September ushers in a flurry of transitions. Children are entering back into the rhythms of school. Parents are balancing their professional commitments with soccer games, piano lessons and other family activities. The ease of summer is fading into the busyness of autumn. And before we know it, another holiday season will be rounding the corner.    

In the spirit of transitions, our theme for this Natural Awakenings issue is inspired living as the seasons change and time moves us forward. Transitions can be exciting and beautiful, but they can also be uncertain and stressful—so wherever you land on this spectrum, we’re here to fill your month with inspiration and rejuvenation. Let’s peek inside!  

Our feature article, “Growing Younger,” is the ideal place to start. This isn’t about trying to stop the natural passage of time. It’s about reversing the health risks that often come with age, so we can experience a vibrant life of wellness and longevity. This article explores how the quest for longevity has become more attainable now than ever before due to scientific advancements to promote metabolic renewal at the cellular level. Not to mention, making a few simple but crucial lifestyle shifts—such as fine-tuning sleep, dietary, self-care and exercise practices—can redirect the biological clock towards health and vitality.   

Next in our inspired living lineup comes this month’s Fit Body article: “How a Yoga Practice Keeps Us Young.” September is National Yoga Awareness Month, and there are so many life-enhancing attributes of this ancient practice to discover. Yoga offers a host of benefits for both mental and physical health. From increasing your balance, coordination, strength and flexibility, to reinforcing mindfulness techniques that help manage stress, alleviate depression and center your thoughts on the present, there are numerous reasons to maintain a consistent yoga practice. It’s even accessible for those with chronic pain or limited mobility.   

Finally, we cannot talk about transition without also being honest about the stress, anxiety and overwhelm that so often accompanies it. If you could use some relief from the physical side-effects of stress—particularly, headaches—look no further than our Healing Ways article. It’s all about “Heading off Headaches,” which about three in four adults have suffered from in this past year alone. If the tension of a hectic schedule or the emotional distress of this chaotic world leaves you with a throbbing head, there are a number of ways to ease the pain and return to a life of vitality. Mindfulness practices, consistent exercise, acupuncture treatments and optimal nutrition are just a few of the natural remedies this article will delve into.  

Here at Natural Awakenings, our hope is that you will find inspiration within these pages—both in seasons of transition and all year long. Please continue to join us for this month’s edition of the scavenger hunt as well. Clues can be found throughout the issue, and the answers will be available on NASRQ.com. In the meantime, here’s to a healthy September, and we look forward to seeing you back here in October!