Tag: health

  • Genuinely green

    Genuinely green

    Genuinely green

    Beauty meets environmental stewardship

    Natural. Eco-friendly. Clean.

    It’s easy to believe marketers’ claims about beauty products being sustainable. However, these assertions can be misleading. Here’s how to spot greenwashing and make truly impactful purchases.

    Identifying greenwashing 

    Greenwashing is a marketing tactic that’s growing, yet there’s no single definition. It often involves companies misleading consumers into believing their products are more sustainable than they are. Common examples include claiming polypropylene is recyclable when it’s rarely recycled in practice.

    Other instances of greenwashing

    • Using nature-inspired imagery without making sustainability claims.
    • Highlighting one eco-friendly aspect while ignoring other less sustainable ones.
    • Falsely claiming certifications or mimicking certification graphics.
    • Sharing unsupported statistics or percentages without reliable backing.
    • Using vague terms like “nontoxic,” “green,” or “eco-friendly” without clear definitions.

    Making meaningful efforts
    To identify brands that genuinely practice sustainability, look for honesty and visible actions. For example, some brands are transparent about the trade-offs involved in their choices. A brand might use plastic in its refill program because it’s the best option available, explaining their rationale openly.

    Transparency involves sharing both the benefits and drawbacks of their practices, with an understanding that no solution is perfect. Many brands also donate a portion of profits to environmental causes, tracking their impact through apps that show how much plastic has been recovered or how much land has been protected.

    Other companies demonstrate environmental stewardship, like sourcing ingredients sustainably or supporting fair trade. For instance, some brands hand-pick local botanicals, while others buy plastic waste from waste pickers and recycle it into new packaging.

    A consumer’s game plan 

    To avoid falling for greenwashing, stay informed and skeptical. Words like “transparent” or “clean” shouldn’t be taken at face value. Investigate how brands define and implement these terms. Check if their claims are backed by supporting information or independent certifications.

    It’s also essential to consider the product’s end-of-life. Research whether your local recycling programs accept the packaging or contact experts for guidance. The percentage of recycled content in the packaging is crucial—higher is better. If a container has a grey tinge, it likely contains 100% post-consumer recycled material.

    By Carime Lane

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • 10 Clever Workout Tips for Busy People

    10 Clever Workout Tips for Busy People

    10 Clever Workout Tips for Busy People

    Just because your schedule won’t slow down, doesn’t mean you have to

    With a new year comes an even busier schedule. That project you said you’d revisit? That after-school activity your child wants? That postponed get-together with friends? Everything seems to converge at once.

    Fitting regular exercise into your list might seem impossible. That’s why we’ve gathered quick workout ideas for your busy schedule.

    1. Prep your workouts

    You may have tried meal prepping, but what about workout prepping? Set aside time each week to plan your workouts, like hitting the gym or taking a daily walk—make it your own!

    Pro tip: Set out your workout clothes or pack your gym bag the night before to make exercise easier the next day.

    2. Walk and talk

    Don’t sacrifice time with loved ones for your workout. Combine social time by walking together around the neighborhood or on trails.

    Pro tip: Bring a health-boosting drink like matcha or rooibos tea to enjoy during your walk.

    3. Try bedtime yoga

    Can you only find time at night? Bedtime yoga helps you move and relax, prepping you for sleep while improving balance and strength.

    Pro tip: List what you’re thankful for during your yoga session to enhance your practice.

    4. Give HIIT workouts a shot

    High-intensity interval training (HIIT) packs big benefits into shorter sessions. Example: 45 seconds of jumping rope followed by a short break, then 45 seconds of squats. HIIT is ideal for those short on time.

    Pro tip: Download a HIIT timer app to track your sets.

    5. Multitask with a treadmill

    Working while walking on a treadmill is becoming popular for remote employees. It allows you to move while getting work done; walking can also curb cravings and boost immune function.

    Pro tip: Choose easy tasks to complete while walking, like reading or answering emails.

    6. Switch up your commute

    Vary your commute by running, walking, or biking a few days a week for a built-in workout. These activities can decrease stress and improve focus.

    Pro tip: Biking instead of driving once a day can decrease your carbon footprint by around 67 percent.

