Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
McMaster | Life > Experiences

HOT GIRL HIBERNATION: THE ULTIMATE NOVEMBER RESET GUIDE

Bisma Gondal Student Contributor, McMaster University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at McMaster chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

November is often known as “that month.” Neither as romantic as October nor as festive as December. Welcome to that time of year when the skies seem to mirror our moods, and motivation feels like a distant memory. It’s a season where we find comfort in our trusty water bottles, our steadfast companions through the dreary days. Embrace the simplicity of just getting by, and remember, you’re not alone in this journey. But what if we viewed November not as the “middle child” of the calendar year, but as a unique gem of its own? What if this is your moment to truly exhale and embrace the freedom you deserve? 

Welcome to the season of self-care and comfort. An invitation to embrace a slower pace, snuggle up, safeguard your serenity, and put yourself first without any hesitation. This is not about vanishing or losing your momentum, but about recharging your spirit, recalibrating your habits, and finding your center before the whirlwind of finals season arrives with full force. This is the ultimate guide to make November your most relaxing, radiant, and tranquil month ever.

. EMBRACE THE BEAUTY OF RESET

Remember, doing nothing is still doing something. In the world of university life, the concept of “rest” often feels like a luxury; something that must be deserved rather than welcomed. Burnout is a genuine struggle, and as we step into November, it often feels like the weight of the world is upon us. Embracing the concept of Hot Girl Hibernation encourages us to see rest as an essential part of our well-being rather than a luxury. It’s time to prioritize self-care and allow ourselves the downtime we truly deserve, moving away from the hustle and bustle fuelled by caffeine and chaos. Begin with subtle changes like designing a soothing night-time routine that you genuinely anticipate and enjoy. Trade your late-night scrolling for a refreshing ten minutes of writing or diving into a book that isn’t just another course PDF. Embrace the pleasure of sleeping in on weekends and allow yourself to indulge.

without any guilt. Enjoy the beauty of slow mornings. Savour a warm beverage, let soft music fill the air, and enjoy the pleasure of taking your time without any rush or guilt. Taking a moment to rest doesn’t signify defeat; it’s a powerful step towards rejuvenation. It signifies that you are empowering yourself. Accepting the idea that taking a break can be just as valuable as being fully engaged is essential for our well-being. This month, allow yourself the empowering choice of honouring your boundaries.

. LOVE THE WARMTH OF COZY LIVING

November is the ultimate celebration of coziness, so go for it and shine like the star you are. Cozy transcends ordinary atmosphere; it creates a personal sanctuary. A powerful way to care for oneself. A delicate yet powerful resistance against the overwhelming demands of the world around you. Consider deliberately establishing a space of comfort: Your sanctuary. Take pleasure in the cozy ambiance of warm, soft lighting. Use a cozy blanket that wraps you in comfortable warmth, just like a gentle embrace. Show off your favourite mug because let’s be real, aesthetics are everything, right? Take hold of your senses: Ignite a candle infused with the warm scents of vanilla or cinnamon, perfectly embodying your tranquil and elegant aesthetic. Indulge in warm beverages that elevate your autumn experience to new heights.

Think chai lattes, gingerbread oat lattes, and the entire festive menu. Get into the inviting vibes of the season! Music is the way to go! Soft background playlists, reminiscent of a cozy coffee shop ambience or the gentle strumming of indie acoustic melodies. Give into the warm attire like soft oversized sweaters that feel like a warm hug for your soul, and mismatched fuzzy socks that bring the perfect comfort to your day. Recognizing an intimate spirit as part of your personality is anything but cliché. Allowing for a gentle transition, we invite gentleness, warmth, and quiet into our lives as the chill of the season settles in.

. LOG OFF AND TUNE IN

No need to say goodbye to TikTok or embark on a month-long digital detox. During this season of self-reflection and rejuvenation, you have the perfect opportunity to reclaim your digital space. Late-night scrolling is a habit we all recognize, but it rarely brings the healing we seek. Even a small step towards reducing your online noise can lead to significant positive changes.

