November: Wellness That Feels Like a Hug

November…there are a few different ways we can embrace November. It may not be everyone’s favourite month, at least for those of us who live in the prairies. November can be a daunting time of year for many - whether that’s the result of financial worries, seasonal depression and anxiety, the time change, or just the colder temperatures.

Or…November can be welcomed with open arms as we can find comfort with warm drinks, cozy sweaters, and time spent indoors. This time of year can also breed excitement for the upcoming winter holidays – some may find themselves putting up lights early, planning celebrations, or embracing the cozy aesthetic of the season ahead.

It all comes down to perspective, something I love to remind myself of often. So, I’ll ask you this: how do you want to show up for November?

Here are some wellness tips you may like to try:

1)      Mind: Gratitude over Goals

-          November isn’t about doing more; it’s about noticing more. Before the year-end rush, practice pausing with gratitude.

2)      Wendy’s Tip:

-          Each morning write down one small joy you might have overlooked, something ordinary but grounding. A warm hug, A quiet walk, the smell of rain.

Studies show even a few minutes of journalling can lift your mood for days.

3)      Reflect:

-What’s one thing you’re proud of this year?

4) Body: Gentle Movement

- Instead of pushing harder, try moving kinder. Try a 10-minute morning stretch, 15-minute outdoor walk, or gentle yoga by candlelight

The goal isn’t perfection; it’s presence in your body.

One of the things I like to do to combat the colder months is up my affirmation practice. It’s a great skill in becoming aware of our daily thoughts. If we are aware of these then we can change our thought patterns from bad-feeling thoughts to good-feeling thoughts. The key here is awareness, and affirmations help with this.

My November affirmations often focus on themes of gratitude, self-care, and embracing change, with statements like:

“I am grateful for the warmth and coziness of my surroundings”

“I honour my body and mind with gratitude and care”

“I choose to bring kindness and compassion into the world”

“I am deserving of rest, reflection, and self-love”

If you’re feeling down this November, give these wellness tips a try. They’re easy and take very little time out of your day. And with consistency I promise you, you’ll start feeling the love, for yourself of course!

These daily practices are like a warm hug, something we all cherish from those we love. So, give yourself the same kindness and wrap yourself in a daily hug through these practices.

Until next time…