November is one of my favourite months (and not just because it is my birthday month!). November is a month of contrast. On one hand, it’s cosy, introspective, and low-key; on the other, the persistent build-up to the Christmas season is getting well underway. But what if we didn’t rush through it? What if, instead, we used it as a month to reset, recalibrate, and reclaim our peace? This November, let’s take a deep dive into the inner work that can set us up for a more empowered, peaceful year ahead.
Embracing the “Letting Go” Season
In the natural world, autumn is the time for shedding — trees let go of their leaves, animals prepare to hibernate, and the earth seems to pause and retreat inward. November is our reminder that, just like nature, we are not meant to hold onto everything. Take a moment to consider: What burdens or patterns have clung to you throughout the year? Whether it’s an obligation that drains you, relationships that don’t align, or habits that keep you from moving forward, now is the time to identify what needs to be released.
The psychology of letting go is powerful. When we actively release what no longer serves us, we make space to focus on what does. This isn’t about “self-care” as in a temporary break — it is about reconfiguring your mental and emotional environment to cultivate lasting peace. So, as you reflect on this past year, ask yourself:
- What am I ready to shed?
- What habits, expectations, or routines do I need to release?
Hibernate and Heal: November as Your Inner Sanctuary
In the midst of our productivity-obsessed world, “hibernating” can feel like a luxury we don’t deserve. But hibernation is not about being inactive; it is a time to reflect, process, and heal. Taking cues from animals who conserve their energy for the colder months, this November can be your personal pause button, allowing you to do the inner work that primes you for success in the coming year.
This season, consider actively resting. That might look like gentle self-reflection, writing, doing restful activities you enjoy, or revisiting your intentions. Reflect on where your energy is going each day:
- Where are you spending time on autopilot?
- What is draining your energy unnecessarily?
Using November as a “quiet month” helps us go into the festive season and new year with a foundation of inner peace — and a clarity that makes it easier to stand firm in what matters most.
Evaluating Boundaries and Realigning Priorities
The Christmas season is notorious for pushing us beyond our boundaries. Between family gatherings, social obligations, a relentless school calendar and the pressure to shop, it is easy to find ourselves stretched too thin. By doing some “boundary check-ins” now, we can set ourselves up for a period of time that feels authentic, peaceful, and meaningful.
Healthy boundaries are not just about saying “no”; they are about valuing your own needs and priorities as much as others’. In therapy, I often remind my clients that boundaries and self-worth are two sides of the same coin. When we are prepared to value ourselves enough, we need to protect ourselves from what drains us, exhausts or, or leaves us broke. This November, try mapping out what such boundaries would look like in your life. Think about:
- What activities genuinely bring you joy, and which ones feel obligatory, leaving you physically and emotionally drained?
- Who in your life truly uplifts you, and who consistently drains you?
When we identify what brings fulfilment, it becomes easier to let go of the rest. Establishing these boundaries is an act of self-respect that empowers us to step into the new year with greater confidence.
Re-Evaluating Financial and Emotional Spending
As we approach the festive season, the pressure to spend — emotionally, financially, and physically — can be overwhelming. This November, consider using the calm before the storm to reset your relationship with “spending.”
Just as we check our finances, we can benefit from checking our emotional resources. If you often feel depleted, ask yourself how you can invest more sustainably in yourself. And as for financial spending, take some time this month to examine your budget. Try reframing gift-giving as a chance to show appreciation in a way that doesn’t come at the expense of your own wellbeing.
Preparing for a New Year with Intention
Finally, think of November as a foundation for the new year. Instead of focusing on grand, sweeping changes, consider the small, meaningful shifts you can begin making now. This can include:
- Setting boundaries that reflect self-worth, and honour your mental and emotional health.
- Cultivating habits that nourish rather than drain you.
- Spending quality time with people who bring peace, joy, and warmth into your life.
By tending to your inner life this month, you are planting seeds that will grow in the brighter days of the new year. This quiet, reflective time is your gift to yourself. Your 2025-self will thank you for it.