This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Western chapter.

I don’t mean to sound cynical, but to me, November is the worst month of the year. It drags on and on for what seems like an eternity and strips away all happiness. Many people with birthdays in November often argue that it’s a great month, but I know that if they overlooked that one day, they would agree with me too. Sorry, November babies.

Poor old November marks the end of Halloween, but is still too far away from the holiday season in December. For this reason, there’s no holiday spirit or excitement whatsoever. Instead of Halloween or Christmas, November’s biggest event is the end of Daylight Saving Time––which means that it gets darker even earlier than it has lately. And to make matters worse, it’s only getting colder. This combination doesn’t leave people in the best of moods, and along with it comes cold and flu season and the work-heavy end of the semester! There are a ton of assignments due, and finals are just around the corner. Boo! Maybe November should be spooky month, not October.

If you’re like me (or if I’ve scared you enough), you also find it difficult to find the positive side of this dreaded time we call November. I often go through this month longing for it to be over, marking down the days on my calendar and sulking in my gloom. But this year, I’m going to be different.

Sure, November is dark, cold, dull, illness-inducing and stressful, but that doesn’t mean that it has to ruin my mood. Here are five ways that I’m going to improve my November, that I think you should try too.

1. Enjoy the peak of fall, then the beginning of winter

While the weather has been pretty wet and gloomy lately, this time of the fall season is usually the best-looking. At this point, all of the trees have changed colour, creating a beautiful campus. The leaves will fall soon enough, but for now, it’s great to go outside and bask in the vibrant colours of nature. Like I said in my previous article, surrounding yourself with the outdoors is physically and mentally good for you! Take advantage while the weather is still bearable––go for a walk or a hike and admire the views! It’s always sad when the leaves fall and the trees are left bare, but this means that snow is coming. Don’t get me wrong, snow isn’t my favourite, but I have to admit that the first few snowfalls are always beautiful. Besides, snow means that fun holiday and winter festivities are on their way.

2. Cuddle up with loved ones

What better way to warm up than to hang out with the people you love? If it’s a bit too cold for you outside, have no fear! Cozying up indoors is a great way to get some quality time with friends, family or a significant other. Watch a movie (or some TV Thanksgiving episodes), bake a pie, cuddle up by the fire, listen to some Michael Bublé… It’s also “cuffing season,” where many people get into new relationships, and it’s easy to see why. Not interested in settling down? That’s cool too––continue to work on your relationships with all your loved ones, and show them you care. There’s nothing like a little quality time to warm a cold, November-hating heart.

3. Savour the best fashion season

Everyone should be able to agree that fall clothing is the best. You’ve got warm coats that don’t suffocate you like a winter jacket does, shoes that don’t have to bear the snow like clunky boots and lots and lots of layers. And who doesn’t love putting away the shorts and pulling out those pants? I personally love bringing out my fall wardrobe each year with all my cozy sweaters. When I like my outfit, I feel a lot better about myself as I start my day. And my outfits don’t always consist of very complex clothing items. I LOVE turtlenecks, and they are the best fall clothing item. You don’t have to be a fashionista to appreciate fall fashion and practice it yourself. And if fashion isn’t your thing, that’s okay too. As long as you’re bundled up from the cold and feeling confident, then mission accomplished.

4. Treat Yo Self

Sometimes in the colder weather, we become so wrapped up with the bitterness outside that it reflects how we’re feeling (see: seasonal depression). When I’m in a bad mood, I tend to focus only on that and wallow in my gloom, as opposed to trying to cheer myself up. This also tends to happen when I become stressed out, and I’m sure this applies to many others as well. It’s easy to become so invested in what you’re doing, like studying for finals or writing papers, that you don’t want to do anything else. It’s so important to take breaks when you’re working hard as a reward. This may seem like a waste of time when you have a million things due at once, but your wellbeing is the most important thing. Take a bath, light a candle, go Black Friday shopping, do whatever you need to do to relax and get that “me” time. This also helps ensure you don’t get sick (wash your hands!!), which is the absolute worst during finals season. Sure, your grades are important, but it’s important to focus on yourself sometimes and even have some fun.

5. And also, Work on Yo Self

Whoa, did you know there are only two months left of 2019? I’m sure we all made some New Year’s resolutions back in January, and I’m also sure that not all of them have been completed. Well, now’s your chance––yes, it’s a busy time, but remember to focus on YOU too. So, accomplish those goals by the end of the year, or, if you already have, set some more. It’s almost 2020––a new DECADE––and now’s the time to enact those changes you want to see in your life and yourself. Here are a few goals to get you started, and that I’ll be remembering during November:

1. Stop procrastinating

We are ALL guilty of this, especially during finals season. I’m going to try my best to stop pushing things until the last minute, and find some willpower in me to just sit down and get ‘er done.

2. Tackle that negative side

The cold weather gets me down and often makes me grumpy. I’m facing my negative side, letting go of anger and any grudges. In this case, that means giving November a second chance. I will make an effort to be more optimistic, and hopefully brighten someone else’s November.

3. Be thankful

Thanksgiving is in November for the US, but that doesn’t mean we Canadians can’t celebrate again. It’s always a good time to practice gratitude, towards everything in our lives.

Overall, November continues to be my least favourite month for all of the reasons I listed at the start. However, November is still worthy of love and respect, so I’m trying my best to make the most of it. This time of year is perfect for improvement in all aspects of your life, whether that be your relationships, school, work, fashion or personal wellbeing. I challenge YOU to have a great November––in fact, the best one of your LIFE (so far). Be self-aware, have some fun and hang in there! December (and winter break, specifically) is right around the corner!

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5 Ways I’m Making November Not Suck