Why November Feels Heavy (and 3 Ways to Fight Back)

November is often billed as the start of the "most wonderful time of the year," yet for many of us, it feels less like a celebration and more like a heavy drag. If you feel like your energy is draining faster than usual, you’re not imagining it. The combination of shorter days, increased social pressure, and the planning weight of the holidays creates a legitimate stress response.

It’s not just mental fatigue; it’s a biological shift. When faced with perceived threats (like a packed calendar, a tight budget, or travel delays), your body activates its stress response, designed for survival.

Your High-Alert Nervous System

The feeling of "heaviness" traces back to your nervous system. When you encounter a stressor—even the simple act of checking your holiday budget—your nervous system releases cortisol. While this gives you the energy to tackle tasks, chronic activation keeps your body in a high-alert state.

In November, this high-alert state becomes the norm. We lose the cues that signal safety (like quiet downtime and routine), making it difficult to shift back into "rest and digest" mode. To combat this, we need simple, intentional rituals to signal safety to the brain.

3 Simple Ways to Fight Back Against Holiday Stress

You don't need a massive schedule overhaul to reduce the November stress load. Start with these three proactive steps:

1. The 4-7-8 Anchor Breath

When you feel tension rising, commit to just one minute of this simple practice. Inhale silently for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of seven, and exhale completely for a count of eight. This immediate, conscious control of your breath is one of the fastest ways to engage the vagus nerve and calm your nervous system.

2. Move Your Body, Not Just Your Feet

When you’re stuck in a stress cycle, movement helps metabolize excess cortisol. You don't need an intense gym session; just five minutes of shaking, dancing, or gentle stretching can interrupt the stress response and reset your mind.

3. Commit to a Warm Ritual: Herbal Teas for Stress

One of the easiest ways to signal safety to your body is through a warm ritual. Swapping out high-caffeine drinks for herbal teas for stress is a simple yet powerful act. The warmth, the aroma, and the focused time spent preparing the drink all help shift your nervous system from "fight or flight" to "rest and digest."

Look for blends that contain specific herbs known to support the nervous system when it's under pressure during the holidays. Three of my favorites are:

• Lemon Balm: Known for its bright, citrus flavor, this herb has traditionally been used to soothe tension and elevate mood. It gently calms the body without causing drowsiness.
• Tulsi: An herb that helps the body cope with chronic stress. It's known for balancing cortisol levels, which helps stabilize your energy and mood throughout the intense month of November.
• Maypop: Used for centuries to promote deep relaxation. It’s particularly helpful for that racing, restless mind that often accompanies holiday overload.

We believe so strongly in the power of this trio that we included all three—lemon balm, tulsi, and maypop—in our best-selling blend, Tension Tamer. Making a cup is the ultimate five-minute commitment to your November well-being.

The truth is, November's heaviness is real BUT you can experience it in a new way. By using simple, intentional tools like the Anchor Breath, gentle movement, and a comforting, warm ritual, you can reclaim your peace.

Don't let the holidays happen to you this year. Take control of your stress response and choose ease. Start by making that five-minute commitment to yourself—your body and mind will thank you.