How To be Productive? – 11 Things To Do This November
Every single productive November plan starts with an idea! An idea to make the month fun, meaningful, and screen-free. A few years ago, I too had an idea to actually use my free time wisely, and now fast forward, I have a running list of things to do alone and small projects that make my November exciting and fulfilling.
Trying out screen-free activities is by far one of the best ways to recharge your mind if you’re looking for some solo time, a break from screens, or just a way to make your free time enjoyable. And the best part of having these plans is the sense of accomplishment and creativity you gain.
It is a fairly common occurrence that people start simple personal projects or solo adventures just for fun and end up learning so much about themselves along the way. And there’s a high chance you can pull this off if you just start.
Another benefit of focusing on things to do alone is the constant sense of reassurance. Reassurance from knowing that you’re making the most of your free time, reassurance from trying new activities without judgment, and reassurance from completing small personal goals. And this feeling of independence gives you a sense of freedom, which according to me, is an essential thing to have in one’s life.
Now, let’s move forward in the article to explore 11 fun and productive things to do this November. Make sure to read 30 before 30 bucket list ideas that you can try while keeping your month screen-free and meaningful.
11 Things You Must Do This November
1. Create a productive Morning Routine
There’s a particularly apt reason why I chose “Create a productive Morning Routine” as the #1 in this list. Can you guess?
Yup, this is what I do! Having a solid morning routine completely changed my productivity and mindset, helping me accomplish more in less time while starting the day on a positive note.
And I absolutely love it.
But before sharing the inside details about the benefits, tips, and habits, let’s discuss the basics first,
What is a Productive Morning Routine?
A productive morning routine is a set of intentional habits and activities that you follow every morning to start your day energized, focused, and motivated. It can include activities like journaling, exercise, reading, planning, or meditation—anything that sets a positive tone for the day.
This is called a morning routine!
Why a Morning Routine Matters?
Your morning sets the pace for the rest of your day. A good routine helps reduce stress, boosts focus, and increases productivity. It also helps you stay consistent with your goals, whether personal, academic, or professional.
How to Make a Productive Morning Routine?
- Wake Up Early: Start your day at a consistent time to create rhythm.
- Move Your Body: Exercise, stretch, or take a walk to energize yourself.
- Plan Your Day: Write down tasks, priorities, and goals.
- Fuel Yourself: Eat a healthy breakfast to boost focus and energy.
- Personal Growth: Spend time reading, journaling, or meditating.
Who Can Start a Morning Routine?
Anyone! You don’t need prior experience or special tools. It’s all about building small habits consistently that help you start the day better.
How Much Time Does it Take?
Even 30–60 minutes is enough to set up a solid morning routine that transforms your day. Start small, experiment, and gradually add habits that work for you.
If you’re unsure how to structure your morning or what to include, don’t worry. Most people start with nothing. The key is just to take the first step.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a productive morning routine that fits your lifestyle and goals.
2. Plan a Gratitude Journal
Do you sometimes forget to notice the little things you’re thankful for? If yes, then keeping a Gratitude Journal might be just for you!
But…what exactly is a Gratitude Journal?
A Gratitude Journal is a personal diary where you jot down things you’re thankful for each day. It helps you reflect on positive moments, improves mental clarity, and boosts overall happiness.
In short, it’s writing down 3–5 things daily that make you feel grateful!
You don’t need to leave your house to start one. You can easily spend a few minutes every morning or evening, anywhere—on your desk, bed, or even in a cozy nook.
People all over the world use gratitude journaling to stay mindful and improve mental well-being. Regularly noting what you appreciate can reduce stress, help you focus on the good, and make life feel more meaningful.
So, if you like reflecting, feeling happier, or want a simple daily habit to improve your mindset, a Gratitude Journal may be perfect for you.
How to Get Yourself Started With a Gratitude Journal?
The easiest way is to grab a notebook or use a journal app. Every day, write down 3–5 things you’re grateful for. Start small, keep it consistent, and soon you’ll notice the positive impact it has on your life.
