5 Habits that makes my November more relaxed

Photo credit @maxvdo via Unsplash

For the first few decades of my life November has meant an extremely busy month trying to fit in as much as possible.

In my school days the month centred around studying and writing exams. The last busy stretch before the summer holidays.

Then in adulthood from mid November to the week of Christmas became one busy blur.

When 2020 happened things really slowed down. Even when life got back to normal I refused to go back to the hectic festive season trend so many are keen to sign up for. In fact I wrote this post almost 6 years ago https://www.antheabooysen.com/blog/what-im-looking-forward-to-this-festive-season

And so began my new November tradition. To not rush around. To stress less and to not to be guilted into saying yes to everyone. To take a step back, a deep breath and actually enjoy the last 2 months of the year. So how do I do it?

stop trying to fit almost a year of socialising into the busiest season

If you don’t have time to go to every event you are invited to, then say so. When I look back on all the things I felt I couldn’t say no to it is no wonder I was tired and fed up well before Christmas. You are allowed to decline an invite and spend a quiet evening in front of Netflix. Not sure why we feel we need to justify this.

boundaries are essential

Many years ago when we got together Mark and I did 3 Christmas celebrations for a couple of years. 1 on Christmas eve (his family) and 2 on Christmas day (my family). We would end the festive season exhausted.

I vowed once we were married that Christmas day would be a much less busy day and we are not budging on that. We do Christmas our way and it is relaxed and calm and a tradition that I love.

I must add that we got married just before Christmas so we use our anniversary as the excuse to not being able to see everyone on the 25th.

Highly recommend a late December wedding.

do shopping in stages and stock up

I’ve got a few birthdays this time of year but before the busy season I do my shopping in stages. This works well if you also do secret santa’s for work or book club etc. I list who I need to buy for and keep their favourites in mind. Then look out for promotions and specials - 3 for 2 - for instance. Leaving the Christmas shopping for the last minute is a huge headache.

STOP BELIEVING EVERYTHING YOU SEE ONLINE

Influencers will have you believing that what they fill their grid with is the norm.

It is not.

Nobody has matching outfits, home made cards, afternoons filled with arts and crafts, hand made table settings, fresh biscuits baking 24/7 and a spotless (tastefully decorated) house every single day of the festive season.

So stop trying to compete in a pointless contest.

schedule time off

If you’ve had a busy few days remember to block out an evening or afternoon on a weekend to refill your cup. Watch a movie you’ve been looking for or get lost in a book. In between all the to-do lists, do something special for yourself. It could be taking a yoga class or booking a treatment at your favourite spa.

Put this in your diary as treat it as you would an appointment or a meeting.

Do you have tips for slowing down this time of the year?

xx