Happy New Year from all of us here at Natural Awakenings! We are so excited for the vibrant possibilities that await in 2024, and we’re honored to bring you even more inspiration to enrich and enhance your life. The theme for this month is back to the basics of holistic wellness, so join me as we hit the refresh button in our first issue of 2024!       

As always, let’s start off with our feature article, “Graceful Aging.” We humans tend to live longer now than in centuries past, and with that comes the desire to remain active and vibrant as we grow older. Think of it as extending your healthspan just as much as your lifespan. Several different factors can influence healthspan—from your mindset and stress levels, to your nutrition and exercise habits. With a functional and holistic wellness approach, you can embrace these “golden years” with fulfillment, grace, resilience, and vitality.  

Of course, we can’t talk about the New Year without mentioning everyone’s favorite resolution: healthy eating! The National Institutes of Health estimate that nearly five in 100 Americans suffer from hypothyroidism, an autoimmune condition in which the body cannot produce enough thyroid hormones for optimal functioning. However, as this month’s “Conscious Eating” article points out, you can manage the symptoms of this illness (or minimize the risks altogether) with nutritious, anti-inflammatory foods that promote thyroid health.   

There’s a direct correlation between holistic well-being and time spent outdoors. Our “Green Living” article dives into all the ways that exposure to blue and green environments can inspire a healthier, more active lifestyle. Nature has a healing effect on mental, physical, social, and even spiritual wellness—so make an effort this year to commune with the earth and explore your surroundings. Walk the beach with a friend. Plant a garden in the backyard. Or sit beneath the shade of a tree and savor the fresh air in your lungs.  

I am so thrilled to embark on another year of inspiration and enlightenment with this beautiful community we’ve built here at Natural Awakenings. Thank you for being part of this journey and continuing to welcome us into your lives each month. I couldn’t be more grateful, so on that note, cheers to a bright and healthy start for all of you in 2024!