Skip to main content

Natural Awakenings Chicago ~ January 2025

January 2025 Natural Awakenings Chicago cover

February 2025 Issue of Natural Awakenings Chicago

Celebrate a Happy Heart with the February 2025 issue of Natural Awakenings Chicago! This month, explore expert insights on heart-healthy living with the latest in integrative cardiology, learn about the benefits of dark chocolate and cacao (plus delicious recipes), and find out how stretching can support cardiovascular wellness.

Explore our Natural Chicago area at a local gull watching event. And find out more about a holistic lifestyle for our four-legged friends.

Stay connected to your community with local events, discover ways to embrace nature during winter, and find inspiration to make this season one of health, happiness, and renewal. Whether you're looking for holistic wellness tips, local events, or mindful living practices, this issue is your guide to a thriving heart and balanced life.

Read more inside and start your journey to better heart health today!

Pick up your print copy throughout Chicagoland. For more information, visit NAChicago.com.




Yoga Pose: Peak Pose Sequence: Tadesana to Ardha Chandrasana
Build up to Ardha Chandrasana with a gentle, consistent practice. Create your space, explore different styles, focus on breath, use props, and embrace your yoga journey! Read More »
10 Wellness Benefits of Sipping Tea in the Winter Season
Embrace tea for immune support, digestion, heart health, and stress relief this winter. From boosting energy to supporting skin health and weight management, tea nourishes body and mind. Read More »
Robin Wall Kimmerer image Midwest Womens Herbal Conference
Annual Women’s Herbal Conference Highlights Generosity, Care and Creativity
Join the 14th annual Midwest Women’s Herbal Conference, May 23–25, in Almond, WI. Enjoy workshops, plant walks, and keynote speakers like Robin Wall Kimmerer. Read More »
Ash & Willow Expands With New Healing Space in Park Ridge
Ash & Willow Eco Salons in Park Ridge introduce The Nest, offering reiki, sound baths, meditation, and more. Discover holistic beauty and healing. Details at AshWillowSalon.com. Read More »
Celebrate National Seed Swap Day
National Seed Swap Day invites gardeners to exchange seeds, share knowledge, and connect over a mutual love of plants, explore new varieties and inspire your garden for the year ahead. Read More »
Celebrate the New Year With Chakra Studio’s Special Healing Offers
Explore Chakra Studio's new Highland Park location at 474 Central Ave., Suite 206. Enjoy New Year Chakra Balancing sessions for $150 or virtual healings starting at $35. Rebalance and renew! Read More »
Digestive Health Solutions Expands Gut Health Services with BiomeFx
Digestive Health Solutions now offers BiomeFx gut microbiome testing, revealing insights for personalized wellness strategies. Learn more at DigestiveHealthSolutions.com or call 847-207-2034. Read More »
Discover Chicagoland’s Indoor Nature Treasures This Winter
Explore area nature centers this season. These free indoor mini-museums feature live animal exhibits, including a 130-year-old snapping turtle, tiger salamanders, and hissing cockroaches! Read More »
Dormant Season is Tree Pruning Season
During winter, tree crews prune trees and shrubs. The dormant season is ideal for spotting damaged branches, reducing structural interference, and enhancing safety before storms strike. Read More »
Dream Big, Live Bigger: Night Visions as Guides for Growth
Your dreams are powerful messages from your inner self, revealing both roadblocks and opportunities for growth. By exploring them, you can challenge outdated beliefs and embrace change, unlocking new paths to self-love and self-reliance. Read More »
Experience Joy Through Yoga Meditation
Discover Inner Joy Through Meditation Join weekly yoga meditation sessions at 9:30 a.m. Sundays at the Chicago Center of Self-Realization Fellowship in River Forest. Reconnect with your soul’s innate joy! Read More »
Chicago Park District
Garfield Park Conservatory Breaks Ground on Children’s Garden
The Chicago Park District and Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance broke ground on the Elizabeth Morse Genius Children’s Garden, opening in fall 2025. A $10 million renovation! Visit GarfieldConservatory.org Read More »
Health Clarified Offers Comprehensive Health Reset
Start the New Year with Wellness Health Clarified in Northbrook offers 50% off their Full Body Audit in January—gain insights into your health and enjoy 20% off recommended supplements! Read More »
The Morton Arboretum
Jumpstart Spring with Winter Seed Sowing at The Morton Arboretum
Winter Seed Sowing Workshop Join Natasha Nicholes at The Morton Arboretum on January 18, 10 a.m.–noon, to craft mini-greenhouses and learn winter sowing techniques. MortonArb.org Read More »
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Psychiatric Crisis Requiring Immediate Attention
PTSD affects millions, causing symptoms like intrusive memories, depression, and irritability. Effective treatment combines therapy and medication. Learn more at ChicagoMaleClinic.com. Read More »
Headshot of publisher Peggy Malecki
Publisher’s Letter
As we transition into a new year, let the Norwegian concept of friluftsliv—“open-air living”—inspire you to embrace winter's beauty outdoors and discover Chicagoland's nature treasures. Read More »
The Power of One Word: Setting Intentions in the New Year
Instead of a lengthy list of goals, focus on one word that embodies your aspirations. Revisit it quarterly to stay aligned with your motivation and purpose throughout the year. Read More »
Winter Farmers Market Fresh: Savory Roasted Mushroom Recipe
Find over 40 winter farmers markets in Illinois at ilfma.org. Mushrooms, available year-round, are perfect for winter dishes like soups, stews, or sautéed with veggies and beef. Read More »
man on a mountain
First Thoughts and New Experiences: Returning to Innocence Through Beginner's Mindset
Start the new year with shoshin—a beginner’s mindset. Learn how curiosity, optimism, and gratitude can refresh your outlook, improve health, and unlock new opportunities. Read More »
