Just like that, summer is fading into the rearview mirror, and back-to-school season is rounding the corner. All across the Suncoast, families are about to trade in their beach vacations or poolside cookouts for early morning carpools, afternoon extracurriculars and late night study sessions. It’s a fast-paced time of year, but rest assured, Natural Awakenings will be here with a dose of inspiration and rejuvenation—no matter how hectic your schedule feels. On that note, our theme for this issue is lifelong learning, so let’s jump in!   

Aptly titled, “The Benefits of Being a Forever Student,” this month’s feature article explores how to maintain curiosity and further your education at all stages of life. Whether it’s been a few months or 30 years since the last time you entered a classroom, a commitment to learning is so important for your mental health, cognitive function and quality of life. As this article points out, there’s no time like the present to learn something new—so take an art class, enroll in music lessons or audit a course at the local community college. You’ll have fun, while expanding your horizons, increasing your skillset, and sharpening your mind.   

We cannot discuss back-to-school season without touching on what to pack for school lunches. It’s hard enough to plan meals that can easily be stored for several hours in a room temperature lunchbox. But what if your child has certain allergies or food sensitivities? How can you send them off with safe ingredients that are still fun to eat? Our “Conscious Eating” article has you covered with practical solutions to combat food intolerances, minimize anxiety around eating, experiment with tasty substitutions, and empower your child to make smart, informed choices for their own health. You’ll find some mouth-watering recipes in there too!   

Back-to-school season isn’t only for the K–12 crowd. College students will also return to their campuses soon, and for many, this will be their first real taste of independence. As they learn to navigate adult choices and situations, more universities are making it easier for students to incorporate sustainability and environmental consciousness into their on-campus lifestyles. This month’s “Green Living” article examines how higher education paves the way for students to become responsible citizens and activists in their own communities and for the planet as a whole. That’s the beauty of learning—it fosters personal enrichment and collective impact.   

Well, friends, that’s it for me. I will leave you to soak in all the inspiration of this issue for yourself. As this hectic season jolts into full gear, please remember to carve out time for self-care, wellness and rejuvenation. Hopefully, Natural Awakenings can serve as that reminder for you, and in the meantime, I’ll see you back here next month!