Let's welcome November Calm. As we settle into November, there’s a noticeable shift in the air. The holiday season is on the horizon, but the pace of life feels slower, a little more introspective. This month, let's focus on nurturing habits that create balance—whether that’s in the cozy warmth of our homes, in the foods we enjoy, or in our daily routines. November can be a time to ground ourselves before the end-of-year whirlwind begins.
Here’s how you can practice activities that will carry you through the month and transition into the holday season?
Home Habits:
Tidy up. Try using the beginning of November to tidy and get rid of clutter to help set a cozy tone and be ready for the holidays! This helps boost your focus and creativity as well as create a more peaceful environment.
Pause. Take some time this month to read a good book, sit by the fire or spend time in nature and just pause.
DIY
Simmer Pots- Try The Fall Simmer Pot from Williams Sonoma
Make your own paper leaves or pumpkins in prep for Thanksgiving. Simon Says Stamp has some cute pumpkins. If you cut leaves out try using things like sheet music, then put in a shoe box and spray with colored sprays like Tim Holtz Mica Sprays.
For a touch of fall-inspired luxury, I love creating soothing bath salts and sugar scrubs that bring the season right into my self-care routine. A simple fall blend makes a perfect hand scrub to welcome guests—or to treat yourself! One of my favorites for this is the Gardener's Hand Scrub recipe from Aromahead. For essential oils, I trust Aromatics.com for their purity and quality—here’s my affiliate link, aromatics.com, if you’d like to explore their selection.
Another staple I keep by the sink is Shaklee’s Reveal Body Exfoliator Treatment. It’s gentle yet effective, perfect for leaving hands feeling smooth and refreshed. (Transparency: As a Shaklee Ambassador, I do receive a small percentage if you decide to try this product through my link.) Enjoy adding a bit of indulgence to your fall skincare!
Try changing the color of your throw pillows and blankets to have a fall fell. Many places on line sell covers that will go over your existing pillows.
Movement and Mindfulness!
It is darker outside now and easy to feel done for the day or even a little blue. Gentle exercise will help keep you perked up and going. Here is a 30 day stretch challenge my Wellness Group used in May.
Take time for mindfulness. Make time for mindfulness to stay grounded and calm. Practices like Box Breathing or other focused breathing exercises are simple ways to reduce anxiety and maintain calmness throughout the day. You could also consider setting aside time for meditation or prayer, which encourages a focused, attentive mindset. Activities like yoga blend movement and mindfulness, helping you stay present and centered. Each of these practices can bring moments of peace into your daily routine, setting a positive tone for your day.
Creating a mindful, comforting routine this November doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s all about simple, thoughtful choices—crafting your space, feeding your body with what it needs, and grounding yourself in moments of quiet. As the month progresses, let these habits serve as a foundation, helping you move into the holiday season with a sense of peace, balance, and readiness. Here’s to a cozy, fulfilling November
Weekly Menu:
Time: 30 minutes
Simple
The recipe says there is a cooking time of 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours, allowing extra time for caramelizing the onions. However, this dish can easily be prepared in just 30 minutes. I was skeptical the first time I read this recipe, but I was pleasantly surprised. It's been a family favorite for over 25 years!
Time: 30 minutes or less
Simple
To make this meal even easier purchase pre-cooked, grilled chicken or shrimp. Toss it all together and enjoy! Serve with a salad or veggie tray. Serve in lettuce wraps, taco shells, or tortillas.
Time: 30 minutes
Simple
We eat a lot of tacos and quesadillas, and we have yet to run out of stuffing ideas!! The sauce in this recipe gives it a "meaty" flavor.
Time: 30 minutes or less
Simple -Moderate
This is another recipe that you can save time by using pre-cooked grilled chicken, beef, or shrimp. I like to add cubed pepper jack too and I sometimes use thawed frozen peas in place of the snap peas.
Fishwiches and Yogurt Tarter Sauce by Rachel Ray
Time: 30 minutes
Simple to moderate (don't stress over battering your fish)
I know the recipe calls this dish a sandwich, but it can easily be served without the bread. Add a tossed salad or some cole slaw to round out the dish.
Visit my Monthly Tools Page for ideas to stay active, unplugged, and grab tools to keep you on track for your wellness journey.
Here is one of our tools. This Point Sheet is a personal challenge of things to keep you involved in your wellness journey each day. Find our monthly fitness challenge, recipes for the month, and more.
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