Slow Living in November: Preparing the Heart and Home for Winter

November is a soft month, a month that offers a gentle in-between. Autumn’s colors fade, winter has not yet arrived, and the year itself seems to pause—breathing in, holding space, inviting stillness.

It’s in November that the earth teaches us how to slow down. The trees shed what they no longer need. The light grows dimmer, golden. The air sharpens. We’re reminded of the sacred rhythm built into all things: rest, release, renew.

And as the world outside quiets its pace, we’re invited to do the same.

The Beauty of the In-Between

November is the hush before the holidays. Before the hustle and the lights and the lists. It’s a season of quiet preparation—not just of our homes, but of our hearts.

This is not the month for rushing. This is the month for pausing.
For…

lingering over a morning cup of tea
stacking blankets near every chair
breathing deeply before beginning again

It’s a time to clear space—physically and emotionally—for what matters most. A time to notice the way sunlight lands on the floor. To restore simple rituals like simmering soup or writing thoughts in the margin of an old journal.

What if November was less about productivity—and more about presence?

Habits to Embrace Slow Living This Month

Create a Rest Nook
Arrange a chair, soft throw blanket, and bookshelf or basket. No screens—only slow moments of reading, reflection, or prayer.

Light Morning Candles
Since the sun rises later, greet the day with a flicker of gentle light. You’ll be amazed what this simple act does for the soul.

Clear Just One Small Space
Choose a corner, drawer, or countertop and reset it. Physical clarity often makes room for mental clarity, too.

Go on a Listening Walk
Step outside and let the world talk to you. Listen to the wind, the quiet, the migrating birds. Let it reset your breathing.

Bring Nature In
Dried herbs, bare branches, seed pods, found feathers. These small treasures honor the season’s simple beauty.

Food for the Slow Season

November asks us to return to the kitchen—but not with urgency.
Instead, think comfort: slow roasts, warm bread, cinnamon in the air, a pot of soup simmering long into the afternoon.

Try cooking as a practice, not a task. Put on favorite music. Light a candle. Invite your kids to help knead the dough or stir the pot. Food is love made visible. It’s not just about feeding the body; it’s about feeding the heart.

Before the season speeds up, take some time to ask:

What do I want to carry into the coming season?
Where do I feel called to rest?
What rhythms or habits no longer feel like home?

You are allowed to reshape your days. To slow. To let go. To enter the holidays not with chaos—but with quiet, grounded joy.

In many ways, November is a reminder that slow is not less—it’s more.

It’s the chance to catch your breath. To linger over small things. To take back what mattered before the noise began. Like the trees, we too can let go, rest deeply, and still stand tall.

So light the candle. Read the book. Stay in bed just a little longer. Make soup. Stay rooted. Give thanks.

Winter is coming, yes—but not yet. Let November be soft. Let it be full.

Here is one of my fall favorite recipes, give it a try and let me know what you think!

Warm Maple Cinnamon Oat Bake

The kind of slow, cozy breakfast (or anytime treat) that tastes like autumn wrapped in a blanket.

Serves: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

🧺 Ingredients:

2 cups rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups whole milk (or dairy-free milk)
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
2 tablespoons melted butter (or coconut oil)
1 apple, chopped (optional)
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

🥣 Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix together the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup, vanilla, egg, and melted butter.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed. Gently fold in the apple and nuts, if using.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until set and lightly golden.
Serve warm with a drizzle of extra maple syrup and a spoonful of whipped cream or yogurt, if desired.

Variations:

Substitute apple for pear, cranberries, or chopped dates.
Add a sprinkle of brown sugar or turbinado sugar on top before baking for a caramelized crust.
For extra warmth, toss in a pinch of ground cloves or ginger.

Why It’s Perfect for November:

This baked oatmeal comes together in no time and feels like a warm hug. You can make it in advance, reheat it, and enjoy slow breakfasts all week… or slice it up for an afternoon treat with tea.