Wellness

Beyond the Swipe

August 18, 2026

Fed up with swiping? Santa Cruz singles are creating new ways to meet face-to-face, from a fast-growing 50-plus social group to outings, gallery crawls and speed dating—all built around the simple need for real human connection.

operation freedom paws, northern california non-profit, service dog training

Flower Power

Flower Power Herbs & Roots founder Julie Rothman has spent more than 35 years blending teas, sourcing herbs and helping Santa Cruz reconnect with plant-based traditions.

Chasing Heat

A reluctant hot-yoga convert explores the potential benefits of saunas, steam rooms and other forms of therapeutic heat available around Santa Cruz County.

Finding the Groove

Percussionist Jim Greiner’s Santa Cruz drum circles use shared rhythm to reduce stress, build connection and help participants find what he calls “the groove.”

Ouch: Summer Blues

Extended summer gloom can drain mood and energy, but simple habits involving light, movement, hydration, strength training and social connection can help.

Get Out

Outdoor group fitness classes at GOAT Santa Cruz offer exercise, fresh air, stress relief and community for people of different ages and fitness levels.

Summer Glow

Elizabeth Borelli visits Glow Prescription Skincare in Capitola to learn about summer skin care, healthy aging and the Pilates Facial from aesthetician Milene Freire.

Beyond the Scale

What if your most important health numbers aren't your weight, BMI, or even your cholesterol? Two people can step on a scale and see...

Healthy Way to Eat

The Healthy Way marks 40 years of helping Santa Cruz County residents pursue sustainable health, nutrition and lifestyle changes with a June 27 anniversary party and health fair.

Shifting Hormones

A Santa Cruz screening of The [M] Factor 2: Before the Pause brings women together to talk openly about perimenopause, menopause, shifting hormones and the search for better answers.

Ancient to the Future

Santa Cruzans continue to embrace Ayurveda, the ancient Indian wellness system that views health as deeply personal and rooted in balance.

Gone Mainstream

mindfulness and somatic approaches help people move beyond talk therapy and reconnect with the body, nervous system and self.

Below the Surface

Elizabeth Borelli begins a two-part look at therapy approaches in Santa Cruz, from ACT and Parts Therapy to somatic work, art therapy and walk-and-talk sessions.