3. Declutter Your Space
Let me start things off by pointing out some quite interesting facts about decluttering.
- The average person spends 2.5 days per year looking for misplaced items.
- 1 in 4 people say they have a clutter problem.
- And here’s the big one — studies show that having too much clutter can actually increase stress levels and make it harder to focus.
Just look at those numbers and let the impact of clutter sink in.
Decluttering isn’t just about cleaning — it’s about creating space for peace and productivity. When your surroundings are calm, your mind feels lighter too.
And it’s not just your room or closet you can declutter. Your desk, digital files, or even your social media can use some organization. Once you let go of the things you no longer use, you make room for the things that truly matter.
Ever walked into a clean room and instantly felt relaxed? Yeah, that’s the power of decluttering — it gives you clarity and a sense of control.
The results are pretty clear – even dedicating just 15–20 minutes a day to organizing can make your space (and your mood) feel completely refreshed.
So grab a box, put on your favorite playlist, and start decluttering. You’ll be surprised how freeing it feels to create a clean, calm environment.
To get more ideas about decluttering in detail, you can check out my article on dollar tree organization hacks.
4. Try a New Recipe
Trying out new recipes isn’t just about making food. It’s so much more than that. Cooking is like a fun experiment that mixes creativity, patience, and flavour into one.
This is why fall is the perfect time to get in the kitchen and try something cozy and seasonal. You can think about this delicious high protein egg sphagetti Under 20 Minutes, white chocolate cranberry fudge, and soft, gooey homemade cinnamon rolls.
But as simple as it sounds, a lot of people struggle to cook regularly or experiment with new dishes, especially when they’re busy. That’s where planning ahead helps.
Start small or maybe one new recipe each weekend. You’ll not only learn new skills but also enjoy delicious results. Cooking at home is productive, relaxing, and often way healthier than eating out.
Your job (or mission!) is to make it fun and make sure to put on some music, invite a friend, or try plating your food nicely. It’s a small thing that adds joy to your day and confidence in your kitchen skills.
If you’d like to get better at cooking or try out fall-inspired dishes, check out some easy recipe blogs or YouTube channels. Many offer step-by-step tutorials that are beginner-friendly and free to watch.
With fall flavours like cinnamon, maple, and apple taking over, your kitchen can easily become your new favorite cozy spot this season.
5. Take a Nature Walk
Nature walks are the new way to recharge your mind and body.
Stepping outside for even 20 minutes can clear your thoughts and lift your mood instantly. The crisp November air, the rustling leaves, and that earthy fall scent together create a peaceful escape that no screen can replace.
For example, if you’ve been feeling stressed or mentally stuck, would you rather stay glued to your phone scrolling endlessly, or take a slow walk under golden trees while breathing in fresh air?
I’ll choose the latter any day of the week!
And let me assure you, this habit is spreading faster than ever. More people are realizing how refreshing nature walks can be — they help with mindfulness, focus, and even creativity.
As a result, people who spend more time outdoors report better mental clarity and lower stress levels.
6. Start a Small DIY Project
Create a homemade candle, knit a scarf, or decorate your space with fall crafts. It’s productive and gives you something cute to enjoy afterward.
7. Prep for the Holidays
Begin brainstorming gift ideas, making lists, or even crafting handmade presents. Early prep reduces stress later!
8. Learn Something New Online
Take a short online course, watch tutorials, or pick up a new skill like calligraphy, photography, or even basic coding. Productivity meets fun!
9. Movie or Book Marathon
Choose a theme — cozy fall movies or inspiring books — and spend a day indulging in them. It’s relaxing and also sparks creativity and ideas.
10. Plan Your Month Ahead
Set goals, prioritize tasks, and schedule your upcoming month. A little planning now can save you stress later and boost your productivity.
11. Volunteer or Give Back
Helping others is meaningful and productive. Donate food, volunteer at a local shelter, or even send letters to brighten someone’s day.
