Five New Year’s Resolutions From East County YMCAs To Strengthen Your Life and Your Community

Dec. 27, 2011 - PRLog -- THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF.--The New Year is a time for new beginnings. Here are five New Year's resolutions from the four branches of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA (Conejo Valley Y, Miller Family Y of Newbury Park, Triunfo Y and Simi Valley Family Y). They are designed to make positive changes in 2012 that not only strengthen individuals and families but entire communities.

   Live Healthier – Achieving greater health and well-being is all about taking small steps. Take care of your health by eating nutritious foods and being physically active each day. Experts recommend 30 minutes of daily physical activity for adults and 60 minutes for kids. This can be achieved throughout the day by incorporating physical activity into your daily routine (i.e., taking stairs instead of elevators, walking instead of driving).

   Volunteer – Doing good feels good, and giving back to support neighbors benefits everyone involved. Volunteering also provides individuals the opportunity to meet new people and to develop new relationships. Find an opportunity in your community that you may enjoy, such as cleaning your neighborhood park or distributing food at a local food bank. The Y is always looking for people to help with a variety of events and programs. Check with your local Y for more information about volunteer opportunities.

   Help Inspire Children and Teens, Be a Mentor – Children and teens often need caring adults for guidance. By nurturing youth, adults can help them strive to accomplish success and reach their full potential. Whether a relative or neighbor, use your experience and talent to help youth realize who they are and what they can be.

   Learn Something New – Step out of your comfort zone, have fun and grow by exploring personal interests. Is there a swimming, Zumba or painting class you have wanted to take? Try something new that you have always wanted to do to build your spirit, mind or body.

   Spend Time with Family and Friends – Socializing is good for your well-being. Spending time with the people you care about helps strengthen meaningful relationships. It is also helpful to have a community of people you can reach out to during times of need. Try to carve out time each month to connect with family and friends and to get involved with community organizations.

   The Y offers many healthy, fun and inspiring opportunities to help keep New Year's resolutions. For more information, contact a local YMCA: Conejo Valley YMCA (4031 N. Moorpark Rd., Thousand Oaks, 805-523-7613), Miller Family YMCA (320 Via Las Brisas, Newbury Park, 805-480-0309), Triunfo YMCA (serving Westlake Village, Agoura Hills and Oak Park, 818-707-9622) and Simi Valley Family YMCA (3200 Cochran Street, Simi Valley, 805-583-5338) or visit www.sevymca.org to learn more.

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With branches in Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village and Simi Valley, the Southeast Ventura County YMCA serves the communities of Newbury Park, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Santa Rosa Valley, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills and Oak Park.