Welcome to November. If you’re starting the month feeling a little under the weather thanks to a big Halloween trick-or-treating session (and honestly, who can blame you?), drinking lots of water, exercising exercise and eating a healthy snack like hummus and baby carrots. This should get you back on track.. You’ll need that energy because there’s a lot going on this month, from the time change to Election Day to Thanksgiving and other hectic holiday events that make the end of the year feel like in a mad race towards the finish line. So let’s go, shall we?

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

Fall back. Daylight Saving Time officially ends at 2 a.m. on November 3, which means you get an extra hour of sleep (and, unfortunately, the annoyance of having to update all the clocks on your house and never being 100% sure you will have time). good time). Here is a guide to how seasonal change could affect your health and how to best prepare.

Clean your refrigerator. It sounds like something your spouse invented to get you to do chores, but National Clean Your Refrigerator Day is a real “holiday” and it takes place on November 15th. Think of it as a way to free up space for Thanksgiving. turkey that you’ll soon be squeezing inside — and a reminder to finally toss out those fluffy leftovers, old takeout containers and condiments you bought before the pandemic. Read on keep your food fresh while you empty the fridge, and you see what supplies will help you get the job done.

Show some attention to your skin. National Healthy Skin Month calls for making sure you’ve had your annual skin exam of the whole body with the dermatologist (or more frequently if you are at higher risk of skin cancer); are wear sunscreen daily (Yes, each day); and have a consistent skincare routine. Hey, if the New York Mets can get excited about vitamin C serumsyou too.

Avoid the turkey day drama. Ah, a holiday gathering right after a busy election cycle. While we don’t know what will happen on November 5, we suspect not everyone sitting around your Thanksgiving table will agree on the results. And that’s OK! But you can also protect your peace and remove yourself from gatherings that you think might become too lively. Or you can focus on defusing tension by following these holiday conversation tipsincluding listening with an open mind, changing the subject tactfully, and having a supportive person to vent to.

And don’t let your turkey feast send you to the emergency room.Cooking and Sculpting Injuries Are No JokeThis is why doctors advise taking your time in the kitchen rather than rushing to put food on the table and cutting your hand or starting a kitchen fire. Another pro tip: sharpen carving knives beforehand and make sure using safe technique it won’t leave you in tatters.

Try kimchi. If you’ve never tried KimchiNovember 22 – aka National Kimchi Day – is the perfect time to try the fermented cabbage dish. This Korean staple packs a punch both in terms of flavor – thanks to a tangy and spicy blend of fish sauce and gochugaru pepper flakes – and nutritionally. Dietitians tell Yahoo Life the side dish – often added to soups or topped with stir-fries, Asian salads or even grilled cheese sandwiches – is great for gut health, could help reduce the risk of obesity and is rich in vitamins A, B6 , B12, C and K, calcium, iron, phosphorus and magnesium.

Be kind to your bladder. It’s Bladder Health Awareness Month. To avoid problems such as incontinence, infections or a constant or urgent need to urinate, experts recommend staying hydrated, limiting caffeine and alcohol and eating a diet rich in fiber which reduces the risk constipation, which can put pressure on the bladder. Your bathroom habits also matter, pelvic floor therapist Sara Reardon tells Yahoo Life. Read about what mistakes could you makelike pushing when peeing, not using a stool and more.

Consult your family tree. If you remember Grandma’s pumpkin pie recipe by heart but have no idea what she died from, it’s time to start asking (and what better time than those Thanksgiving catch-ups? ). Family Health History Month highlights the importance of knowing what conditions may be present in your family tree and what this means for your own health. If a grandparent dies from colon cancer, for example, your doctor may recommend earlier screenings. THE 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 drastically overhauling your diet (or canceling your Cheese of the Month Club membership), try a vegan version of one of your favorite dishes. Blend cashew nuts and vegetable milk can mimic the creaminess of your standard fettuccine Alfredo sauce, while still vegan three bean chili topped with avocado is just as hearty as the beefy versions. Or take this as an excuse to finally check out that new vegan bakery or cheese shop in your neighborhood; you might be pleasantly surprised!

Prepare your “sick leave kit”. We really hope you avoid all this seasonal illnesses swirling. But if not, you will be better off if you have prepared a sick day kit and stock up on medicines and other essential products (thermometer, cans of soup) which will make your convalescence less painful. (Not included: your favorite cuddly toy and a Great British Baking Showwatching excessively.)

Don’t hesitate any longer and install your holiday decorations. If you’re one of those people who ring out “Jingle Bells” on November 1, well, you might be on to something. Mental health experts say Embracing the festive spirit early can improve mood for many people. Take this as a cue to look Alone at home, put up decorations and turn on your favorite Christmas carols.

To do this month:

Eat: cranberries. Whether or not turkey (or tofurkey) is on the menu this month is up to you, but allow us to make a case for having some sort of cranberry dish in the mix. The tart fruit contains vitamins C, E and K1, copper, manganese and fiber (although it should be noted that cranberry juice does not contain fiber), plus a number of antioxidants known to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections, promote heart health and prevent stomach cancer. In honor of Eat a Cranberry Day on November 23, try adding fresh or dried berries to your morning oatmeal or a salad for lunch, or whip up a homemade cranberry chutney to compete with the sweet, jiggly canned version that always comes out at Thanksgiving.

Get: a safer and less stressful vacation travel plan. Long lines, overbooking and traffic can add to your vacation stress. If you have some flexibility, consider avoiding the airport on busiest travel days (flight Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and return home Sunday). Instead, look at flights for Thanksgiving itself (provided you don’t miss that turkey dinner) and the following Monday. If you are driving, be aware that Wednesday and Sunday are generally the days with the most traffic. Travel experts advise leaving in the morning or after 6 p.m. to avoid traffic jams.

Visit: the voting booth. In addition to supporting the democratic process, voting on Election Day can benefit your health. Mental health experts say it can provide a sense of empowerment and control and makes you feel like your voice is heard. The research also revealed that civic engagement is linked to our overall well-being – including giving us a say in health policies large and small, which can, in turn, impact our future health.