The weeks right before the holidays can sneak up on us. One minute we’re enjoying fall routines, and then suddenly, calendars fill up, decorations go up, and energy starts to drop. It’s common to feel a little off during this time, even when nothing’s seriously wrong.

Between family demands, travel planning, and holiday prep, it’s easy to forget about taking care of ourselves. When we stop sticking to our usual rhythm, it can affect everything from sleep to mood. These shifts can build up, and before we know it, our mental health starts to feel the impact. If you’ve felt more drained or tense than usual heading into November, you’re not alone. This season puts a lot on our plates, and small changes can help keep things more balanced before things get busy.

Give Yourself a Slower Start

Mornings help set the tone for the entire day. When we rush out of bed and into a busy to-do list, it can make us feel behind before we even get started. A slower start lets your body and mind ease into the day instead of playing catch-up.

• Try giving yourself an extra 10 to 15 minutes in the morning for quiet time, even if that means going to bed a little earlier

• On weekends, resist the urge to dive straight into holiday prep; resting isn’t lazy, it’s necessary

• Spend a few minutes actually noticing how you feel before you get moving, so your body doesn’t feel pushed through the day

We don’t always have control over how stressful a day might get, but we can give ourselves more space at the beginning to settle in. That small shift can add up over time, especially when other parts of life feel too full.

Keep a Simple Weekly Routine

The holidays tend to throw our normal schedules off. Between late-night plans, surprise errands, and skipped meals, it’s easy to fall out of our usual patterns. That’s when having a few steady habits in place can make a big difference.

• Stick with one or two daily routines no matter how busy things get, like going for a walk, eating lunch at the same time every day, or pausing in the afternoon

• Keep mealtimes, sleep, and light movement as consistent as possible during the week

• Block out small moments in your week that are just for you, doing nothing counts too

We don’t need to control everything to feel steadier. But our bodies tend to respond well to gentle structure, especially when the world outside us feels a little unpredictable. Keeping one or two familiar habits in place can offer that sense of stability we’re craving this time of year.

Stay Connected Without Overbooking

This season can come with a lot of social expectations. Whether it’s friend gatherings, family events, or work parties, it can feel hard to say no. But saying yes to everything can leave us wiped out before the actual holidays even begin.

• Choose a few things that matter most and let the rest go

• Let people know when you need more time to yourself or smaller, quieter moments

• Stay in touch with others in ways that feel good; texts, short calls, or slow walks count

Too much social time can feel just as draining as none at all. Keeping social plans thoughtful and simple gives you the chance to show up in a way that feels real, not rushed. Choosing how you spend your time helps protect your energy, and that matters more than doing everything.

Notice What Your Body Is Telling You

The weeks before the holidays are often when our bodies speak up first. Maybe you’re tired more often, or you’re not as hungry. Maybe your sleep feels off, or your mood doesn’t match what’s happening around you. These are quiet signs that shouldn’t be brushed aside.

• Pay attention to how your energy and focus feel over a few days, not just in a single moment

• If you notice big swings in your mood or appetite, your body may be under more stress than you realize

• Take note if you feel detached or extra restless; these can be small signs your mental health needs more support

We all get tired and stressed now and then, but if these changes stick around or show up more often, they may be worth checking in on. Our bodies often know before our brains do when something needs some extra care.

When Rest Isn’t Enough, Ask for Help

Sometimes quiet mornings and healthy meals aren’t enough. And if that’s the case, it’s okay to look outside yourself for support. We talk a lot about self-care, but true care sometimes comes from connection with someone who can guide you through what you’re feeling.

• If the heaviness doesn’t lift, even when things are calm, it might be time to talk to someone

• Help doesn’t have to mean something’s wrong; it can just mean you need more space to process or rest

• Reaching out before things get worse can make everything that follows feel more manageable

It’s normal to want to fix things on your own, but it’s also normal to need help. And the earlier we speak up, the easier it can be to feel more like ourselves again.

Helping Yourself Feel More Steady This Season

The weeks leading into the holidays can stir up all kinds of feelings. Some are joyful, and some aren’t so easy to name. That’s why it helps to notice how we feel, stay grounded in small daily habits, and give ourselves permission to say no.

Supporting our mental health doesn’t have to be complicated. It just means listening to what our minds and bodies are telling us, especially when life gets louder. And if we need a little extra help, that’s okay, too. We’re all doing our best to move through this season in a way that feels steady and real.

At On Wellness, we understand how important it is to feel steady and supported before the holidays begin. When routines shift and energy runs low, even small changes can help you feel more grounded. Noticing you’re feeling off might be the sign you need to check in on your mental health and explore the support that’s right for you. We’re here to help make the process smoother, so when you’re ready to talk, contact us today.