When the Days Get Short: Supporting Mood, Digestion & Holiday Stress

It's 4:30 and I just turned on another lamp. Again. I visited my grandkids recently and we were all dragging—them, me, all of us. I caught myself snacking my way through the afternoon, and now my stomach feels off.

Welcome to mid-November.

Look, I'm not going to pretend this time of year is easy. The sun sets before dinner. The temperature dropped and nobody wants to go outside. Thanksgiving's coming and I haven't even started planning. And don't even get me started on the fact that Christmas is lurking right behind it.

But I've learned some things over the years about getting through this season without completely falling apart. Here they are!

Why This Month Is Legitimately Hard

There's actual science behind why November is rough. When we get less sunlight, our bodies produce less serotonin—that's the brain chemical that helps us feel okay. It's called Seasonal Affective Disorder, and it's not just in your head (well, technically it is, but you know what I mean).

Then you add in the fact that we're all eating differently right now—comfort foods, holiday prep, stress snacking—and our digestion gets thrown off. And when your gut isn't happy, your mood tanks even more. It's a fun little cycle we can get ourselves into.

Here's Something I Wish I'd Known Earlier

Your gut and your brain are connected in ways I definitely didn't learn in school. When my digestion is good, I sleep better, stress rolls off easier, and I have more energy for my monthly visits with the grandkids. When it's not? Everything feels impossible.

So taking care of digestion isn't just about avoiding heartburn. It's about feeling human.

What's Happening in Your House Right Now

The darkness at 4 PM is messing with everyone's internal clock. Bodies think it's bedtime but we've still got hours of evening ahead. We're already into the holiday food thing. Early Friendsgivings, baking experiments, eating our feelings a little. Stomachs are protesting. Kids are moodier. We're more tired. Getting motivated to do anything feels like pushing a boulder uphill. And the comfort food cravings make total sense, except they usually make us feel worse an hour later.

What's Actually Helped Me

The Digestion Piece

I started taking the dōTERRA digestive enzymes before and sometimes after, bigger meals and wow, what a difference. No more feeling like I need to unbutton my pants and lie down after dinner.

Other things that help:

Actually chewing my food instead of inhaling it (harder than it sounds when you're busy) Drinking water between meals, not during and taking a walk after eating, even just to check the mail or walk the dog.

Dealing With SAD

I resisted this for a long time because I didn't want to admit the dark days were getting to me. But they were. I started using doTERRA Cheer in the mornings. It's a citrus and spice blend that smells like optimism, if that makes sense. I put it on my wrists while I'm making coffee, and it genuinely helps me not feel so heavy. There's also Citrus Bloom and Citrus Bliss if you want something more uplifting or bright. Feel free to ask me about a sample.

The other thing that surprised me: Reiki sessions. I know, I know—it sounds woo-woo. But having someone help reset my nervous system once a month through these dark months? It's made a bigger difference than I expected. I leave feeling like I've been unplugged and plugged back in, less frantic. Since I now have my Reiki Master Certification - I can help others too!!

And the boring but true stuff:

You've to to keep going outside even when it's cold and gross - I struggle with this one. YES - you've got to keep the same bedtime (I'm actually pretty good at this one) November is a month of Gratitude - take the time to actually notice the good things instead of just rushing past them, and perhaps start that gratitude journal you've been talking about.

Getting Ahead of the Chaos

Holiday stress is already starting for me. The mental load of planning, the social obligations, the gift anxiety—it's all there, even though it's not my house where everything is taking place.

Here are a couple of things that help me not spiral:

I like making lists and writing everything down instead of carrying it all in my head. Right now I'm focusing on birthdays, there are two in November for me and where I'm visiting for Thanksgiving and what dish I'm bringing. I like doing the one holiday/birthday thing per week so it's not all crammed into December, which has two more birthdays. I'm suggesting to say no to stuff (still working on this—grandma guilt is real). Using stress support- for me that's my oils and self reiki daily! I'm not waiting until I'm already a mess

What I'm Actually Doing Every Day

Morning: I like to apply Cheer while I'm still half-asleep and while making my coffee. I then take it outside for five-ten minutes even if I don't want to. (I now have a heated throw that I use) I take my digestive support with breakfast and then three deep breaths before the morning chaos starts. That chaos is only when around the family. Otherwise its networking and coaching.

Afternoon: Check in with my body around lunch—do I need digestive support? I like to find one thing that i'm grateful for. I also check how much water I've had. Yes -I drink actual filtered water with a drop of a citrus essential oil. I also have a few yoga/mobility stretches that I step away from my desk to do.

Evening: Digestive support after dinner. I like dinner around 5 pm , reading or just one show, then get the calming oils diffusing before bed. Bedtime stays the same even though it feels like it should be 9 PM at 6 PM.

Weekends: I like to plan my meals for the next week so I'm not winging it every night. My wellness stuff is where I'll actually see it. Then I go outside, it does help that I have a cute little dog to walk. This helps my resting weekend feel more productive.

Thanksgiving Is 13 Days Away (Help)

Before the meal: Digestive enzymes 15-30 minutes before we eat. Don't skip breakfast just to "save room" and definitely Stay hydrated in the morning.

During: Eat slowly. Start with vegetables and turkey. Listen to your body. Take breaks between food items/courses instead of treating it like it's a race.

After: More digestive support. Walk if you can move. Be patient—your body needs time to process all that. Remember - Water, not just coffee.

If You're Already Feeling the Holiday Stress

Make lists. My brain can't hold everything and neither can yours. Start small. One task per week. That's it.

Set boundaries now before you're overcommitted. Practice saying "we already have plans" (even if the plans are staying home in your pajamas).

Get support before you're at the breaking point. I now schedule my Reiki sessions in advance (Yes even Reiki Masters need the energy from another Reiki Practitioner) instead of waiting until I'm desperate. Remember why you're doing this. I have to keep reminding myself the holidays are supposed to be enjoyable, not just survived.

Supporting Everyone in the House

When I visit my grandkids once a month, I can see the dark days affect them just like they affect me. I try to model taking care of myself when I'm with them—using digestive support before big meals, getting outside even when it's cold, not pretending everything's fine when it's not.

For myself, I'm trying to stop ignoring the signs that I'm struggling. Using support consistently, asking friends for help when I need it, showing my grandkids that taking care of yourself matters at any age.

When we're together: we focus on cozy activities, find things to be grateful for, and I make sure we get outside during daylight even if it's just for a few minutes.

What to Do This Week

Just pick one thing. Digestive support or mood support. That's it.

Do it every day at the same time.

Notice what changes.

Adjust if it's not working.

We're halfway through November. You don't have to just white-knuckle your way through the rest of it. Small things help. I know.

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Riki Marie