As the year draws to a close, November invites a slower pace—a perfect time to take a breath and check in with yourself. While the hustle and bustle of the holidays isn’t far off, now is the ideal moment to reflect on how you’re feeling, both mentally and physically. It’s easy to get swept up in routines or the demands of life, but making space for self-care can help you reconnect with yourself before the busy season arrives.
1. How are you feeling emotionally?
First things first—ask yourself how you’re really feeling. It’s not just about the surface-level “I’m fine.” When you pause and dig a little deeper, what emotions are coming up? Journaling can be a great way to reflect on your feelings without judgement.
Here are some prompts to guide your thoughts:
- What emotions have I felt most strongly this week? Why do I think that is?
- Are there any recurring thoughts or worries that I need to address?
- What am I grateful for right now?
- How can I treat myself with kindness this month?
Take 10 minutes to write down your responses—whatever comes to mind is valid. The goal here isn’t to “fix” anything, but simply to acknowledge and honour what’s going on inside.
If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, try adding a grounding practice to your routine. This could be something simple like deep breathing for a few minutes, listening to a favourite song, or even stepping outside for a quick walk in the brisk autumn air. Sometimes, giving yourself a little mental reset is all it takes to regain some calm.
2. What’s your body telling you?
We spend so much time thinking that it’s easy to forget about our bodies. But your body holds so much wisdom—especially when it comes to stress. How are you feeling physically? Are you holding tension in your neck or shoulders? Is your body craving rest or maybe some movement?
Try adding a gentle body scan into your day. Here’s how to do it:
- Find a comfortable position: Sit or lie down in a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed. Close your eyes if it feels comfortable.
- Take a few deep breaths: Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your belly to rise. Hold for a moment, then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat this a few times to settle in.
- Start at your toes: Focus your attention on your toes. Notice any sensations—tension, warmth, or relaxation. Don’t judge, just observe.
- Move up through your body: Gradually shift your attention up through your feet, ankles, calves, and thighs. Take a moment to notice how each part feels.
- Continue scanning upwards: Move to your hips, lower back, upper back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, arms, neck, and finally your head. Spend a few seconds on each area, paying attention to any sensations.
- Release tension: If you notice areas of tension, breathe into those spots. Imagine exhaling any stress or discomfort as you focus on relaxation.
- Reflect: After scanning your body, take a moment to reflect on how you feel. Acknowledge any areas that might need extra care or attention.
By incorporating this body scan into your self-care routine, you can better connect with your body and release any built-up stress. If your body is telling you it needs some TLC, honour that—whether it’s a long bath, a yoga session, or simply curling up with a blanket. This is your reminder to listen when your body speaks—it knows what it needs.
3. Reflect on your thoughts
Our minds can be a noisy place, especially as the year comes to an end. Take a moment to check in with your thoughts. Are they mostly positive, or have you been in a cycle of overthinking or self-criticism?
Mindfulness can be a great way to bring a bit more peace to your inner world. It doesn’t have to be complicated—a few deep breaths, focusing on the present moment, or even just noticing the colours of the leaves outside can help shift your mindset. If you find your thoughts are leaning more towards stress or negativity, don’t be afraid to ask yourself: What can I let go of right now?
Sometimes, simply identifying the things that are weighing on you can be a powerful step towards releasing them.
4. Plan a solo date with intention
Self-care is about giving yourself time and space, so why not treat yourself to a solo date this month? This isn’t just about filling your calendar; it’s about being intentional with your time. Consider what you truly enjoy or what might feel refreshing. It could be as simple as taking yourself out for a coffee or spending an afternoon doing something you love—reading, crafting, or even taking a scenic drive.
The idea is to dedicate some time just for you, with no agenda other than enjoying your own company. November might be chilly, but it’s also a wonderful time to get cosy and focus on what truly makes you feel good.
Checking in with kindness
A self-care check-in isn’t about “fixing” anything; it’s about pausing, taking stock of where you are, and gently giving yourself whatever you need. Whether it’s rest, reflection, or a little bit of fun, this November, make a point to check in with yourself—mind, body, and soul—and remember, you deserve your own kindness.