Keeping Your Resolution

You are probably toying with the idea of making some sort of a beneficial change to your behavior at the beginning of 2011 under the pretext of a "New Year's Resolution". Or perhaps you are in that group that has had such a tough time keeping your past resolutions that you have "given up giving up".
In order to help you keep your resolution I would like to offer the following tips (please keep in mind that in preparation for this post I read dozens of articles on the subject and have condensed the information to this short, actionable list.)

1. Are you ready?- If you are in denial or maybe just ambivalent about your need to change or you do not fully accept the importance of the change, then you will not succeed. You need to identify the barriers to change and visualizes the "you with the change".
   
2. Preparation- Write down your goals, make sure that they are realistic. Then break the goals into actionable steps.
3. Take Action- Now you are ready to start. Be sure that your energy is used toward the successful completion of your goal. Form a social support network by telling others what your goals is and what your strategy is to reach it. Ask them for support.
4. Reward Success- Don't wait until you have reached your final goal to celebrate. Be sure to enjoy the minor victories as well. If you made it to the Y 3 times in a week, celebrate!
5. Reduce Other Stresses- Changing a behavior creates stress, and if you are trying to make that change in an already stressful environment, then you are going to have a reduced ability to make good decisions.
6. Prepare for Setbacks- You are going to hit some snags and have some relapses. That is a natural part of the process so don't get too down on yourself. Identify the triggers and develop a strategy to avoid them in the future.
7. Enjoy the NEW YOU- Enjoy the change. Tell folks about it, brag, celebrate, do whatever it takes to make the change a real long lasting part of your life.

I hope you have a safe and healthy New Year. And if your resolution involves getting healthier or increasing your energy, then come and see us at the Y and let us be your support system.

Here are a few of the articles that I used in writing this post:
http://psychology.about.com/od/behavioralpsychology/ss/behaviorchange.htm
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703581204576033824100634278.html
http://www.wishfulthinking.co.uk/2008/01/10/6-tips-for-keeping-your-new-years-resolution/
http://www.ehow.com/how_12076_keep-new-years.html

Happy Holidays from the Pools!

The Northern Middlesex Y's Aquatics Staff would like to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season! Have fun, stay safe, be merry!

Remember: the gift of swimming lessons is a gift that lasts a lifetime!

Give the Gift of Health

When my son was born 4 years ago, my mother made a commitment to be around for as long as possible so that she could enjoy spending time with her Grandson. I helped her get a membership to the YMCA (she lives in New Britain) and since then she has been on a regular schedule of exercise and healthy eating (she is also trying to quit smoking). It's been four years and she has more energy and stamina than ever.
Regular exercise is important for all individuals, but it is critically important for Older Adults. Weight loss and increased energy are obvious but a study by Harvard linked exercise to reduced stress and anxiety, and suggested that it may ward of mental deterioration as well. And most importantly regular exercise means that seniors can continue to do regular daily tasks keeping them mobile and independent.
The Middlesex YMCA is making a very special offer for 3 month and 6 month memberships for seniors so that this Holiday season you can invest in a gift that will truly impact their lives. And we make it easy for them to get started with a series of appointments with one of our fitness professionals.
So this Christmas tell your parents that you want them to be healthy, happy and around for a long time.

Happy Holidays!

MEET THE MIDDLESEX YMCA STAFF TEAM

Name: Patrick Connelly

Title: Senior Director of Membership and Programs

Patrick is a twenty year veteran of the YMCA. He began his Y career at the Hartford YMCA; gained valuable experience at the Southington YMCA and then came to the Middlesex YMCA in 2000 to serve as the Ingersoll Outdoor Center Director. Patrick is a YMCA of the USA Faculty Member for International Initiatives and Working with the World. In addition, he has authored the Character Development section of the YMCA Day Camp Director Manual and presented at several regional and national conferences. Patrick lives in Portland with his wife Beth and their two adorable children Griffin age 4 and Tessa Jane age 2. In his free time Patrick enjoys exploring nature with his children hiking, digging in the dirt and having fun outside!

Fun Fact: Patrick is an avid reader who enjoys historical biographies.

What is your role at the YMCA?

“My role is to provide energy and enthusiasm to our YMCA, to mentor and coach other staff, and to help make and keep members happy. I get to create flyers, posters and other promotional materials.”

What it the most rewarding part of your job?

“The most rewarding part of my job is seeing a member that I helped enroll become a regular user and make progress toward reaching their health goals.”

How does it impact the community?

“The “essential genius” of the YMCA is that it responds to the needs of the members of the community it serves. Whether families need support with before and after school care, or a young man needs a place to stay for a while, or an older adult needs to get some exercise, we are there to help.’