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How You Can Prep for the November Blues
As November rolls in, it can bring a certain feeling that seems to settle in with the colder weather and shorter days. You may already notice that the lack of daylight affects your energy or making everyday tasks feel more daunting. This experience, often called the "November blues," is quite common and doesn’t have to take over your semester. With a few practical steps, you can navigate this challenging time and even find moments of growth and resilience.
The term "November blues," refers to a period of low mood that often arises as autumn deepens and the sunlight becomes scarce. For some, it’s a temporary state, while for others, it can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression related to seasonal changes. Symptoms include feeling sluggish, having trouble concentrating, and a general drop in motivation. While this isn't unusual, it’s essential to take steps early to regulate these feelings, while maintaining your overall health and wellness.
Shifting your focus from what's missing to what’s present can help improve your mindset. Start a daily gratitude practice by reflecting on a few things you appreciate each day, no matter how small. It could be a good conversation, a cozy sweater, or simply getting through a challenging day. Training your mind to recognize the positives can help counter the negative effects of shorter, darker days.
Don't let the cold weather trap you into the same old patterns. If you’ve been stuck indoors or just going through the motions, try switching up your daily activities. A brisk walk in the morning can help you catch some natural light, which boosts mood or maybe dive into a hobby you’ve been curious about: painting, learning guitar, or even cooking. If you’re feeling drained from pushing too hard, allow yourself to slow down and recharge. Remember, recharging isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity!
Convenience is an easy option, because it is something we are used to and can often find comfort in familiarity. However, convenience doesn’t necessarily mean we are taking care of our wellbeing. Instead, try to aim for balance. Acknowledge that feeling down doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong or that you lack resilience. True wellness is about embracing the full range of human experiences, even the uncomfortable ones, and using them as opportunities for growth. When you accept that ups and downs are a natural part of life, you empower yourself to move through them more gracefully.
With finals around the corner, stress levels can easily rise. Get ahead by breaking your workload into manageable tasks and prioritizing them. The basics—sleep, a balanced diet, and physical activity—play a huge role in supporting mental health. Even brief exercise or a few minutes of deep breathing can help ground you and improve your mood. Better yet, if you find it to cold and gloomy outside, all of you have to do is open a window and take some deep breaths of the fresh crip air, this redirects your stress into breath and over all calmness.
With the holidays approaching, it’s okay to say “no” to things that don’t help you. You don’t need to attend every event or meet everyone’s expectations. Self-care starts with setting boundaries, and it’s not about being selfish; it’s about protecting your well-being. Allow yourself to decline activities that drain you and choose ones that help you recharge.
If the November blues are sticking around or interfering with your daily life, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Seneca Polytechnic offers counseling services, providing a supportive space where you can talk openly and get guidance. Reaching out doesn’t mean you’re not strong; it means you’re taking an important step to prioritize your mental health.
As you prepare for November, remember that this phase is temporary. Each day you prioritize your wellness, you’re building resilience that will carry you through. Celebrate the small wins, whether it’s attending a class you didn’t feel up to or taking time to rest when you needed it. You’re not alone, and you’ve got the tools to get through this.
If you're interested in learning more about wellness and daily practices that can help improve your well-being, join us at the Mindful Movements Well-being Event, Hosted by Peer2Peer lounge for our Wellness Day Event on December 5th. Connect with others, explore wellness strategies, and gain insights on navigating the November blues and beyond.
Event Details:
Name: Mindful Movements Well-being Event, Hosted by Peer2Peer lounge
Date: December 5, 2024
Time: 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Location: Newnham Campus - Room D2014
Empower yourself to embrace the season ahead. You’ve got this. And when you need a little help along the way, remember there’s a community here at Seneca ready to support you.
The content was adapted from the following resources:
We've got the November blues: 6 tips if you have them too
Author: Victoria
Great write-up :)😊
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