Gladys McGarey
Gladys McGarey: on the Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age
Dr. Gladys McGarey, the "Mother of Holistic Medicine," shares six profound secrets to health and happiness, rooted in love, movement, and life's lessons. Read More »
happy face made of citrus fruit
Serving up Happiness: Foods for Better Moods
A diet rich in ultra-processed foods can harm mental health, but simple shifts to nutrient-dense, whole foods can boost mood, gut health, and neurotransmitter balance. Read More »
EASY SERENITY SALAD BOWL
Easy Serenity Salad Bowl
Boost gut health and energy with this vibrant salad, packed with greens, fermented veggies, and nutrient-rich toppings. Read More »
protein smoothie
Feel-Good Protein Smoothie Recipe
Boost your day with this protein-packed smoothie! Blend ultra-filtered milk, protein powder, frozen fruits, flaxseeds, yogurt, and kale for a nutritious, energizing treat. Read More »
GUT-FRIENDLY BROCCOLI NUT SOUP
Gut-Friendly Broccoli Nut Soup
Warm up with this creamy, nutrient-packed broccoli and potato soup, made with wholesome ingredients and a touch of cashews for richness. Perfect for cozy, healthy meals! Read More »
grain bowl
Sustaining Grain Bowl
Create a nourishing bowl with whole grains, fresh veggies, lean protein, and healthy toppings. A versatile, balanced meal perfect for fueling your day! Read More »
little baby contemplating stairs
Opening New Chapters
Starting fresh can spark creativity and excitement. Take first steps—big or small—toward new adventures, and let wonder guide your journey. Read More »
bird perched on an up cycled water bottle
The Upcycling Lifestyle: How To Make Anything New Again
From fashion to furniture, unleash creativity while reducing waste. Discover how repurposing can inspire sustainability and spark joy. Read More »
woman exercising while cleaning
Exercise With a Smile: Turning Workouts Into Playtime
Dance, hike, or play—joyful movement turns workouts into playtime. Ditch the pressure, embrace the fun, and make fitness a happy lifestyle habit. Read More »
fertility naturally
Advancing a Couple’s Fertility: Natural Solutions for Women and Men
From nutrition to toxin reduction, learn how lifestyle changes can enhance fertility for men and women. Read More »
Dad and daughter dance joyfully
Secrets to a Joyful Childhood: Building a Family That Laughs and Loves Together
Cultivate joy at home with gratitude jars, family dance parties, outdoor fun, and mindful togetherness. Strengthen bonds and boost resilience through shared, meaningful activities. Read More »
Bonding With a Dog: Fun Tips To Build Trust, Calm and Companionship
Strengthen your bond with your dog while boosting well-being. Discover the joys of play, mental stimulation, and bonding activities for a happier, healthier relationship. Read More »
magnesium to prevent kidney stones
Magnesium To Prevent Kidney Stones
A study in the Natural Medicine Journal reveals magnesium citrate may reduce kidney stone risk by lowering urine oxalate levels and calcium oxalate supersaturation. Read More »
Age-Related Balance Issues Studied
A PLOS ONE study highlights the one-legged balance test as a key indicator of fall risk in seniors, with declines linked to aging. Balancing for under 5 seconds signals higher danger. Read More »
small girl refusing her vegetables
Disadvantages of Food Pouches for Children
Food pouches for kids are convenient but may impact nutrition, dental health, and speech development, and promote aversions to natural foods. Experts urge mindful use and variety. Read More »
Homeopathic remedies
Homeopathic Treatment for COVID-19
A clinical audit found individualized homeopathy treatments helped 70% of COVID-19 patients recover, with most cases resolving within 21 days and no adverse reactions reported. Read More »
man coughing with Cannabis-Related Syndrome Double
Cases of Cannabis-Related Syndrome Double
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), linked to chronic marijuana use, affects 2.75 million Americans annually, causing severe nausea, dehydration, and rising ER visits. Read More »
Ice and snow on mountains
Dire State of Earth’s Ice and Snow
A COP29 report warns of alarming ice loss worldwide, including Greenland shedding 30M tons per hour and disappearing glaciers in Europe. Experts call for urgent fossil fuel phase-out. Read More »
mountains and valleys
Drones Reveal Lost Cities
New research reveals two ancient high-altitude cities in Uzbekistan, challenging assumptions about Silk Road trade routes avoiding Central Asia's mountains. Read More »
Ambient Photonics creates solar cells powered by indoor light
Innovations in Photonics
Photonics innovations are reshaping technology: Ambient Photonics creates solar cells powered by indoor light, while Slux uses streetlights for high-speed internet communication. Read More »
smart traffic lights
Smart Traffic Signals
Smart traffic lights reduce CO2 emissions by up to 40% and cut wait times by 95%, as shown in a 2023 study. Cities like Butler County, Ohio, are adopting this AI-powered technology. Read More »
African forest elephant
Elephants Alleviate Climate Change
African forest elephants are vital climate allies, boosting carbon capture through seed dispersal and habitat shaping. Protecting these critically endangered animals is key to combating climate change. Read More »
basket woven from old t-shirts
New Uses for Old T-Shirts
Revive old T-shirts with creative DIY ideas. Make scrunchies, tote bags, dog toys, memory quilts, braided baskets, or reusable cleaning cloths. Read More »
February 2025 Yoga Network Inspire Yoga & Wellness
Local Yoga, Movement & Fitness News, Updates and More
“The rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind, and the harmony of the soul create the symphony of life.” - B.K.S. Iyengar Read More »
In-Print

March 2025 Issue

Read It Now

Natural Awakenings Chicago Magazine April cover monarch butterfly and milkweed
Click Here to Read Past Issues
Subscribe to our Email Newletter Here!