Beating the Winter Blahs, YMCA Style

As I sat and watched the rain fall in the parking lot, it occurred to me that this time of year, as the days get shorter and the temperatures get colder, it becomes easier than usual to slip into a bit of a funk and let your spirit start to droop a bit. With the winter weather, the lack of sunshine, the hustle & bustle of the holidays, and stress that comes with life's daily grind, we often find ourselves deep in a rut of winter doldrums before we know it.

Then it occurred to me that the YMCA is the perfect place to discover new tools for fighting the winter "blechs." Here are some great ways you can "Beat the Blahs."

1. Try a new Fitness Class.

There's no better place to try a new class than the YMCA. Here there's no reason to worry about what people think of you or to be concerned about embarrassment. We're all about beginners (and intermediates and experts) so go ahead, Zumba away, even if you have no rhythm. Try that Yoga pose, because falling means you're trying, and sign up for Bellydancing, because everyone will look kind of silly (except for the instructor). Check out our fitness classes here.

2. Volunteer in a Youth Program.

Want a guaranteed laugh? Come and be a part of one of the YMCA Youth Programs. There isn't a funnier, more positive group of people on the planet than the kids in our youth programs. It doesn't take any special talents necessarily (although hidden talents are always a bonus). If you can do elementary math or help with geography homework, you're good to go. We'll guarantee at least a giggle every day you come to volunteer, plus you'll be making a difference in a kids life.

3. Find a Workout Buddy - at the Y.

Even for the most dedicated of us, time spent on your own on the treadmill can eventually become like running in circles on a human sized hamster wheel, no matter how great your "World's Best Workout" iPod playlist is. At the Y, we're about relationships, and what's so important to us is that you're in environment where you can feel comfortable discovering people here to build those new relationships with.

4. Go for a swim.

Nothing's better for thumbing your nose at Old Man Winter than taking a dip in the pool when it's freezing outside. Now I know, our pool is indoors and climate controlled, but it's still pretty cool to take a swim when most of the water outside is frozen solid. There's plenty of time for lap swim, recreational swim and aqua aerobics in our pool. Check it out on our pool schedule.

5. Just hang out here.

One of my favorite things about working at the Y is the never-ending treasure chest of fantastic life stories our members bring. From World War II veterans to Best Selling authors, Pioneering Educators to Amazing Athletes, the stories abound. Simply ask and you'll discover a sampling of what makes our town so interesting and fun to live in.

So that's my list of great things to do at the Y to beat the winter blues. How about you? What's your favorite part of the YMCA during the winter?

Looking for more great lists? Check out this one by one of our newest CHCYMCA members Molly Buckley - 5 things to keep in mind over the holidays.