“How is our calendar already this full?” I said to my husband as I looked at September. Even though my kids are grown, back-to-school season still seems to flip a switch. Football games are back, along with volleyball and soccer games my son calls, weekend getaways are on the calendar, and suddenly those leisurely summer weekends have disappeared. I love the fun of it all, but I’ve learned that a full calendar works a lot better when I don’t let my nervous system match its pace.

Meditation is my go-to, especially first thing in the morning. Starting the day quietly helps me feel centered, calm and ready for whatever lands on the schedule. After too much time sitting at my desk, movement, or sometimes a spontaneous dance break, helps me reset. Introduction to Somatic Therapies: Reconnecting Mind and Body in an Overstimulated World [page 14] reinforced why those simple practices can be so powerful. As Daniel Amen, M.D., explains, “Chronic stress doesn’t just affect your thoughts. It changes your biology.” I also learned something new: humming can physically calm the vagus nerve. Apparently, my nervous-system toolkit now includes making a little noise.

And because this summer has been so darn hot, I’ve been looking for more ways to exercise indoors. Functional Yoga for Everyday Mobility: Simple Poses for Real-Life Strength and Stability [page 26] was perfectly timed, with its reminder that yoga doesn’t have to be about pretzel poses or perfection. It’s simply about consistent movement that helps our bodies function better in everyday life. I’m also newly appreciative of the crystal singing bowl I inherited from my mother. It sits near my desk, and I often use its soothing tone to settle myself, something  Healing Harmonies: How Sound Therapy Supports Modern Wellness [page 24] gave me even more reason to appreciate.

Elsewhere this month, Nutritious Nachos: Yummy Ideas Everyone Will Love  [page 18] offers healthier inspiration for game-day snacking. At my-NA.com, find even more to explore: Clean Clothes, Cleaner Planet shares easy ways to make laundry greener, while Home Energy Resilience: Smarter Ways To Prepare for Outages and Rising Costs explores backup-power options. The Power of Movement: Supporting Healthy Childhood Development Through Balance shows why active play matters for kids, Sowing Seeds of Promise celebrates September’s season of transition, and Promoting Calm in Dogs and Cats looks at the gut-brain connection in our pets.

Here’s to full calendars, deep breaths and the occasional hum.

Kris Urquhart, Publisher