Feeling burnt out? Here’s your energy rescue plan

It's barely November, and you're already running on fumes.

Sound familiar?

If you're feeling like you've hit a wall before the holidays have even officially started, you're not alone. I'm seeing this with so many of the moms I work with- and it happens to me too! The exhaustion that seems to creep in right around now, even though the "big" holiday events are still weeks away.

Here's the thing: this isn't in your head, and there’s nothing wrong with you. There's actual science behind why November can feel so draining, and more importantly, there are strategic ways to manage it before you find yourself face-planted in a pile of unwrapped presents come December.

Why November Hits Different

Daylight Disruption. Shorter days mess with your circadian rhythm. Less natural light means more melatonin (making you sleepier) and less serotonin (affecting mood and energy). Your internal clock is constantly trying to recalibrate.

The Anticipation Load. Your brain is already working overtime processing the growing holiday to-do list AND the final sprint of fall activities. Psychologists call this "anticipatory stress"—even when you're not actively thinking about gifts, menus, and travel plans, your mind is running that background program. Add in end-of-season tournaments, school holiday concerts, teacher gifts, and classroom parties, and it's no wonder you feel mentally maxed out.

The "Perfect Holiday" Pressure. Social media, family expectations, and your inner perfectionist are all demanding THE BEST HOLIDAY SEASON EVER. That pressure is exhausting before you even start.

The Real Cost of Running on Empty

When we ignore this exhaustion and just push through, here's what typically happens:

• We get sick right when we need to be "on"

• We snap at our kids and partners over minor things

• We make poor food choices because we're too tired to plan

• We skip exercise because we "don't have time"

• We end up enjoying the holidays less because we're burnt out

  
  

Sound familiar?

Your Energy Rescue Plan

The good news? You don't have to white-knuckle your way through the next two months. Here are my go-to strategies for moms who want to actually enjoy the holidays instead of just surviving them.

1. Do a quick energy audit

Take an honest look at what's draining you right now—before holiday stuff gets added to the mix. Are you saying “yes” to too many things? Staying up too late scrolling? Skipping meals and then wondering why you're cranky?

Write it down. Seriously. You can't fix what you can't see clearly.

2. Implement the "November non-negotiables"

Choose 3-5 things that you absolutely will not compromise on this season. Mine are:

• Daily wind-down ritual before bed with 15 minutes of reading (and no scrolling socials)

• Sleep at least 7 hours (most nights)

• Move my body for at least 20 minutes daily

• One meal prep session per week (I keep it simple and prep a few proteins to mix and match with sides)

• Make my lunch, and layout clothes, for the next day

Your list may look different that mine, but making decisions in advance makes it easier to stick to the plan when the chaos hits.

3. Light Up Your Life (Literally)

Combat the daylight deficit with a few strategic moves:

• Get outside for 10-15 minutes in the morning, even if it's cloudy

• Open all your blinds and curtains during the day

• Get outside for a midday walk- even 10 minutes can be a mood boost.

4. Choose your yeses wisely

Start now. Before your calendar explodes with holiday events, practice declining invitations to things that don't align with your priorities. Every “yes” is a “no” to something else—make sure your yeses are intentional.

5. Front-Load the Fun

Instead of waiting until December to enjoy holiday activities, spread them throughout November too. Watch a holiday movie, play seasonal music, light a candle that smells like gingerbread (my personal favorite). Small doses of holiday joy now can help prevent the "I'm too stressed to enjoy this" phenomenon later.

6. Prep Your Support System

Talk with your partner, family, and friends about dividing and conquering the holiday workload. Map out who can tackle what—gift shopping, meal prep, swapping kid coverage with friends for errands. The key is having these conversations before you're already overwhelmed.

7. Mind Your Plate

With shorter days and busier schedules, it's tempting to rely on convenience foods and take out that leaves you feeling sluggish. Focus on:

• Incorporating protein at every meal to stabilize blood sugar

• Meal prepping one or two bulk proteins to have on hand (e.g., grilled chicken and turkey meatballs can be made into simple meals for those busy weeknights)

• Keeping healthy snacks on hand when the hangries hit

• Staying hydrated (yes, even when it's cold outside)

  
  

A Gentle Reminder

Here's what I wish I learned years ago: you CAN do the holidays differently.

You don't have to make 47 different types of cookies (unless you want to). You don't have to attend every single holiday gathering. You don't have to create Pinterest-perfect moments at the expense of your sanity. You can choose what matters most to you and your family and let the go of the rest. You can take time to rest. You can say “no”. You can ask for help.

Your Next Step

If you're reading this and thinking "This all sounds great, but I don't know where to start," pick ONE thing from the list above. Just one. Maybe it's setting a bedtime and actually sticking to it this week. Maybe it's saying “no” to one optional commitment. Maybe it's prepping a few things on Sunday, or making extra one night, to serve later in the week.

Small, consistent actions create big changes over time.

The holidays are meant to be enjoyed, not endured. By taking care of your energy now—before the real chaos begins—you're giving yourself the gift of actually being present for the moments that matter most.

Remember: The goal isn't perfection - it's understanding your patterns and making sustainable changes that help you feel your best. You've got this! 💪

P.S. Feeling stuck and want help creating and implementing a simple routine to dial down the stress and feel your best? I'm offering "Reset" sessions this month to help you develop a plan that actually works. Click here or email me here for more information!