Let’s be honest: November in college feels like a chaotic mix of Jenga and Uno. Midterms just ended (barely), finals are looming, your bank account is screaming, and your mental health depends on saying “meh” while daydreaming about your first bite of Thanksgiving mac and cheese.
But here’s the thing: you’re not lazy, unmotivated, or falling behind. You’re just burnt out. And burnout isn’t a vibe; it’s your brain waving a quiet little white flag. So grab your comfiest hoodie, a cinnamon latte, and maybe a therapy playlist. Here’s your Her Campus Guide to Beat the November Slump.
☕ Romanticize the Bare Minimum
If you can’t bring yourself to study, fine. Make the act of trying look adorable.
Light a candle. Put on your “Girlboss in Crisis” playlist. Pretend you’re the main character in a coming-of-age film about perseverance and mild delusion.
Doing a little is still doing something. The vibe is “academic recovery arc,” not “total meltdown.”
🧠 Make Rest a Flex
You can’t fix burnout with more work; you fix it by not pretending you’re a machine. Sleep isn’t a reward; it’s a rebellion.
Post your nap like it’s a wellness achievement. “Did a little eight-hour self-care <3.”
The real productivity hack? Rest. Burnout doesn’t mean you’re weak; it means you’ve been strong for too long.
🌧️ Let Yourself Feel Blah
The November slump hits hard because it’s not sad enough to be dramatic, just gray. You’re not depressed; you’re just under-caffeinated and emotionally weathered.
Let yourself wallow a bit. Watch a comfort show. Cry to a song from 2010. (Yes, “The Climb” counts as therapy.)
You’re allowed to have off weeks. The world won’t end because you took a mental rain check.
🧋 Take a Break That’s Actually a Break
Scrolling TikTok for two hours isn’t “me time.” It’s digital overstimulation disguised as self-care.
Go outside. Journal. Cook something that requires zero skill but makes your apartment smell like competence.
If your brain feels like a browser with 42 tabs open, click “x” on at least five.
🕯️ Create a November Survival Routine
You don’t need a full wellness overhaul, just a few anchors to hold onto.
- Morning sunlight (even if it’s through your blinds) ☀️
- Water before caffeine 💧
- A daily check-in with your brain: “What do I need today?” (Sometimes it’s a walk. Sometimes it’s fries.)
Stability isn’t boring; it’s your lifeline. Build tiny rituals that remind your nervous system you’re safe.
💋 Remember: You’re Not Behind
Everyone’s pretending they have it together right now. You’re not the only one.
Half your classmates are spiraling over internships they don’t even want. The other half are teaching themselves “August” lessons as you read this.
You’re allowed to take your time. November isn’t a deadline; it’s a checkpoint.
🌙 Final Thought
This month isn’t about hustling harder; it’s about healing softer.
You’re not falling behind. You’re just recalibrating. The burnout will pass, your spark will return, and your December self will thank you for resting when you had to.
✨ Take a breath. Romanticize recovery. You’ve got this. ✨