The season of abundance is upon us! As we transition back to school, routine, reality, and yes – shorter days – we also embrace a season of gratitude and celebrating what we have. At Vivo, we are wrapping up a year of celebrating – twenty years in the making! We are celebrating with our Kapwa (Filipino word for kindred or neighbour – it conveys the act of seeing oneself in another) the community that we call home and the incredible individuals that make it up.
The end of summer is not always fun and at the same time, a return to routines can feel very good and grounding! So – while we know that shorter days aren’t always welcome – join us as we look to the bright side of autumn – see what we did there? Developing and following a routine that works for you and your family isn’t just a fun idea – it’s actually really good for your mental health as well. And, well, we love it when something is good for our health! Having a routine helps to reduce anxiety and stress, enhance productivity, and increase sleep and physical health – that seems worth it to us!
Developing a routine that is curated just for you and that works for you helps to determine the success of your routine. This article from the Ontario Psychological Association has plenty of great tips to help you build a routine that works for you. Our advice is to get back to basics – find activities and ways to move that you love – even routines can be joyful!
Here are 10 ideas to help you as you build out your perfect routine this autumn.
Design a Dynamic Routine
Having a routine doesn’t have to mean monotonous and boring! Vivo’s Drop-In Group Fitness gives you over 50 options weekly. Schedule activity and then choose based on your mood, time available, or interest! From Pilates to Kickboxing, gentle Yoga or intense cycling – we have a Drop-In Group Fitness Class for you – every, single, day.
Did you know that Drop-In Group Fitness Classes are all included with a Vivo Membership? That’s right, as a Vivo member you will have unlimited access to Drop-In Group Fitness Classes! Consider becoming a Vivo member, make sticking to your routine simple!
Power Up your Routine
Maybe you are looking for more guidance and a little healthy competition with your routine? We’ve got you! Vivo’s Power Up Challenge is a 10-week challenge that can be as competitive as you’d like to make it. Compete against yourself, measure your progress, and enter to win prizes. Work together with one of our experienced personal trainers to achieve new levels of mental and physical strength, fitness, and determination.
Head here for all of the details and to join the Power Up Challenge. Round out your routine with Power Up!
Set Your Littlest Ones up for Success
Vivo’s Preschool offers your little one the opportunity to explore the community with our Alberta Education aligned curriculum and our experienced educators – PLUS access to Vivo’s facility! Vivo’s Preschoolers have the benefit of climbing, swimming, running, and playing throughout Vivo during preschool hours!
You’ll have a hard time finding a preschool as unique, active, and immersed in the community as this one – registration is open and ongoing! Don’t forget – Vivo Members save 15% on all registered programs, including preschool – register up today!
Celebrate Alberta Culture Days at Vivo
Celebrate the beautiful and diverse cultures that make up Alberta – connect, learn, and engage as a community during Alberta Culture Days at Vivo. Join us on September 13th from 10am – 4pm in the Indoor Park for a day of vibrant and inclusive cultural performances, workshops, and interactive cultural exhibits. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn new dances, enjoy live performances, and engage in traditional crafts all led by various cultural groups.
- Performances, workshops, and exhibits include:
- Calgary Qipao Association
- Ahmadiyya Muslim Women Association
- Heritage Park Historical Village
- Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth (USAY)
- North Calgary Cultural Association
- Keepin’ It Country Line Dance Club
- Calgary Stampede
- Calgary Stampede Showband
- Calgary Stampeders
- Centre for Newcomers
- Ukrainian Community Group
- Rhythmic Gymnastics Club
- YYC Food Trucks
A huge thank you to the Government of Alberta for their generous funding of this event. This event is free and everyone is welcome! Let us know if you plan to join!
Be sure to follow us on social media (@vivoyourlife) for more details and updates, as well as day-of fun as the event approaches!
Start a Gratitude Journal
We are sure you have heard how beneficial journaling can be for your health but combine it with gratitude and you can start – or infuse at any time – your day with a mood-boosting habit. Journaling can help us to work through all of the moments, feelings, and happenings that we are carrying around. When combined with gratitude, we can reduce our stress, boost our moods, and even increase longevity! Not sure where to start? This article from Harvard Medical School has some simple prompts to get you going:
- What happened today that was good?
- What am I taking for granted that I can be thankful for?
- Which people in my life am I grateful for?
- What is the last book I read or movie, show, or social media clip I saw that I really appreciated, and why?
- What am I most looking forward to this week, month, and year, and why?
- What is the kindest thing someone has said or done lately?
It doesn’t have to be fancy; your journal can simply be a piece of scrap paper – it’s the practice of journaling and gratitude that makes all the difference!
Invest in your Future – Train to Become a Lifeguard or Swim Instructor
Where are our youth at? This one is for you specifically. Don’t walk away from your swimming routine just because you have completed all of the courses. You can complete all of the required courses to become a lifeguard and instructor at Vivo! The next step in your swim journey could be becoming a lifeguard or swim instructor. Certifying is simple, you’ll need:
- Intermediate First Aid
- Bronze Medallion
- Bronze Cross
- National Lifeguard
- Swim Instructor
View the Certification Courses here. Enhance your routine with registered courses that can lead to a job in lifeguarding and instructing. If you are a Vivo Member, you’ll save 15% on all of the above registered courses.
Schedule in Activity
Your routine would not be complete without movement – registered classes might be a good fit for you. A busy schedule can make time for activity challenging, choosing a registered programs gives you a set time and place each week for movement! Whether you are looking for adult fitness for you or programs to encourage your children to develop confidence and a love for activity – Vivo has something for the whole family. Our Fall Programs are open for registration and as always, Vivo Members save 15% on registered programs!
Develop a Meal Plan
Deciding what to make for dinner can be exhausting – we hear that! Make things easier by planning ahead – make meal planning a part of your routine and get the whole family involved. Start by gathering your family to explore recipes that sound delicious – Canada’s Food Guide has a number of simple, delicious, and healthy recipes you can try! Once you have chosen your meals for the week your groceries will be simple – you’ll know just what you need. Schedule in an hour or so to prep meals and ingredients ahead of time and set your week up for success!
Set Aside Time for Nature
From early morning sunshine to walks near the water – being in nature is healing for our mind and body! Even if you can only sneak in a few moments – step outside upon waking and soak in some sun. Early morning sunshine helps our bodies to set a strong circadian rhythm. Your circadian rhythm is what helps your body determine when it is time to go to sleep and when it is time to wake up – this leads to better sleep and all-around health as sleep is strongly connected to good health.
If you can, set aside some time in your day for a walk near the water or on a community pathway – even around the busy streets is better than nothing. Being outside in nature evokes our biophilic response. Biophilia is our innate desire to connect with nature and that doing so makes us feel good!
Vivo Your BEST Life!
Vivo is Latin for “to live” – at Vivo we live for healthier generations! We are here to connect you to the ways that you can live your best, healthiest life. From drop-in to registered programs, space to celebrate with loved ones and features for rest and relaxation – Vivo’s facility is intentionally designed to empower you to live your healthiest life. Whether you choose to become a member or stop by for the day, maybe you’re simply reading this blog and taking notes – we are grateful to be a part of your healthy-living journey!
If you have questions about any of the above please don’t hesitate to reach out! You can chat with our Guest Services Team anytime we are open. Follow up on social media @vivoyourlife on Facebook and Instagram – you can always reach out there, too. We hope to see you around the facility the fall as we all embrace abundance, gratitude, and healthy routines together!