    7. Involve the kiddos

    Can’t find alone time? Involve the kids! Have them do yoga with you or bike alongside you while you run.

    Pro tip: If they can’t join, sign them up for an activity near your gym.

    8. Take a resistance band on the go

    Keep a resistance band handy for mini workouts anywhere. They’re affordable and effective for building strength.

    Pro tip: A jump rope is another portable tool for a great cardio workout.

    9. Create healthy hobbies

    Find exercises that bring you joy, like dancing, geocaching, or walking to your favorite coffee shop.

    Pro tip: Try indoor rock climbing for a unique, heart-pumping hobby.

    10. Switch it up

    Don’t stick to one workout. Mix it up with gym days, long walks, and yoga sessions to stay motivated throughout the year!

    Pro tip: Schedule rest days for muscle recovery and relaxation.

    By Makena Wardle

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Bros need bros

    Bros need bros

    Bros need bros

    In-person relationships affect men’s mental and physical health

    When you were younger, you likely had more friends than you knew what to do with. Through school, sports, and clubs, you connected with people who shared your interests. It was easy—just show up.

    As life became more complex with careers, partners, kids, and more, you probably found yourself with just one or two close friends and rarely see them in person. Does it matter? Your mental and physical health may depend on those friendships.

    Benefits with friends

    Social connection serves as a buffer against stress, depression, and other mental health issues, correlating with a greater likelihood of seeking help.

    Thirty years ago, 55 percent of men had at least six close friends, but today, only about 27 percent report having that many, with 15 percent having no close friendships.

    When men do have friends, how do they “hang”?

    The American Journal of Men’s Health identifies three distinct patterns:

    1. Relationships with men are often “instrumental,” centered on shared activities, while those with women involve more personal sharing.
    2. Men typically find it challenging to confide in other men, often attributing emotional expression to femininity, which is often seen as undesirable in male groups.
    3. Many men take pride in being “independent” and reject the need for social support, preferring to handle difficulties alone.

    Social connection and health

    Strong social connections can insulate against loneliness, anxiety, and depression. They can also help maintain a healthy BMI, improve blood sugar control, and enhance cancer-fighting odds.

    Tim Geromini, nutrition and strength coach, states, “If you spend time with people who are physically active, you’re more likely to be fit. Social connectedness with the right people will positively impact your mental wellness and physical health.”

    Partner power

    If this resonates with someone you know, consider your role in empowering your partner. The “independent guy” might not ask for help even when he needs it.

    With connection benefiting health, consider this your green light. Here are a few tips from Geromini:

    Offer gentle encouragement

    Approach the topic with empathy and encourage open conversations about their social concerns.

    Lead by example

    Demonstrate the positive impact of social connections by actively engaging in your own social life, inspiring your partner to follow suit.

    Identify shared interests

    Participate in social activities together, like local classes or events you both enjoy.

    Support networking

    Accompany your partner to social or networking events, offering emotional support and encouragement.

    Act as a resource

    Help find resources and communities relevant to your partner’s interests, such as local groups and online communities.

    Encourage gradual exposure

    Promote small steps in building connections through casual gatherings or small group outings.

    Express unconditional support

    Maintain a nonjudgmental approach and assure your partner of your support.

    By Brendan Rofe, BA, DipA

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Rest and repeat

    Rest and repeat

    Rest and repeat

    Harness the power of yoga during pregnancy and postpartum

    In today’s fast-paced society, many of us emphasize the value of “doing” and diminish the significance of downtime—a mindset that often extends into pregnancy.

    Expectant moms are frequently burdened by anxiety about managing responsibilities, whether it be maintaining workout routines throughout trimesters or focusing on household tasks during postpartum recovery. In reality, we’re not supposed to do it all (or do it the same).

    Here’s how to reclaim rest and tap into the benefits of yoga during this transformative period of motherhood.

    The pressure to be productive

    With the pace of modern life pulling our attention in various directions, we often end up in a continual state of reactivity. The pressure to be productive can impact everything from sleep quality to hormone regulation, both vital during pregnancy and postpartum to create a nurturing environment for ourselves and our little ones. Failing to allow ourselves time to heal and discover what it means to mother can lead to struggle.

