November and December, but this year I’m choosing intention over impulse. And honestly, what helps me avoid overwhelm the most is my family. Having them around grounds me and reminds me I don’t need to shoulder everything alone.
5. Planning Little Things to Look Forward To
Some months feel lighter when there’s something — even something tiny — on the calendar. While I don’t have anything big planned, there are always small local events happening, like the Santa Claus parades, and they add a little excitement to the month.
We don’t have any cemented traditions yet, but as my daughter gets older, I’m hoping to start things like baking days, decorating the tree together, and winter nature walks. Those simple traditions often become the memories that matter most.
6. Moving My Body Gently
I recently started using an app called Harna, which focuses on Asian Pilates, and it’s genuinely made me feel better — more energized, more balanced, and a bit more grounded in my body.
While my daughter is still a bit young to join in (she’s only 3), I’m thinking of enrolling her in dance in the coming years. For now, movement for me is just about feeling good, not doing anything intense or structured.
7. Leaning Into Connection
Connection really does help break the heaviness of November — even if it’s simple or small. For me, it’s my family, especially my mum. I don’t really talk to many people outside my family when I’m feeling low, but sometimes that’s enough. A conversation, a laugh, or even just being around someone who gets you makes the month feel less isolating.
8. Finding the Small Joys
This is the month where the tiniest joys mean the most. For me, it’s seeing the Christmas decorations starting to appear everywhere — in stores, in town, even in early displays people put up at home. It instantly lifts my mood.
And one of my favourite November moments this year was when my daughter asked to watch Mickey’s Christmas Carol. We curled up together on the couch, wrapped in a blanket, and just enjoyed the moment. It was so simple, but exactly what my heart needed.
Final Thoughts
The November blues might be normal, but they don’t have to take over the whole month. With small routines, cosy moments, gentle movement, and simple joys, you can make November feel softer, calmer, and even a little magical.
The key is noticing what your mind and body need — and giving yourself permission to slow down, wrap up, and find comfort in the in-between season.
If you enjoyed reading this post as much as I enjoyed writing it, you may enjoy these other posts:
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