After more than two years in a global pandemic, individuals and communities that the Y serves are setting their sights on a brighter future and aiming to build healthier and happier lives.
According to the World Health Organization, there has been a staggering 25% increase in anxiety and depression symptoms due to the COVID-19 pandemic across the globe. For many people in the greater Toronto area, pandemic fears may have subsided, but the aftershock of lockdowns and personal losses are still reverberating.
The secrets to well-being are multifaceted
The search for new and better ways to live, to be healthy, to recover and to stay well are top of mind. People are looking to live their best lives again!
Being truly well is multifaceted. It means experiencing our lives with good physical health, feelings of joy, life satisfaction, a sense of meaning and purpose, connection to others and, of course, managing stress and bouncing back from adversity with resilience.
So what is the secret to cultivating well-being?
It turns out it’s not just about hitting the gym for some exercise (although that’s a great start). It’s about supporting your mental health and connecting with your community and surroundings.
Tammy MacDonald, Senior Vice President of Operations for Health and Fitness at the YMCA, describes this concept of well-being and how it informs what we do here at the Y.
“Our programs and services don’t just offer a place for physical fitness; they do that of course, but so much more. The Y is prioritizing well-being and as such, we are committed to bringing people together in a variety of ways, all of which fosters deeper connection and a sense of belonging. This, in turn, helps to support mental health,” says MacDonald. Something we were all missing over the last few years.
Tammy says that while it’s not always easy, it’s important for everyone to continue striving for well-being, to stay engaged and active in our own health and to stay connected to one another.
Incorporate all the different areas of your life
Since well-being is multi-layered, your approach to it should be as well and that’s what we strive to offer you.
As a Y member, you get:
If you have yet to try our programs and connect with our community, we have a lot of great ways that you can do that. Our Try the Y program is on now which means you can experience our centres of community for seven days, totally free of charge. Sign up for Try the Y, today!
If you’d like to browse our programs and amenities, visit the What’s Available page or the My Y online portal to see more about membership costs.
According to the World Health Organization, there has been a staggering 25% increase in anxiety and depression symptoms due to the COVID-19 pandemic across the globe. For many people in the greater Toronto area, pandemic fears may have subsided, but the aftershock of lockdowns and personal losses are still reverberating.
The secrets to well-being are multifaceted
The search for new and better ways to live, to be healthy, to recover and to stay well are top of mind. People are looking to live their best lives again!
Being truly well is multifaceted. It means experiencing our lives with good physical health, feelings of joy, life satisfaction, a sense of meaning and purpose, connection to others and, of course, managing stress and bouncing back from adversity with resilience.
So what is the secret to cultivating well-being?
It turns out it’s not just about hitting the gym for some exercise (although that’s a great start). It’s about supporting your mental health and connecting with your community and surroundings.
Tammy MacDonald, Senior Vice President of Operations for Health and Fitness at the YMCA, describes this concept of well-being and how it informs what we do here at the Y.
“Our programs and services don’t just offer a place for physical fitness; they do that of course, but so much more. The Y is prioritizing well-being and as such, we are committed to bringing people together in a variety of ways, all of which fosters deeper connection and a sense of belonging. This, in turn, helps to support mental health,” says MacDonald. Something we were all missing over the last few years.
Tammy says that while it’s not always easy, it’s important for everyone to continue striving for well-being, to stay engaged and active in our own health and to stay connected to one another.
Incorporate all the different areas of your life
Since well-being is multi-layered, your approach to it should be as well and that’s what we strive to offer you.
As a Y member, you get:
- A variety of ways to connect, engage and move while immersed in community, from group fitness classes, and rec sports to teen nights and special events
- Tools for managing stress with mindfulness classes, breath work, yoga and meditation
- Personal training so you can reach individual health goals with a holistic approach
- A safer space to bring your children
- A place to spend quality time with family, friends and even meet new people
- A way to find meaning by giving back to your community, through volunteer programs, or employment
If you have yet to try our programs and connect with our community, we have a lot of great ways that you can do that. Our Try the Y program is on now which means you can experience our centres of community for seven days, totally free of charge. Sign up for Try the Y, today!
If you’d like to browse our programs and amenities, visit the What’s Available page or the My Y online portal to see more about membership costs.