    The power of rest

    How can we embrace downtime? What does it mean to truly rest? Rest isn’t necessarily about sleep quality but our capacity to simply stop and be. It’s our ability to downregulate the nervous system or take moments of conscious rest throughout the day.

    Whether pregnant or caring for a newborn, carving out time for rest allows us to surrender to our circumstances. How we think and relate to ourselves and others is rooted in our capacity to rest. Practicing conscious rest in pregnancy and postpartum can take many forms, such as reading a book, meditating while breastfeeding, or gentle stretching. It means letting go of the pressure to run outdoors or clean before the baby wakes.

    Author Kimberly Ann Johnson explores this in her book The Fourth Trimester: “Exercise is a healthy stress reliever, but sometimes it is the only way that women know how to regulate their stress levels. [Pregnancy] is a great time to strengthen internal practices like meditation.”

    Yoga as a form of rest and recovery

    Embracing rest throughout each perinatal stage doesn’t mean giving up movement. Yoga connects our bodies and minds during this transitory time. While standard yoga centers on stretching, prenatal yoga emphasizes structural alignment and stability-focused work—from strengthening the pelvic floor to releasing lower back tension. It also includes breathwork and visualization techniques.

    Research indicates prenatal yoga can reduce labor pain, lower the likelihood of intervention during childbirth, and boost the birthing parent’s immune function. Additionally, studies suggest yoga enhances psychological well-being during pregnancy and postpartum by mitigating stress and improving sleep quality.

    Reframing the concept of self-care

    Whether pregnant or caring for a newborn, committing to a standard yoga practice each week may be unrealistic. Instead, reframing self-care and not fixating on a previous workout routine is crucial. Smaller but more regular practices of self-care can be as beneficial as an hour at the gym. There’s no going back after having a child; you’re creating something new.

    By Brittany Devenyi

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Habits for healing

    Habits for healing

    Habits for healing

    Supplements and strategies to reach your health goals

    There are certain fundamental steps needed to reach any goals. Most of us know these things, but reminders are sometimes necessary to get back on track.

    These essential strategies—eating a healthy diet rich in colorful produce; exercising; getting plenty of sleep; drinking pure water; reducing harmful foods like fast food, fried food, and processed food; and eliminating habits that sabotage efforts, such as smoking and excessive drinking or eating—form the foundation for other health goals.

    Improve brain and mental health

    Nutrition and lifestyle choices play a large role in brain and mental health:

    • Following the Mediterranean diet—rich in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, and whole grains, plus fish, poultry, and eggs—can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and depression.
    • Supplementing with saffron may help protect against memory loss.
    • Drinking green tea may help reduce harmful amyloid-B plaques in the brain, linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
    • Exercising improves memory, so head out for a brisk walk on your lunch break or hit the gym after work.
    • Adding mushrooms to your diet at least twice a week may help reduce cognitive decline.
    • Supplementing with vitamin D3, if deficient, may significantly improve cognitive performance.

    Boost cardiovascular health

    The journey to cardiovascular health also involves healthy diet and lifestyle habits:

    • Engaging in regular activity—moderate to vigorous aerobic activities, with at least 150 minutes per week and muscle-strengthening activities twice a week.
    • Following a Mediterranean diet is linked to a reduction in stroke risk.
    • Drinking two to three cups of green tea may prevent fat buildup in arteries.
    • Sleeping seven to nine hours nightly; insufficient sleep may increase heart disease
    • Managing stress through self-care, connecting with loved ones, practicing yoga or meditation, journaling, or engaging in
    • Eating a diet high in anthocyanins (berries, cherries, and purple cabbage) has been linked to a significant reduction in heart disease risk.
    • Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids—including wild salmon, mackerel, flaxseeds, and walnuts—may help reduce heart disease risk.

    Live a longer, healthier life

    To extend your life, what you don’t eat is as important as what you do:

    • Engaging in caloric restriction or fasting while maintaining optimal nutrition can effectively extend your life and ward off illness.
    • Maintaining a healthy body weight and reducing excessive abdominal fat through an active lifestyle improves
    • Eating at least three servings of nuts per week has been linked to a significant reduction in mortality risk.
    • Supplementing with curcumin has been linked to improved brain, heart, and lung health, and protection against age-related diseases.
    • Drinking green tea regularly has significant links to reduced risk of cognitive decline.
    • Finding purpose in life has been shown to lower inflammation, which can affect lifespan.

