November 2026 Natural Awakenings Fairfield & Litchfield Counties

In this issue: Green Gift Guide for the Holidays; Radiant Hair, Conscious Care at Salon Aponte; Holiday Magic Returns With the 18th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival; Lessons for Living from Spending Time with the Dying; Growing Our Capacity for Gratitude; Blueprint for Alzheimer’s Prevention; Building Strength for Life; Plus Much More...

Growing Our Capacity for Gratitude: How to Practice Thankfulness Every Day

Research links regular gratitude practices to improved mood, reduced anxiety and greater life satisfaction, while specific daily expressions of thanks can strengthen emotional resilience. Read More »

Blueprint for Alzheimer’s Prevention: A Conversation With Dr. David Perlmutter

Neurologist Dr. David Perlmutter explores how metabolic health, inflammation, gut bacteria, sleep and exercise may influence Alzheimer’s risk and long-term brain health. Read More »

Healthy Swaps for the Holiday Table: Thanksgiving Never Tasted So Good

Healthy Thanksgiving recipes preserve traditional flavors with nutritious swaps such as Greek yogurt, cauliflower, whole grains and natural sweeteners for a balanced holiday feast. Read More »

Healthy Mashed Potatoes

Fluffy Yukon gold potatoes blend with tangy Greek yogurt, skim milk and a touch of butter for a creamy, comforting Thanksgiving classic with a lighter, protein-rich twist. Read More »

Pecan Apple Crisp

Warm cinnamon-spiced apples bake beneath a golden, crunchy pecan-oat topping, creating a cozy, maple-sweetened holiday dessert perfect with Greek yogurt, whipped cream or ice cream. Read More »

Garlic Cauliflower Mash

Tender cauliflower and garlic blend with olive oil into a silky, savory mash that delivers comforting, creamy flavor in a lighter alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. Read More »

Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts With Honeynut Squash and Walnuts

Roasted Brussels sprouts and tender honeynut squash meet crunchy walnuts in a sweet maple-balsamic glaze, creating a colorful, caramelized holiday side dish bursting with seasonal flavor. Read More »

Pomegranate and Lentil Salad

Juicy pomegranate seeds, crisp apples, roasted squash and crunchy pecans mingle with kale and crispy lentils in a vibrant autumn salad finished with a tangy balsamic dressing. Read More »

November’s Call for Introspection

November’s quieter days invite reflection on gratitude, unfinished goals and meaningful connections, offering a seasonal reminder to appreciate life's overlooked abundance. Read More »

How Trees Make Rain: The Wonder of Forests and Weather

Forests help generate rainfall by releasing water vapor into the atmosphere, revealing how trees influence weather patterns, protect watersheds and support global climate resilience. Read More »

Building Strength for Life: Why Resistance Training Is a Key to Aging Well

Resistance training supports healthy aging by preserving muscle, strengthening bones and improving balance, mobility and independence, with safe techniques for every fitness level. Read More »

The Prediabetes Wake-Up Call: Lifestyle Changes To Keep Diabetes at Bay

A prediabetes diagnosis is not a life sentence. It is a call to action, and for most people, an entirely reversible one. Two health experts share the food strategies, mindset shifts and small daily habits that help patients steady their blood sugar without feeling restricted. Read More »

Helping Children Navigate Loss: Gentle Grief Activities for Young Hearts

Children process grief through play, music, stories and memory boxes, offering gentle ways to express emotions and cope with the loss of loved ones, pets or familiar routines. Read More »

Safe Havens for Happy Dogs and Cats Designing a Stress-Free Space for Our Pets

Creating a stress-free home for dogs and cats starts with calming routines, quiet retreats and understanding how household noise and human emotions affect pet well-being. Read More »

Homeopathy Myths: Refuting the Most Common Misconceptions

Homeopathy myths range from confusing remedies with herbal medicine to misconceptions about regulation, dosing and practitioner training, as advocates explain the system's principles. Read More »

Green Gift Guide for the Holidays

Eco-friendly holiday gift ideas include reusable essentials, sustainable personal care, nature experiences and conservation gifts that reduce waste and support a healthier planet. Read More »