Start Off ‘Small’ When Setting New Year’s Resolutions!

Ellington/Somers: The New Year is a time for new beginnings and to set goals that strengthen one’s spirit, mind and body. While it’s tempting to make big goals, it’s essential to start small. Set goals that are attainable, easy to sustain and lead to big benefits over time. As a community-serving organization here in the area, we see how things such as getting involved in with the community and making lifestyle changes can change someone’s life for the better. Here are five New Year’s Resolutions the Indian Valley Family YMCA staff and volunteers recommend for 2014:        

1.    Eat Healthy: Make water your drink of choice (supplemented by age-appropriate portions of 100 percent fruit juices and low-fat milk) and eat more fruits and vegetables. Keep it interesting and create some variety by mixing and matching fresh, frozen and canned fruits and vegetables. 

2.    Commit to Community Service: Giving back and supporting neighbors can benefit everyone involved. Not only is it a personally rewarding experience to help others in need, but it’s also a way to meet new people or discover an interest. Find an opportunity in your community, such as cleaning the neighborhood park or distributing food at a local food bank.

3.    Unplug from Technology: Limit screen time (television, video games, computer, etc.) and instead set aside an hour or two for activities. If weather permits, go for a walk, bike ride, trip to the park, or have a game night at home with family or friends.

4.    Be Physically Active: It’s important for children to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day (30 minutes for adults). Incorporate physical activity into your daily routines and spend more time walking to places instead of driving to improve your health and well-being.

5.    Put Extras to Good Use: Do you have extra canned goods or clothes that could benefit others in need? Clean out your pantry, closet or attic and donate extra items to homeless shelters or community outreach programs.

“At the Y, we are committed to strengthening communities and believe this begins with strengthening the people within the community,” said John L. Reilly, District Executive Director-Indian Valley Family YMCA. “Setting a goal to achieve any one of the Y’s recommended five New Year’s Resolutions can help improve one’s health and well-being.

How Healthy is your home?  Take a quiz at http://www.ymca.net/healthy-family-home/quiz.aspx

The Indian Valley Family YMCA is one of 12 branches of The YMCA of Greater Hartford and serves children, adults and families in the towns of East Windsor, Ellington, Enfield, Rockville, Somers, South Windsor, Stafford, Tolland, Willington, and Vernon with a full membership facility in Ellington, a childcare center in Vernon and a childcare center in Rockville.

The YMCA of Greater Hartford is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) charitable organization, which will serve more than 95,000 people in 33 towns of the Capital Region in 2013. For additional tips or to learn more about how to get involved with the Indian Valley Family YMCA contact Lisa Reinhardt or visit www.ghymca.org/indian