Welcome to November. If you’re feeling a little down to the moon, thanks to a massive Halloween candy-eating session (and honestly, who could blame you?), drinking plenty of water, exercising, and eating a healthy snack like hummus and carrots should get you back on track. You’ll need that energy because there’s so much going on this month, from time changes to Election Day to Thanksgiving and other hectic holiday events that make the end of the year feel like a mad dash to the finish line. So let’s jump in, shall we?

Here’s your guide to living your best life this month.

Retreat. Daylight saving time officially ends at 2 a.m. on November 3, which means you’ll get an extra hour of sleep (and, unfortunately, the inconvenience of having to update all the clocks in your house and never being 100% sure you have the correct time). correct time). Here is a guide How seasonal change can affect your health and how best to prepare.

Clean your refrigerator. It sounds like something your spouse made up to get you to do chores, but National Clean Your Refrigerator Day is a real “holiday” and takes place on November 15th. Think of it as a way to make room for Thanksgiving. you’ll be stuck inside soon—and it’s a reminder that you should finally throw out those cloudy leftovers, old takeout containers, and condiments you bought before the pandemic. Read more keeping your still-good food fresh while emptying the refrigerator and seeing What materials will help you get the job done?.

Show your skin some TLC. National Healthy Skin Month asks you to make sure you’re taking proper care. annual full body skin check see your dermatologist (or more often if your risk of skin cancer is higher); like that using sunscreen every day (Yes, Each day); and have a consistent skin care routine. Hey, If the New York Mets could get excited about vitamin C serumsyou can too.

Avoid turkey day drama. Ah, a holiday meeting on the heels of a very worrying election cycle. While we don’t know what will happen on November 5, we suspect not everyone sitting at your Thanksgiving dinner table will agree with the results. And that’s okay! However, it’s okay to keep your peace and stay away from meetings that you think might get too heated. Or you can focus on relieving tension by doing the following. holiday chat tipsThis includes listening with an open mind, changing the subject tactfully, and having a supporter to vent to.

And don’t let your turkey feast send you to the emergency room.Cooking and carving injuries are no jokeThat’s why doctors recommend spending time in the kitchen instead of rushing to get food on the table, cutting your hand or lighting a fire in the kitchen. Another pro tip: Sharpen carving knives beforehand and using safe technique It won’t leave you miserable.

Try kimchi. If you’ve never tried kimchiNovember 22 — aka National Kimchi Day — is the perfect time to try the fermented cabbage dish. The Korean staple packs a punch both flavor-wise and nutritionally, thanks to its tangy, spicy blend of fish sauce and gochugaru chili flakes. Dietitians tell Yahoo Life Often added to soups or topped with stir-fries, Asian salad bowls, or even grilled cheese sandwiches, the side dish is excellent for gut health, may help reduce the risk of obesity, and is rich in vitamins A, B6, B12, C, and K. calcium, iron, phosphorus and magnesium.

Be gentle with your bladder. Bladder Health Awareness Month. To avoid problems like incontinence, infections, or a constant or urgent need to urinate, experts recommend staying hydrated, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and eating a high-fiber diet, which reduces the risk of constipation, which can put pressure on the bladder. Pelvic floor therapist Sara Reardon tells Yahoo Life that your bathroom habits are important, too. Learn about What mistakes might you be making?Like pushing when peeing, not using a stool, and more.

Check out your family tree. If you remember your grandmother’s pumpkin pie recipe by heart but have no idea why she died, it’s time to start asking (and what better time than Thanksgiving catch-ups?). Family Health History Month emphasizes the importance of knowing what conditions may be present in your family tree and What does this mean for your own health?. For example, if grandparents died of colon cancer, your doctor may recommend earlier screening. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a handy guide what to ask and what to do with the information.

Make a vegan swap. Consider this compromise for World Vegan Month: Instead of radically overhauling your diet (or canceling your Cheese of the Month Club membership), try a vegan twist on one of your favorite dishes. To mix up cashews and plant-based milk It can mimic the creamy texture of your standard fettuccine Alfredo sauce, vegan three bean chili Stuffed with avocado, it’s just as filling as the meaty versions. Or take this as an excuse to finally check out the new vegan bakery or cheese shop in your neighborhood; You may be pleasantly surprised!

Prepare your “sick day kit”. We really hope you escape all of this seasonal diseases It revolves around. However, if there is a possibility that you won’t, it would be better if you made some preparations. sick day kit and stock up on medications and other health supplies (thermometer, cans of soup) that will make your recovery less miserable. (Not included: your favorite blanket and a The Great British Baking Showbinge watch.)

Come on and get your holiday decorations ready. If you’re one of those people blasting “Jingle Bells” on November 1, you might be on to something. Mental health experts say Embracing the festive spirit early can improve your mood for many people. Take this as a sign to watch Home Alone, Make decorations and play your favorite songs.

Things to do this month:

To eat: cranberry. Whether turkey (or tofurkey) is on the menu this month is up to you, but allow us to reveal whether some type of cranberry dish is in the mix, too. The sour fruit contains vitamins C, E and K1, copper, manganese and fiber (but it is worth noting that cranberry juice does not contain fiber), plus a range of antioxidants It is known to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections, support heart health and prevent stomach cancer. In honor of Cranberry Eating Day on November 23, try adding fresh or dried berries to your meal. morning oatmeal or make a lunch salad or stir fry homemade cranberry pickle to rival the sugary, wobbly canned version that always comes out around Thanksgiving.

To obtain: A safer, less stressful holiday travel plan. Long lines, overbookings and traffic can add to your holiday stress. If you have some flexibility, consider staying away from the airport. busiest travel days (I fly Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and return home on Sunday). Instead, look for flights on Thanksgiving (as long as you don’t miss the turkey dinner) and the following Monday. If you’re driving, know that Wednesdays and Sundays are typically the days with the most traffic. Travel experts recommend leaving after 6 a.m. or 6 p.m. to avoid traffic congestion.

Visit: voting booth. In addition to supporting the democratic process, voting on Election Day can also be a boon to your health. Mental health experts say it can Provides a sense of empowerment and control and makes you feel heard. The research also found that civic engagement is linked to our overall well-being; This includes giving us a say in health policies big and small, which can impact our future health.