After a busy summer, a full start to the school year, and all the little surprises life throws at you, it can feel like the winter holidays are already around the corner. November is the perfect month to slow down, recharge, and focus on your health. Taking time for yourself isn’t selfish, it helps you be stronger, happier, and more energised for everything else life throws your way.
November marks World Diabetes Day, a perfect reminder to look after yourself, support each other, and focus on building habits that stick, especially during stressful times. Stress can affect your body in real ways, raising cortisol, your stress hormone, which can impact blood sugar levels and even increase the risk of type 2 diabetes (source).
The good news is that moving your body is one of the best ways to manage stress. Exercise helps lower cortisol, boosts your mood, and keeps you healthy both mentally and physically. Even short, consistent sessions make a difference. Nutrition can help too, foods rich in magnesium like spinach and pumpkin seeds, omega-3s from salmon or walnuts, and vitamin C from citrus or bell peppers can help keep stress levels in check (source).
November is about putting yourself first. Every workout, nutritious meal, or mindful pause contributes to a stronger, healthier, and happier you. Prioritising your wellbeing isn’t a one-off, it’s about making choices that consistently support your body and mind. You don’t have to be perfect or do everything at once; it’s about creating a lifestyle that works for you, finding balance, and building sustainable habits that fit seamlessly into your life. When you make yourself a priority, you’re not only caring for your own health, but you’re also better equipped to support the people around you, handle life’s challenges, and enjoy the things that truly matter. Over time, these small, consistent actions compound into long-term benefits, making it easier to stay motivated, feel confident, and approach each day with energy and focus.
Simple daily habits can also help reduce stress and regulate cortisol. For example, starting your morning with a glass of warm water with lemon, practicing deep breathing for a few minutes, and avoiding blue light from screens for the first 30 minutes of your day can set a calm, grounded tone. Studies suggest that these habits support focus, reduce anxiety, and promote overall wellbeing (source). Other small practices like journaling, stretching, or a brief walk outdoors can further lower stress and boost your mood. Incorporating just a few minutes of mindful activity into each day can make a big difference over time.
If you’re not yet a member, find your nearest Curves club and join the community. If you are already a member, ask your coach about ways to stay motivated, share the benefits of fitness and self-care with the women around you this season, and set up your monthly coaching session to keep your goals on track. November is your month, take the time to focus on yourself, strengthen your body and mind, and create habits that will carry you confidently into the festive season and beyond. Make it count and let this month be about you.
