The YMCA's new Thrive program sets up challenges to help people find balance in their lives

New 2012 online program open to all
Brentwood Home Page news reports
The YMCA of Middle Tennessee – which includes the Brentwood Family, Maryland Farms, Cool Springs and Christ Church Y locations – is kicking off a new online program to help anyone who seeks help find balance in their lives. And you don’t have to be a Y member to take part.

The new Thrive program is open to everyone — Y membership is not required to take part. The free challenges will reward participants for completing a set of action steps related to one of the key areas of life that wellness experts say are critical to a healthy and happy life. The effort is part of the nonprofit‘s renewed commitment to give individuals and families in Middle Tennessee the opportunities they need to learn, grow and thrive.

 “We’re challenging people in our community to sign up for Thrive, a set of free, online healthy living challenges designed to help anyone at any wellness level improve their overall health and well-being,” stated Y spokesperson Jessica Fain.

Weight loss does not equal happiness

With the New Year’s arrival, odds are one out of every two Middle Tennesseans are thinking about making a change in their life. Researchers say about 50% of Americans make New Year‘s Resolutions, but within just one week, it’s estimated that three out of every four resolutions made are broken.  By far the most popular resolution is to lose weight.

Thrive, however, will challenge participants to take their magnifying lens off of weight loss and focus on their total wellness — not just the physical elements. Why? Because research shows that being out of balance in other areas, like job satisfaction or family relationships or financial health, is likely to influence physical well-being.

For example, working out six days a week if you’re stress eating or aren’t getting enough rest still may not produce the desired results. That means focusing on just one element of well-being can actually make one even less likely to make those New Year’s resolutions a reality, no matter what they are. In essence, achieving a balance in life is key. Thrive’s designed to help participants explore ways to lead a more balanced life over the next six months.

Challenges focus on total wellness

YMCAs have long promoted the importance of leading a balanced and well-rounded life, and now scientists are confirming the benefits of that approach. Thrive‘s free challenges take inspiration from recent Gallup research that led authors Tom Rath and Jim Harter to publish Wellbeing: The Five Essential Elements. Examples of challenges participants can sign up for include:

• Developing healthy habits such as exercising regularly and getting enough rest
• Building a healthy family home
• Crafting a personal mission statement
• Building a positive and supportive social network
• Experiencing the gift of “paying it forward” and giving back to your community

Register online now

As of Jan. 1, anyone with a valid email address can register to take part in Thrive by visiting www.ymcathrive.com. In addition to offering a series of free online challenges, the Y will also provide useful news, tips and other information about various elements of well-being on its web site, social media feeds and other communication channels through the month of June.