Many of us encounter brief, unexpected gaps in our daily schedules—those fleeting moments that can often be referred to as "time confetti." These snippets of free time, which might last only a few minutes, are frequently spent mindlessly scrolling through social media feeds or checking the latest emails.

If you find yourself regularly falling into this familiar trap, it may be time to shift your perspective and realize the potential of these idle moments.

Instead of getting distracted, use your free time to learn by listening to podcasts. Podcasts cover many topics, from science and history to personal stories and different viewpoints.

Besides helping you learn new things and gain insights, you can discover new interests during your spare time or while on the go. Here are some of our favorite podcasts:

The Daily Stoic  Short, insightful episodes that draw from Stoic philosophy, making them perfect for mindful breaks.

Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris  This podcast focuses on mindfulness, meditation, and mental health, often featuring leading experts and teachers.

This American Life  Richly produced stories about ordinary people and their extraordinary experiences.

The RobCast with Rob Bell  Encouraging and philosophical, this podcast offers reflections on life and meaning, often with a spiritual touch.

On Being  Rather than providing answers, this podcast invites listeners into a space of curiosity, wonder, and meaningful dialogue.

Who’s On Content?!   Explore a new trending topic weekly, from gut health to NFTs, broadening your knowledge one episode at a time.

Adding podcasts to your daily routine is a great way to make the most of your downtime. They are easily accessible and cover a wide variety of topics, helping you understand the world better and turn small moments into valuable experiences.

In today’s U.S. food environment, overwhelming choices and aggressive marketing can make it challenging to eat healthily or maintain a balanced diet. However, there are practical steps we can take to navigate this complexity and make better decisions.

Grocery shopping with a list is a straightforward yet effective strategy for navigating today’s complex food environment. It serves several important purposes: it acts as a memory aid, reduces impulse purchases, supports meal planning, and ultimately protects both your health and budget.

For those aiming for healthier eating or managing calorie intake, a shopping list helps avoid unhealthy promotions and keeps you aligned with your nutritional goals. Among low-income shoppers, it can prevent overspending on non-essentials like snacks and sweets—especially when every dollar matters. In food deserts, where grocery trips are often infrequent and stores are far away, a well-planned list ensures that each visit is productive and efficient.

On the other hand, shopping without a list can lead to disorganization and unnecessary stress. Without a plan, it’s easy to overlook important items or fill your cart with unwanted products, wasting time, money, and effort. Moreover, it complicates meal planning, disrupting efforts to create balanced meals with the right ingredients.

Additionally, skipping the list increases the likelihood of forgetting dietary needs or preferences, making it harder to shop with intention. This often results in chaotic trips filled with impulse decisions and missed essentials. In contrast, using a grocery list reinforces thoughtful planning, helps you stay on track, and ensures a more efficient and rewarding shopping experience.

Planning your list in advance, whether with pen and paper or with a digital app, can make grocery runs efficient, affordable, and stress-free. Your future self will be grateful!

September 11, 2001, was a day of unimaginable tragedy and horror that deeply shook the American people. It marked a turning point in the nation's history, shattering our sense of security. Yet, amid the devastation, it also stirred something deeply human within us—a powerful drive to unite, to support one another, and to ensure that we never forget.

The anniversary of 9/11 can be honored in your community and nationwide through service, remembrance activities, or events that pay tribute to the lives lost and the heroes who responded.

Moments of Silence 

Join the 9/11 Memorial and various organizations across the country in observing moments of silence during the annual commemoration ceremony. These moments of quiet reflection honor the victims and ensure that their memory lives on.

Stair Climbs

Participate in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb to honor the 343 firefighters who lost their lives. Participants will climb 110 stories, the height of the World Trade Center towers, in a tribute to these heroes. Sponsored by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, this event supports the families of fallen firefighters nationwide.

9/11 Heroes Run

The Travis Manion Foundation hosts 9/11 Heroes Runs nationwide to honor veterans, active-duty military, first responders, and civilians affected by 9/11 and its aftermath. Open to all ages, these 5K runs raise funds to support local heroes and their families, with proceeds benefiting the Foundation’s mission.

Volunteer in Honor of 9/11

Make a difference by giving back through volunteer service. Join thousands of Americans in participating in service projects that reflect the unity and compassion shown in the days following the attacks.

Together, these acts of remembrance and service ensure that we never forget and continue to honor the legacy of those we lost.

Did you know that National Grandparents Day is celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day? This year, it's on September 7! It’s a day to honor the love and wisdom grandparents share with their grandchildren.

