You Don’t Have to Wait Until January to Look After Yourself 

There’s something about November that makes us start thinking about January.

The days are getting shorter, the mornings are darker, and before long, we’ll be caught up in the busyness of the Silly Season. 

It’s easy to tell ourselves we’ll get back into a routine, make more time for ourselves and start looking after our wellbeing properly in the New Year.

But why wait?

Over the years, one of the biggest things I’ve learnt is that looking after ourselves isn’t always about doing more. 

Sometimes, it’s about knowing when to rest, when to push through and when to say no.

Learning to listen to yourself

We can all have days when motivation is lacking.

Sometimes, getting moving is exactly what we need. 

A Pilates session, a walk or a little time spent stretching can lift our mood and remind us how good it feels to move.

But there’s a difference between needing a little encouragement and genuinely needing to rest.

Learning to recognise that difference takes practice. 

We’re often so used to getting on with things that we ignore the signs of tiredness, push through and tell ourselves we’ll stop when everything is done.

The trouble is, everything is rarely done!

Rest isn’t a reward for working hard enough. It’s part of looking after yourself. 

And we don’t need to feel guilty for taking it.

The importance of boundaries

Something else I’ve come to appreciate is how important it is to recognise our limits.

Many of us are quick to say yes, help others and squeeze one more thing into an already busy day. 

Saying no can feel uncomfortable, particularly when people are used to us always being available.

But setting boundaries isn’t selfish. 

It’s about recognising what we can realistically manage and making space for our own needs, too.

That might mean turning down an invitation, asking for help or simply leaving some breathing room in your diary rather than filling every available moment.

We don’t have to wait until we’re exhausted or overwhelmed before we make a change.

Keep it simple this November

Rather than creating another list of things to improve before the New Year, why not start by asking yourself what you actually need?

Perhaps it’s getting back to a Pilates class, making time for a walk or enjoying a treatment that allows you to switch off for a while.

Perhaps it’s an earlier night, a quieter weekend or saying no to something you don’t have the energy for.

There isn’t one perfect routine that works for everyone, and our needs can change from one day to the next. 

The important thing is finding an approach that works for you, rather than constantly trying to meet expectations that may not be realistic.

There’s always an option. 

Sometimes we just need to give ourselves permission to choose it.

A little thought for November

You don’t need a new year to make a positive change. You can start right where you are, with one small decision that helps you feel a little better.

Perhaps this month, instead of asking yourself what more you should be doing, ask yourself:

What do I need right now  – and can I give myself permission to have it?

Sometimes, looking after yourself means making an effort. 

Sometimes, it means stepping back.

Learning when to do each is an important part of wellbeing.

And neither choice needs to come with guilt.

Sam ‘learning to rest’ Hobbs