Finding the Joy in November

A new month can mark a big transition for many people. Whether it is setting intentions or developing a new sense of self, change can be a good thing. When going through changes, one of the most important things to practice is joy. Joy not only makes alteration easier, but also reduces stress, supports mental and physical health, and connects the mind to a deeper sense of purpose. Practicing this behavior is easier said than done. With life’s busyness, things get complicated, and sometimes the simple act of joy falls apart. No matter what, it is essential to find personalized ways to reignite joy. Now, the start of the month poses the perfect opportunity to redefine joy, especially in November, a month filled with gratitude and connection.

First, creating a cozy home sanctuary can set the perfect trend for the month. While this may sound strange, having a small space with one sole purpose—relaxation—can be essential after a long day or overwhelming schedule. This space may differ from person to person; however, that is the point. An individualized oasis is exactly what a home sanctuary must be. Onto the fun part: What does a home sanctuary need? A few things are crucial: candles, blankets, and comfort items. After those core pieces, each person can decide what else their home sanctuary needs. Sometimes, someone’s favorite snack or record can be added to the space; anything can be vital to one’s own space!

Second, tackling seasonal book and movie lists gives endless time to find joy. In fall, people globally revisit so many books and movies. Some movie classics such as “Practical Magic” and “Fantastic Mr. Fox” are constant sources of familiarity and fall feels. It is also the perfect time to read the novel, memoir, or essay collection that has been sitting on the bookshelf. When life gets busy, basic things like books get swept aside, so now more than ever it's time to get to them. Beyond completing procrastinated tasks, reading and watching a movie can be the perfect way to wind down and unplug from technology. While movies are technically still associated with technology, they are low-stakes activities that don’t cause stress and create much more joy.

Lastly, finding small moments to practice mindfulness can reset the brain BIG time. In everyday life, taking care of oneself can seem nearly impossible. Sometimes, there are even “more important” tasks than prioritizing oneself. At the end of the day, though, balancing work and personal health is crucial to creating a more joyous life. Mindfulness can facilitate this balance perfectly. It could be practicing daily gratitude: saying ‘thank you’ to important people, taking five minutes to reflect, and appreciating one’s own milestones. It could also be a mindfulness walk, sitting in bed for five minutes listening to a podcast, or baking a favorite recipe. Truly, anything can be a beneficial mindful moment.

November marks the beginning and the end of fall. By the thirteenth day, many people are already looking forward to the snowy holidays; however, in the next few weeks, joy can spark from the current fall spirit. Even though life gets complex, it is important to prioritize happiness amid the stress. Thankfully, as shown above, there are many ways to discover this joy. All it requires is a little effort and passion, and by the end of November, positive changes will have occurred.