    By Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD, DNM

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • You can protect biodiversity

    You can protect biodiversity

    You can protect biodiversity

    Saving soil and ocean health now and for the future

    Land and sea may seem like opposites, but the two are intricately connected. What happens on land, especially with our soils, has an impact on the health of our oceans, and it’s imperative to the well-being of all living things that both are treated carefully.

    How soil health affects the health of our planet

    “Poor agricultural practices can cause soil erosion and soil pollution,” says James Campbell, a research associate with the Research Centre for Carbon Solutions at Heriot-Watt University.

    About 33 percent of the Earth’s soil is degraded, largely due to agriculture, and more than 90 percent faces the same fate by 2050, according to the United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization. But more than just the future of food production is thrown into jeopardy by this fact. So, too, is the planet’s ability to sustain any kind of life at all.

    Soil stores carbon, helping to regulate the planet’s temperature. When it’s degraded, all that stored carbon gets released back into the atmosphere, making it one of the biggest contributors to climate change.

    The connection between soil health and our oceans

    Land and soil degradation also affects our oceans. After all, carbon dioxide (CO2) being released through activities such as tilling or clear-cutting forests to make way for food production has to go somewhere. It goes into the Earth’s other carbon sink: oceans. And when CO2 dissolves in seawater, it becomes carbonic acid, raising the acidity of the ocean.

    Ocean acidification is devastating for underwater ecosystems. Also known as “osteoporosis of the sea,” it decreases carbonate in seawater, which is used by shellfish, coral, and crustaceans to build their shells, reefs, and skeletons.

    Individual actions can affect the future

    A 2020 UN report on biodiversity and ecosystem services estimated that a quarter of all terrestrial, freshwater, and marine vertebrates and invertebrates and plants are threatened with extinction, and many of those have only decades left before they’re gone forever.

    It’s a bleak prognosis, but if we want to change course, we can start by thinking more critically about the impact of our individual actions.

    Buy local

    Shorter transportation distances generally mean less carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere.

    Avoid using chemicals at home

    This includes fertilizers, insecticides, and pesticides on lawns or in gardens, which are harmful to humans, insects, birds, fish, and pets.

    Swap the lawn for native plant species

    To decrease the amount of mowing, watering, and even fertilizing required to keep your lawn lush, start switching out grass for vegetation that grows naturally where you are.

    Keep Fluffy indoors

    Cats are stealthy hunters, posing a threat to birds, small animals, and reptiles that call your yard or neighborhood home. If Fluffy is desperate to get out, dress him up in a collar with a bell to alert prey to his presence.

    By Tiffany Mayer

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Slow down!

    Slow down!

    Slow down!

    It’s time for reflection and a fresh start

    Springtime is the perfect opportunity to start fresh by consciously pausing to rest, reflect, and recalibrate. Create space for quiet time and make the most of it. Here’s how.

    Back to basics

    Take several deep conscious breaths and reflect on your

    • energy level
    • physical health
    • emotional state
    • financial condition
    • relationship health

    Notice where you may be out of balance, depleted, or too full. This gives you a quick baseline, a reference point to guide you forward.

    Shouldn’t I be doing something?

    When we’ve been doing a lot, it can seem like there’s something off if we don’t continue to keep busy. However there’s so much to be learned when we shift focus from doing to being.

    Judy Cashmore is a movement and embodiment teacher. She sees numerous benefits to embracing the quiet of being:

    • deep restoration of our nervous system
    • sparking of creative impulses and problem-solving approaches
    • clearer perspective on ourselves and on our lives
    • space to process and release any stuck or repetitive thoughts and feelings
    • connection with the natural world by allowing ourselves our own “season” of quiet

    We’re all wired differently!

    The 20th-century analyst Carl Jung posited that people either recharge themselves in solitude (introverts) or socially (extroverts). The contrasting styles are on a continuum where each person has differing proportions of each style. Thus, we may have different levels of comfort with social stimulation and also different ways of centring and recharging.

