November Fatigue: What’s Draining Your Energy

As November begins, many people start to notice a familiar shift :more fatigue, less motivation, and a deep sense of exhaustion that feels hard to shake.

If you’ve been wondering why you suddenly feel “off,” you’re not alone and you’re not imagining it. November brings real physical, emotional, and environmental changes that affect energy levels, mental health, and stress.

At Restoring Vida Therapy, we see this every year with young adults and parents trying to juggle work, family, cultural expectations, and holiday plans.

Before you blame yourself, let’s explore what’s really happening in your body.

Shorter Days Affect Your Fatigue

With earlier sunsets and less natural light, your brain produces:

• more melatonin (the hormone that makes you sleepy),

• and less serotonin (the hormone tied to mood and energy).

This shift alone can make you feel:

• heavier

• slower

• unmotivated

• and more emotional

Even in sunny California, shorter daylight hours still affect your body’s internal rhythm.

Built-Up Stress Worsens Your Fatigue

Most people don’t realize that burnout often catches up in October and November, not January.

Here’s why:

• You’ve been “pushing through” since summer.

• School and work routines intensified again.

• Financial stress and holiday planning begin.

• Many families face cultural or relational pressure during the holidays.

Your nervous system gets tired of holding everything together, so you feel it in November.

Fatigue Causes Emotional Stress to Peak

Whether you celebrate or not, the holiday season brings:

• more expectations

• more social events

• more emotional triggers

• and sometimes more family conflict.

For many first-generation young adults, the pressure is doubled:

“I need to show up for my family, but I’m also exhausted.”

Fatigue becomes a warning sign that your body needs rest before stepping into a busy season.

Fatigue Responds to Temperature Changes

Even slight cooling can cause:

• muscle tension

• joint stiffness

• slower circulation

• and cravings for heavier foods.

This is your body conserving energy not you being “lazy.”

Your Routine and the Season Can Worsen Fatigue

Many people try to keep the same routine year-round, even though your body’s needs shift in the fall.

If you’ve noticed:

• harder mornings

• more headaches

• lower motivation

• or increased anxiety

it’s your body asking you to adjust your rhythm.

You don’t need a huge lifestyle overhaul just gentle changes.

How to Ease Your Fatigue and Support Yourself This Month

Here are simple, realistic adjustments that actually help:

1. Light Exposure First Thing in the Morning

Open blinds and step outside for 2 minutes or sit near a window. This tells your brain: wake up, reset your rhythm.

2. Lower Your November Expectations

You are allowed to:

• rest more

• cancel plans

• ask for help

• simplify routines

• say “not this year”

Exhaustion is a signal from your body, not a sign that you are a failure.

3. Add One Comforting Habit

Try:

• warm evening showers

• tea instead of a second coffee

• five-minute journaling

• stretching before bed

• calming music while cooking

Small shifts can help regulate your nervous system.

4. Practice Gentle Boundaries

Especially with the holidays approaching, boundaries can protect your energy before burnout hits.

You Don’t Have to Push Through November Alone

If you’re feeling tired, overwhelmed, or stressed, you’re not broken. Your body is responding to the season, your responsibilities, and your emotional load.

Therapy can help you:

• understand your stress cycle

• build routines that support your mental health

• create boundaries with confidence

• and navigate the holiday season with more calm and clarity.

If you're ready to feel supported, we’re here for you.

Schedule a virtual session anywhere in California.

Bilingual | Culturally aware | Faith-informed | For young adults & parents