Give this a go: consider setting your phone to Do Not Disturb mode an hour before you head to bed. Silence those pesky app notifications that leave you feeling drained. Let go of those who contribute to your stress, make you feel left behind, or leave you questioning your worth. Use the power of your notes app to capture your thoughts, reflections, or even gratitude. It’s a wonderful way to nurture your inner self. Setting your digital boundaries creates a sanctuary for genuine emotional clarity that is free from comparison, overstimulation, and the constant clamour of the online world. Hot Girl Hibernation means safeguarding your mind just as equally as maintaining your schedule.

. PREP FOR YOUR COMEBACK ERA

Consider November as a still moment to lay the groundwork for your next exciting journey. Take on the journey of self-discovery without the pressure of a full makeover. Instead, focus on nurturing the aspects of yourself that you wish to enhance as we approach December and the fresh beginnings of the new year. Your transformation journey starts here, slowly and subtly. Create a fresh and inviting space, a well-organized space leads to a more peaceful mindset. Transforming your workspace or tackling that laundry pile can ignite a fresh wave of inspiration. Take a moment to reflect on your aspirations. It’s not about feeling guilty; it’s about finding your balance again. What truly holds significance? What truly doesn’t? What can be postponed until next term? Recognize the power of small habits.

It doesn’t need to be a fresh start or reinventing oneself. Incorporate things like staying well-hydrated to achieve that radiant, healthy glow, select nourishing foods that enhance your overall health, and add a weekly stroll into your routine. Embracing these small habits can empower you to approach finals and the month of December with a sense of stability, rather than chaos. Love the idea of nurturing yourself as you would for someone you deeply care about, simply because you are.

Hot Girl Hibernation serves as a gentle reminder that taking a step back and slowing down doesn’t equate to losing momentum. It signifies a commitment to embracing tranquillity instead of stress stressing, prioritizing comfort rather than to prevent turmoil, and seeking harmony over being exhausted exhaustion. It’s time to light the candle. It’s perfectly okay to say no to plans when you’re feeling drained. Prioritizing your well-being is essential. Prepare that comforting cup of tea that you might set aside, only to find yourself reheating it multiple times throughout the day. Embrace the comfort of that robe. Indulge in that beloved comfort show you’ve been meaning to revisit. You are not lacking in motivation. It’s time for you to rejuvenate. You are not fading away, you are prioritizing your well-being. You are right on track. You’re cultivating a vibrant energy. November isn’t just a month; it’s an invitation to embrace softness and warmth, if you choose to see it that way. Welcome to your cozy era. Embrace your serene phase. Embrace your journey of resilience and empowerment. Welcome to the season of cozy self-care and accepting your inner divine!

Bisma Gondal

McMaster '26

Bisma Gondal (she/her) is a fourth-year Justice, Political Philosophy, and Law (JPPL) student at McMaster University who is passionate about how law, ethics, and political structures influence everyday life. Throughout her studies, she has concentrated on justice, identity, and social systems, loving opportunities to research complicated issues while examining numerous perspectives. She is particularly drawn to conversations that link theory to real-world experiences and promote critical thinking in both academic and personal settings.

Aside from her academics, Bisma is interested in current events and narratives, and she values how media reflects and challenges society. From movies and television to music and digital trends, she is intrigued by how stories form culture, impact identity, and stimulate discourse. Her Pakistani background has a significant impact on her life, grounding her perspective and generating reflections on tradition, representation, and identity. These passions shape how she tackles her education and interacts with the larger world.

When Bisma is not studying or exploring ideas, she enjoys being active, spending time with family and friends, and expressing herself creatively as a painter and sculptor. These artistic hobbies allow her to heal while also providing a unique opportunity to examine her thoughts and experiences. As she prepares for the next step of her journey, she aims to use her voice, insight, and cultural perspective to carefully contribute to conversations about justice, identity, and society, while also elevating various stories and perspectives.