    If you’re more introverted and yearning for downtime, yet still have family, work, or social obligations, try intentionally integrating boundaries and breathers. If, on the other hand, you’re more extroverted and yearning for social activity to continue, try reaching out to others and do something together.

    Reframing alone time

    Notice what story you tell yourself about alone time—because that story will inevitably influence your perspective. If you think there’s something wrong because you are alone right now, try reframing to encompass the notion of space for something new.

    If you’ve been spending a great deal of time alone and telling yourself it’s good because it’s solitude, consider if you’re avoiding or missing something else. You might reframe your experience as a period of isolation from which you can shift.

    Recognize that your beliefs affect your perceptions and thoughts—so if you want a different experience, change up your assumptions!

    Find the gold

    This season will transition into the next. Before it does, you have some space to give yourself a shake and begin anew. Take your time, and maybe appreciate yourself in the process. There is really no one like you!

    By Carole Ames

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Find your path toward well-being

    Find your path toward well-being

    Find your path toward well-being

    Purpose, power, and physical health

    Often when we begin to reflect on the metaphysical questions in life, including “what’s my purpose?” we undervalue the role of physical health in the journey. But having the healthiest body possible allows us to more easily grow and stretch in other areas of life. Here are some key focus areas to boost physical health so you can more powerfully live on purpose.

    The power of purpose

    First of all, let’s eliminate any notion that seeking out your purpose and expressing it is frivolous. American psychologist Abraham Maslow, in his famous hierarchy of needs, proposed that self-actualization is the pinnacle of a life well lived. In other words, stretching to the edges of your abilities is important for your well-being. In fact, research suggests that finding purpose can add years to your life.

    Purpose and well-being

    As you reflect on your purpose, remember that there is no single magic answer and that your purpose evolves over time. Consider each of the facets of well-being as a jumping-off point for finding your next purpose.

    Garbage in, garbage out

    One of the easiest ways to minimize physical distractions is to limit the disease-promoting toxins you expose yourself to. This includes not only harmful chemicals in foods, body care products, and home supplies but also relationships, environments, and spaces that feel poisonous.

    Pay attention to how your habitual television viewing, video games, and nights out with the gang make you feel in your body. Are you light, happy, and excited or sad, depressed, and anxious? Eliminate the stress-inducing spaces and people.

    I think, therefore I am

    The brain doesn’t benefit from the same lymphatic system that removes toxins and pathogens in the rest of your body. Instead, the brain’s “glymphatic” system rinses debris from the spaces between your brain cells. The caveat to this system is that it works 60 percent better when you’re sleeping than when you’re awake—which means sleep is a purposeful priority.

    You know it in your heart

    While your brain helps you with your lists and your decisions, the heart has traditionally been seen as the hub of perception and awareness. Research has shown there is a two-way street between emotional and spiritual well-being and heart health. Nourish your heart connection with mindfulness activities such as yoga, time in nature, and meditation, as well as regular exercise and plenty of antioxidant-rich foods.

    Liver lovin’

    Possibly the least considered yet most involved organ in your body is your liver. It plays a role in all your major life events, from digestion and elimination to circulation, detoxification, and hormone metabolism. It’s a factor in body shape, inflammation, energy levels, and mood.

    Purpose proviso

    Don’t panic if you’re struggling to demystify your purpose. Often, the path is revealed only after we start walking. Until clarity comes, focus on removing the physical health distractions. It’s a win/win.

    By Dr. Lisa Petty, PhD

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • How to embrace healthy aging

    How to embrace healthy aging

    How to embrace healthy aging

    Choose proactivity

    As we journey through life, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the myriad minor age-related ailments that seem to crop up as we get older. Many of us may accept these issues as part and parcel of the aging process. However, fostering resilience and taking preventive steps can help us manage and even prevent these ailments. Let’s explore how to address common aging-related ailments across some key areas.

    Bone and joint health

    Our bones and joints bear the brunt of our daily activities, and as we age, they require extra care. Aching joints and reduced bone density are common complaints among older adults. However, these issues can be managed and even mitigated with the right strategies.

    Aches and pains should never be dismissed as mere signs of aging, particularly if they increase in severity or if they occur quickly. They often indicate underlying issues that need attention.

