My retired neighbors are November birds: they leave for Florida in late October and come back in December for the snow. Most people, if given the choice, would probably take this month off the calendar altogether, or, like my neighbors, spend it somewhere warmer and more pleasant. As for myself, I have to admit to strange tastes: I quite like the barren, brown beauty of a forest that has shed its leaves, much as I enjoy the spring and summer shades of green, the fall exuberance of yellows, oranges and reds, and the pristine whiteness of winter. And since I find myself in the midst of menopausal hot flushes, I positively cherish the continuing drop in temperature!
But let’s face it: even if there are some things we can appreciate about the month of November, it tends to be a challenging part of the year. The days keep getting shorter and darker, and the ever damper and colder weather takes its toll on our energy and wellbeing. Our bodies become tired and sluggish, and we are more susceptible to falling ill. Aches and pains that had improved during the summer may start reasserting themselves. At the emotional and mental level, too, whether we’re dealing with a mild case of November blues or with a more severe one of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), we’re all affected in some way by these conditions.
But let’s face it: even if there are some things we can appreciate about the month of November, it tends to be a challenging part of the year. The days keep getting shorter and darker, and the ever damper and colder weather takes its toll on our energy and wellbeing. Our bodies become tired and sluggish, and we are more susceptible to falling ill. Aches and pains that had improved during the summer may start reasserting themselves. At the emotional and mental level, too, whether we’re dealing with a mild case of November blues or with a more severe one of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), we’re all affected in some way by these conditions.
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