The November Survival Guide: Making the Most of the Darker Days

November is an interesting month. Halloween is behind us, Bonfire Night is upon us and Christmas is beginning to appear in shop windows, whether we’re ready for it or not.

But there is one thing that makes November feel very different from the months that came before it. The clocks have gone back, the evenings are getting darker, the mornings are colder and suddenly leaving the house feels like a much bigger commitment.

The summer seems a very long time ago. Those lovely evenings when you could sit outside until late have disappeared, and even popping to the shops can involve a coat, a scarf and a brief assessment of whether it is actually worth going out.

For many of us, November is the month when we properly settle into winter. So how do we make the most of it without spending the next few months wishing it was spring?

Here is the unofficial guide to surviving, and perhaps even enjoying, the darker days.

1. Embrace the art of staying in

There is absolutely nothing wrong with deciding that an evening at home is the best possible plan.

During the summer, there can be a feeling that we should be making the most of every bit of daylight. We should be outside, meeting friends, going for walks or finding something to do.

November gives us permission to slow down.

A comfortable sofa, a decent film, something nice to eat and a warm room can make for a very satisfying evening. You don’t need an elaborate plan or an expensive night out.

Of course, there is a fine line between enjoying a quiet night in and realising you’ve spent four consecutive evenings wearing the same comfortable clothes and haven’t seen anyone since Monday.

But sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

2. Get outside while there is still daylight

When the evenings become darker, it is tempting to go from the front door to the car, then from the car to wherever we’re going, without spending any meaningful time outdoors.

But getting outside during daylight can make a real difference to how we feel.

A lunchtime walk, a trip to the park or even taking a slightly longer route home can provide a welcome break from being indoors.

You don’t need to tackle a long countryside hike or invest in expensive walking equipment. A decent coat and a pair of comfortable shoes will do.

And if you’re lucky enough to catch a bright, crisp November morning, make the most of it. There is something rather lovely about a cold, clear day when the sky is blue and the air feels fresh.

Just remember that the weather can change remarkably quickly in Britain.

3. Rediscover the pleasure of a proper meal

November is the time of year when salads start to lose their appeal and comfort food becomes increasingly attractive.

Soups, stews, casseroles, shepherd’s pie and Sunday roasts all seem to taste better when it is cold outside.

There is something reassuring about knowing that dinner is bubbling away in the kitchen while the rain is hitting the windows.

It is also a good opportunity to rediscover some of the meals we grew up with. The sort of food that our parents or grandparents would prepare without needing to consult a recipe online.

A homemade soup, a jacket potato with plenty of butter or a traditional pudding can turn an ordinary evening into something rather special.

And let’s not forget the importance of a proper cup of tea. In Britain, there are very few situations that cannot be improved by putting the kettle on.

4. Make your home feel more inviting

When we spend more time indoors, our surroundings become more important.

You don’t need to redecorate the entire house or spend a fortune on new furniture. Sometimes the smallest changes can make a room feel more comfortable.

A warm blanket on the sofa, some softer lighting, a few cushions or simply making the living room a little more inviting can help.

It is also a good time to get the heating system checked, dig out the winter bedding and make sure those draughty windows aren’t turning the house into an icebox.

For anyone who remembers the days before central heating was commonplace, there is something particularly satisfying about being able to warm the whole house without having to sit next to a gas fire.

Although some of us still have fond memories of the electric blanket being switched on before bedtime.

5. Find something to look forward to

One of the challenges of November is that the month can sometimes feel like a waiting room between autumn and Christmas.

Halloween has passed, Bonfire Night comes and goes, and then there are several weeks before the festive celebrations really get underway.

The answer is to give yourself something to look forward to.

It could be a meal with friends, a trip to the cinema, a weekend away, a concert or simply arranging to meet someone for a coffee.

Having something in the diary can make the working week feel a little less repetitive.

It doesn’t need to be expensive or particularly exciting. Sometimes knowing that Friday night involves a takeaway and your favourite television programme is quite enough.

6. Be careful not to hibernate completely

There is a temptation to spend the entire winter avoiding the outside world.

The weather is miserable, the evenings are dark and the sofa is calling. Before you know it, the only exercise you’ve done is walking to the fridge.

While there is nothing wrong with enjoying a quieter pace of life, staying active can help both physical and mental wellbeing.

You could try a new exercise class, go swimming, join a walking group or simply make an effort to get out for a short walk each day.

Even small amounts of activity can help break up the routine.

And if you don’t fancy going to the gym, put on some music and have a dance around the kitchen. Nobody needs to know.

7. Get stuck into a project

November is an excellent month for tackling those jobs that have been sitting on the to-do list since spring.

Perhaps there is a cupboard that needs sorting, a room that could do with a fresh coat of paint or a collection of photographs that have been sitting on your phone for years.

You could also learn something new.

Try cooking a different recipe, pick up a musical instrument, start reading again or take up a hobby you’ve been meaning to try.

For those who grew up in the 70s, 80s and 90s, there was a time when a rainy afternoon could lead to building something, making something or finding a way to entertain yourself without reaching for a screen.

There is no reason we can’t rediscover a little of that creativity.

8. Give your social life a winter boost

When the weather is good, socialising can happen almost without thinking. You meet someone for a walk, sit outside for a drink or arrange an impromptu barbecue.

In November, we sometimes need to make a little more effort.

Arrange a regular evening with friends, invite someone round for dinner or organise a games night.

Board games, quizzes and card games can be surprisingly entertaining, particularly when there is a little friendly competition involved.

You could even bring back the traditional dinner party, although perhaps without the pressure of producing a three-course meal worthy of a television cooking competition.

The important thing is to avoid letting the darker evenings become an excuse to lose touch with people.

9. Don’t let Christmas take over November

Christmas is getting closer, and the shops are doing their best to remind us.

The decorations are appearing, the festive adverts are on television and the supermarkets have been selling mince pies for what feels like several months already.

It is easy to feel that November is simply a preparation period for December.

But there is no need to rush through it.

Enjoy Bonfire Night, make the most of autumn walks, have a few quiet weekends and appreciate the month for what it is.

If you want to start Christmas shopping early, go ahead. If you prefer to wait until December, that’s fine too.

There is no prize for being the first person to put up a Christmas tree.

10. Look after yourself

The darker months can affect how people feel, and it is worth paying attention to your mood and energy levels.

Try to maintain a regular sleep routine, eat well, get some daylight and keep in touch with friends and family.

If you find that low mood, tiredness or a lack of motivation is becoming persistent or is affecting everyday life, don’t simply dismiss it as the winter blues. It is worth speaking to a healthcare professional.

Most importantly, don’t put pressure on yourself to be constantly busy or cheerful. Some days will be better than others, and that’s perfectly normal.

The November mindset

Perhaps the secret to enjoying November is to stop treating it as a month we simply have to get through.

It has its own pleasures. Crisp mornings, colourful autumn leaves, cosy evenings, comforting food and the anticipation of the festive season.

It is a chance to slow down a little, spend time with people who matter and enjoy some of the simple things that can get overlooked during the busier months.

The trick is to find a balance between making the most of the outdoors and enjoying being indoors.

So, put the kettle on, find your favourite jumper, get out for a walk when the weather allows and make a few plans that give you something to look forward to.

Spring will come around eventually. In the meantime, there is plenty to enjoy.

What’s your secret to surviving November? Are you someone who embraces the cosy nights in, gets out and enjoys the crisp winter weather, or starts counting down to Christmas as soon as Halloween is over?