Grandparents Day is an opportunity to spend meaningful time with grandparents, grandfriends, or older caregivers. Here are some thoughtful ways to celebrate:

Read a Book Together: Choose a favorite story and read aloud with your grandparent, grandfriend, or caregiving elder. This simple act can spark conversation and connection across generations.

Share Stories: Reminisce over cherished memories, explore your family’s history, or flip through old photo albums together to bring those moments back to life.

Go on a Family Outing: Plan a special outing like dinner at a favorite restaurant, a movie, a trip to the skating rink, amusement park, or a scenic hike—whatever brings the family joy.

Cook a Family Recipe: Bond over food by preparing a beloved dish together, passing down traditions, and delicious memories.

Get Creative: Paint, scrapbook, or make handmade cards for each other.

Connect Virtually: If distance separates you, plan a virtual coffee or lunch date, or gather for a fun online family game night.

Volunteer Together: Consider volunteering as a family or attending a memorial service. Acts of service are a powerful way to honor both national heroes and beloved elders.

Honor Loved Ones: Gather as a family to remember grandparents or older caregivers who are no longer with you. Share kind words, light a candle, or plant a tree or flower in a meaningful location as a living tribute to their legacy.

Join in the joy of celebrating by forging deeper connections and expressing heartfelt appreciation. Let your grandparents know just how treasured they truly are!

The brain is the most complex organ in the human body, responsible for many functions. Like the heart or muscles, the brain needs care and attention. Taking proactive steps to support brain health is essential for keeping it strong, sharp, and functioning at its best.

Healthy lifestyle habits are essential to maintaining optimal brain health. Here are a few tips for a healthy brain.

Stay Social
Spending time with friends or loved ones isn’t just enjoyable, it’s essential. Social interaction helps reduce stress and depression, both of which can worsen memory loss.

Challenge Your Mind
Keep your brain sharp with activities that stimulate thinking. Try puzzles, reading, learning a new instrument, picking up a hobby, or volunteering. Mental engagement strengthens memory and supports cognitive function.

Prioritize Quality Sleep
Sleep is vital for brain health. It improves memory, focus, and mood. Aim for 7–9 hours per night.

Choose Whole Foods
Limit processed foods high in sugar, refined carbs, and unhealthy fats. Instead, fuel your brain with whole foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and fish.

Stay Active
Regular exercise increases blood flow to the brain and helps preserve mental sharpness. Aim for 30–60 minutes of moderate aerobic activity, such as walking, swimming, or tennis, several times a week.

Protect Your Head
Wear a helmet during risky activities like biking or skiing to prevent brain injuries. Use seatbelts in cars and reduce fall hazards at home by keeping walkways clear, securing rugs, and ensuring good lighting.

Integrating these essential habits into your daily routine enhances your brain function and reduces your risk of various health issues. This approach is an innovative, holistic way to feel your best mentally and physically.

A simple gesture or a heartfelt "thank you" can work wonders in expressing gratitude. These little acts of kindness have a powerful impact on our overall health, benefiting our brain and nervous system. Learn how to embrace gratitude and watch how it transforms your life.

The Brain-Altering Power of Gratitude

What is gratitude? Simply put, it's the act of recognizing and appreciating the good in our lives. Whether giving or receiving thanks, gratitude is closely linked to happiness.

Gratitude is more than a pleasant feeling; it’s a powerful force that can create lasting changes in the brain and improve overall well-being.

One of the most profound ways gratitude affects the brain is by increasing the production of dopamine and serotonin, two neurotransmitters responsible for feelings of happiness and contentment. When we express gratitude, these “feel-good” chemicals are released, giving us a temporary emotional lift and supporting long-term improvements in mood and emotional balance.

Gratitude also plays a key role in managing stress. Focusing on positive emotions can help reduce the production of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. This calming effect on the nervous system may ease anxiety and promote greater peace and well-being.

With each expression of gratitude, the brain strengthens neural pathways associated with positive emotions. Over time, these pathways become more dominant, making accessing feelings of happiness, optimism, and contentment easier.

Research has even linked regular gratitude practice to better sleep. People who reflect on what they’re thankful for before bed often report falling asleep faster, enjoying deeper rest, and waking up more refreshed.

Gratitude helps us focus on what we have instead of what we lack. This shift can improve our mood, strengthen our relationships, and promote joy and fulfillment. Practicing gratitude is a simple habit that can greatly enrich our lives.