    Regular exercise, tailored to individual capabilities, may improve joint flexibility and bone strength. Weight-bearing exercises, like walking, jogging, or resistance training, help maintain bone density; while stretching and flexibility exercises keep joints supple. Importantly, though, we must listen to our bodies to ensure we aren’t pushing ourselves too hard.

    Calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone health. Adequate intake of these nutrients can reduce the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.

    Hearing, eyesight, and sleep health

    Hearing loss is a common issue with aging, but it can be managed and prevented. Avoiding prolonged exposure to loud noises and using hearing protection in noisy environments are crucial steps. Regular hearing check-ups can help detect early signs of hearing loss, allowing for timely intervention

    Eyesight can deteriorate with age, leading to conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Regular eye examinations are essential for early detection and treatment. Wearing sunglasses to protect against UV rays, maintaining a diet rich in antioxidants (like vitamins C and E), and using adequate lighting can support eye health.

    Quality sleep is fundamental to our overall health. Sleep disorders, such as insomnia or sleep apnea, often increase with age. Establishing a regular sleep routine, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and limiting caffeine and alcohol intake can promote better sleep.

    Diet and digestion

    A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats provides essential nutrients for aging bodies. Fiber is particularly important for digestive health, helping to prevent constipation and other gastrointestinal issues. Staying hydrated is equally crucial, as dehydration can exacerbate digestive problems and affect overall health.

    Probiotics can support a healthy gut microbiome, improving digestion and nutrient absorption. Digestive enzymes may also aid those experiencing difficulties in breaking down food, ensuring that nutrients are effectively utilized by the body.

    Professional support

    Taking a holistic approach to health, encompassing physical, psychological, and social well-being, is crucial for healthy aging. Regular checkups with healthcare practitioners ensure that any persistent or serious symptoms are addressed promptly.

    By Theodore D. Cosco, PhD

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Connect with nature this March

    Connect with nature this March

    Connect with nature this March

    Embrace the season and find joy

    Ask anyone what their least favorite month is and chances are March will be high on the list. Depending on what the weather throws at us, it can be more bleak than blossom, our doors still shut though we’re itching to bust them wide open. If winter feels like an annual rite of passage, then March is the final leg of it.

    Connect with nature

    How, then, do we make peace with this month? Regular connection with the natural world is one powerful strategy.

    Registered psychologist Sam Kriviak advises looking to nature as a model for being gentle with ourselves and the seasonal changes we experience in mood, energy, and productivity. “All species ebb and flow with the seasons in northern climates. The more connected we can be to nature, I think, the more we notice that our March will likely look and feel very different from our July or our October … and that’s okay!”

    Participants in a large UK study committed to some form of nature-based activity every day for a month. The result was an increase in nature connectedness, health, happiness, and conservation behaviors that lasted well past the 30 days. Spending time in nature can help foster physical health, and may even help to support our immune systems!

    Here are a few ways to foster connection in nature this season.

    Be attentive

    Simply locating ourselves in relation to Earth’s cycles can help us appreciate this time of year in a new light. Longstanding practices in your region, such as tapping of sugar maples or migratory bird counts, offer clues to the seasonal shifts happening around you.

    Do your own ancestral traditions offer a way to recognize this transitional month? And don’t forget to mark the spring equinox, either contemplatively or through a shared celebration such as a potluck, campfire, or walk with friends.

    Engage in comfort

    Direct contact with nature can be had even from a comfortable place indoors. Whether you’re eating, napping, or getting a little work done, position yourself where sunbeams are entering your home and soak them up.

    Get out there

    Nothing can perk us up quite like getting outside and imbibing the medicine of the natural world through our senses. Perhaps stroll at your kids’ pace, using an app to identify birds by their song or guessing which tree or plant you’re looking at based solely on its bark or dried seed heads.

    Use your head

    Even when the weather truly relegates us to the indoors, nature can work its magic through our imaginations. Children might enjoy drawing what all the underground life is up to this time of year: roots, worms, and microbes still slumbering or beginning to stir and wake.

    Get a jump on spring

    It’s the ideal time to begin many plants indoors, giving them a head start on the growing season. Planting seeds is an inherently optimistic act.

    By Jackie Skrypnek

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine