Feature : The Joys of Minimalism: A Rich Life With Less Stuff 

Finding that material possessions weigh them down, people are turning to minimalism to simplify their physical, mental and emotional space. According to a study in ScienceDirect , a decluttered lifestyle improves sustainability and boosts emotional well-being. By paring down our possessions, we can become more authentic, simplify our finances and pave an easier pathway for the next generation. The article reviews ways to choose the essentials, decluttering strategies, and eco benefits of minimalism.

Green Living – Green Gyms: Redefining Fitness with Sustainability 

The green gym is redefining fitness with an emphasis on sustainability. Traditional fitness centers consume significant amounts of electricity, water, and other resources. But more gyms are rising to the challenge of reducing their environmental impact, employing strategies to increase energy efficiency, decrease waste and provide a healthier workout environment.  The article reviews eco-friendly workouts and gyms, pioneering fitess centers and how to select an eco-friendly gym.

Fit Body –  Yuletide Fitness: Tips for Staying Motivated 

With a few simple strategies, fitness goals can be kept alive throughout the season. Article tips include making a workout plan, mixing up workouts and sessions from the regular routine, working out with a buddy, staying mindful, finding joy, adding purpose and creating rewards for progress.

Healing Ways – Lung Maintenance 101: Natural Strategies to Breathe Easier 

Most people inhale about 22,000 times per day without realizing it, but for the more than 34 million Americans living with lung diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, taking a breath is often difficult. The American Lung Association reports that one in three Americans live in places with unhealthy levels of air pollution. Everyone needs fresh, life-sustaining oxygen, and natural therapies are available to help us breathe a little easier. Daily exposure to inflammatory triggers, such as chronic stress, allergens, synthetic food additives and low-grade infection, can drive disease. Exercise helps combat inflammation by relieving stress, regulating digestion, improving insulin sensitivity, detoxifying the body and increasing the feel-good hormone serotonin. 

Conscious Eating – Plant-Forward Holidays: Festive Foods Everyone Will Crave  

A plant-forward menu can be one of the best gifts that a host can give this holiday season. It is also more likely than ever that guests will welcome a celebration menu filled with vegetable and fruits. The article includes menu ideas, presentation tips, making a plant-based item the focal point of a larger omnivorous meal or served as starters.

Healthy Kids –  The Magic of Parent-Child Synchrony: How Skin-to-Skin Contact Helps Development 

The simple act of placing a newborn on mom’s chest, referred to as Kangaroo Care, can produce remarkable benefits. When it is done for 60 to 90 minutes, this skin-to-skin contact initiates a cascade of physiological effects that optimize every organ system in the infant’s body and promote breastfeeding. The mother also receives benefits, such as reduced stress hormone levels and greater amounts of oxytocin, the hormone that plays a vital role in postpartum healing, breastfeeding and pair bonding. In addition, following studies, the scientists concluded that early experiences of frequent, close physical contact play an important role in a child’s social-emotional development and were predictive of a child’s ability later in life to interact with peers, regulate emotions, manage stress and show empathic understanding. According to the authors, bodily contact may provide a bridge from prenatal life to postnatal social life. This synchrony was also present when the parent and child were near one another, not just when practicing Kangaroo Care.

Natural Pets – Responsible Pet Adoption: Guarantee a Forever Home for a Furry Friend 

The idea of bringing a new pet home conjures up images of endless cuddles and joyful frolicking, but there are crucial responsibilities to consider, too. A successful adoption requires thought and preparation well before the furry friend joins the family. The goal is to build a happy environment for the animal’s entire lifetime. Think of it as unconditional love with a no-return policy. The article talks about local shelters and rescues, research and fostering programs as well as pet adoption.

Wise Words – Sam Stedman on Helping Kids Make Conscientious Choices 

Sam Stedman is the co-founder and publisher of Eco Parent, a quarterly print magazine distributed in North America that is designed to help parents make better choices for their families. He holds a Ph.D. in experimental theater and ethical philosophy from the University of Toronto and was a university professor for more than 10 years in Ontario. Stedman lives in Belize with his 12-year-old son, Ransom. 

Inspiration – A Pebble of Kindness in the Stagnant Pond 

kindness is a practice that is encouraged throughout society. Compassion—the bedrock of goodwill—is a spark that can easily be snuffed out on the wheel of survival. Spiritual practice is usually associated with attending a house of worship, getting on a yoga mat or keeping a gratitude journal, but one of the most beautiful faces of mindfulness reveals itself when we embody kindness. With the expression of compassion, we become joy in motion. 

Eco Tip – Keeping Sneakers Out of the Landfill

Athletic footwear languishing in landfills releases volatile organic compounds linked to asthma, cancer and other health complications. Instead of discarding old shoes that will take 30 to 40 years to decompose, consider these alternatives.