Son of Groucho - Foter - CC BY
group of teenagers
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, young people often feel tremendous pressure to succeed at school, at home and in social groups, making them vulnerable to mental health issues, sleep difficulties, headaches and other physical ailments. Over time, it can become overwhelming.
To help local teens, the YMCA of Oakville in partnership with Kevin Waldbillig, a youth therapist and Director of Change Works Interactive, is offering Peak Performance for Teens at the Peter Gilgan Family YMCA. At the heart of the program is a focus on helping teens cope with stress by increasing physical activity and improving mental health. In a group setting, teens will discuss common obstacles that prevent them from being as healthy as they can -- and look at different ways to overcome them.
In his work, Waldbillig has noticed a considerable rise in the number teens suffering the effects of stress and has learned some simple strategies that can help them. The first step is to identify the source of the problem, and then incorporate some “back to basics” like maintaining an active lifestyle and getting the right amount of nutrition and sleep.
Making simple strategies fun are an integral part of the Peak Performance program curriculum. Each weekly session begins with a group presentation and a Q & A, followed by a trip to the YMCA Wellness Centre where teens will get to try circuit training, spinning, yoga, weight training and other physical activities. Additional topics like leadership skills, motivation and mindfulness will are also explored.
Peak Performance runs every Saturday mornings from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. starting on September 27 and spots are still available. For complete details on the weekly sessions, and to register online, visit ymcaofoakville.org.
