7 Things To Do This November

November’s never my favourite month. It’s cold and grey, and by the time we’re in the 11th month of the year I’ve lost all of my post-summer/new school year energy and it’s still too long til Christmas. In an attempt to cheer myself up and have something to keep me going and making in the coming month, I’ve come up with a list of 7 things you can do to put some pep in your step no matter how much time you have.

IF YOU HAVE…

A DAY…Have a Digital Detox

We live in a world where we’re constantly connected, constantly checking our phones, constantly hungry for the next notification. Having the world at our fingertips is amazing, but it can also become a burden. You feel like you have to check your phone, or your email, or how many wordpress views you have. Doing a digital detox allows you to take a step back from that cycle and realise that you don’t need to be by your phone 24/7, as well as making you a more active participant in every conversation, every interaction, you have that day. So commit to one day without screens, meet up with friends, go to that gallery you’ve always meant to, rest your eyes, just for a little while. It’s easier than you think. The Everygirl about doing one, if you’re looking for more information.

AN HOUR…Get Outside

It’s very tempting when the weather is cold and grey just to stay inside with a cup of tea and 7 jumpers on where its warm and cosy. There’s nothing wrong with that, I predict that probably around 80% of my November will be just that. But that means it’s even more important to get outside. Your mum was right; fresh air is good for you. It’s also nice just to have a change of space and see something different. If you can get out of the city all the better, if not just go somewhere new (and green). If you’re in London, you can find some really great walking trails near you on the TFL website – who knew? 

HALF AN HOUR…Make Something Tasty

Make your self one of these Apple Pie Sundaes. I can personally vouch for their deliciousness, and they’re a perfect autumn indulgence without all of the work of actually baking a pie. (I also highly recommend checking out more of Dana’s recipes, she’s never steered me wrong)

15 MINUTES…Read This

Commencement speeches are usually filled with the same old clichés and forgotten almost as soon as they’re delivered. But when David Foster Wallace spoke at Kenyon College 11 years ago, on May 21 2005, something stuck. His speech has been reprinted in the Wall Street Journal, turned into a book, and viewed over a million times on Youtube. It’s remained popular for a reason. I’ve read, and reread, and reread it, for a reason. It reminds you of the importance of thinking, of learning to think, and of stepping back from your reality and realising that a lot of how you experience the world is something you choose. If you’re looking for some food for thought this month, look no further than this.

10 MINUTES … Try Calm

I’ve recently realised how much of an effect meditation can have on your mood. Calm is such a great app if you’re just starting out as you can do guided (quite a few of which are free to try out) and unguided meditations depending on what you want to have a go at. You can try it in less than ten minutes, and I promise you’ll feel better about your day after you’ve finished it.    

5 MINUTES…Say Thank You

Taking five minutes out of your day to say thank you to someone you don’t appreciate enough is so easy, but something we don’t do enough. Call your Mum. Write a card to your Granddad. Take your friend out for a drink. Stop and thank that barista who always gives you the biggest slice of cake.  Actively recognising the good things and people in your life is good for you but it’s also good for the around you.

30 SECONDS…Watch This

Natalie