New Year’s Greetings! - Letter from Publisher

As we head into one of our coldest, cloudiest months, it’s very tempting to stay inside as much as possible, curled up with a good book, a movie or a nap. That gets old quickly for many of us, especially for younger family members and pets, and it’s time to get creative and either head outside for a brisk or lingering walk (depending on the weather) or start a new project. I recently read a 2020 article on the University of Colorado Boulder’s website titled “3 Epic Ways to Avoid Boredom This Winter” and wanted to share some of the school’s tips with you while adding in some of my own.

Enjoy the outdoors. Walk, jog or run at your own pace. Look for actual and virtual races (offered via apps and many organizations), as well as step or mile challenges that you can sign up for and complete during the month. Take a hike to get fresh air every day whenever and wherever you can. Be sure to check out Sheryl DeVore’s article this month for some great winter hiking destinations in, “Winter Hikes Provide Exercise and Nature Exposure.” Play with nature by building a snowman, going sledding or skating, or in some way interacting with the snow, wind, ice and winter sun.

Spend time with loved ones and friends in a new way. Try camping in your living room or basement, learn some board games or start/participate in a new club (perhaps a local gardening or cooking club). Join a community group or get active in a cause.

Finally, take time to focus on you. Learn a new skill or craft. Focus on an area that’s always interested you, but to which you’ve not devoted time. Hone a skill to prepare for your work or personal future. Clear some clutter. Practice self-care skills to recharge in the winter months. Journal, meditate, reflect on the coming year, hike in nature, observe the night stars or whatever works for your personal style.

In this month’s issue of Natural Awakenings Chicago, we’re prioritizing taking charge of health and wellness as we start a new year. Our feature article, “Brain Power Boosters, Tips to Preserve Memory at Any Age,” offers insights for boosting cognitive wellness, and Dr. Meena Malhotra discusses ways to avoid environmental toxins that affect brain health. We’ve also included some tasty recipes that help to reduce overall inflammation, look at the health benefits of medicinal mushrooms and investigate some of the hidden dangers lurking in many pet foods.

Be sure to check out our News Briefs and Calendar listings and business partner ads for inspiration. These sections may be brief by design, but they provide ways to improve yourself and learn about the natural world. This month, our News Briefs suggest ways to see and learn about bald eagles and birds of prey, create your personal 2023 vision as a key to implementing new activities, immerse yourself in wellness and herbal knowledge, enhance professional skills, improve sleep and rejuvenate skin, and find the best path to traverse while enjoying local forest preserves.

As always, I ask you to please make time every day to get outside and enjoy the natural world. Look to the winter sky and watch the full moon rise. Listen for ice cracking on a pond or lake. Watch for winter birds and the occasional Canada goose or sandhill crane formation on a crisp January day. Observe the pattern of frost on your windows and enjoy winter’s beauty.

 

Happy New Year!