January 7, 2021 – We are all excited to see the beginning of 2021! This year, even more than before, we are looking for a fresh start and more positive things on the horizon. Pushing through the second wave of the pandemic has been difficult, especially through the holiday season. As we enter the cold winter months it is important for both our physical and mental health that we continue to stay active and give focus to our overall wellness.
It is with this thought in mind that the Chestermere and Area Mental Health Coalition is hosting the Chestermere Wellness Challenge. This all-ages Wellness Challenge is an opportunity for residents of Chestermere and surrounding area to come together and help one another through this somewhat trying time of year.
The theme of the Chestermere Wellness Challenge focuses on building healthy habits in the 5 main areas of wellness – Sleep, Eating, Work/School, Play and Love/Relationships. The 6-week Challenge invites residents to come together as teams of four. Each week participants will be encouraged to complete activities, some more simple than others, that can lead to improved physical and mental health. Each completed task will earn the participants points for the week that will be tallied collectively as a team, with the top three teams winning prizes at the end of the Challenge.
Along with completing the daily tasks, participants will be invited to attend weekly workshops hosted by professionals which will focus on the 5 areas of wellness. Participants will have access to wellness tips and tricks listed on the Chestermere Wellness Challenge Facebook Group. The Facebook Group is also an opportunity for teams to encourage one another, share their progress and connect.
It is easy to get involved! Create a team of four, choose a captain, pick a team name, register your team online and start your journey to better wellness. Teams can be families, friends, co-workers, teammates, neighbours – whatever works for you. If you are a team of one and are looking for teammates, contact the Chestermere Wellness Challenge Committee and we will do our best to connect you with a team. Registration is $10/person or $40/team. Registration fees go toward the prize pool. Subsidies may be available if finances are an issue.
The Challenge runs from Sunday, January 24th to Saturday, March 6, 2021. Teams will learn more through an online orientation session on Tuesday, January 19th at 7:00pm.
The Chestermere and Area Mental Health Coalition is very excited to kickstart 2021 with this community initiative. The Coalition is a multi-sectoral group whose members include representatives from local organizations. The purpose of the Mental Health Coalition is to bring awareness to local programs and services that support mental health, identify community needs, and encourage positive mental health. Members meet monthly to develop resources, such as the Community Mental Health Information Posters that have been distributed throughout the community, share knowledge regarding programs and services, and direct referrals.
The hope is that the Chestermere Wellness Challenge will become an annual event, much like the High River Wellness Challenge that celebrated their 10th year in early 2020.
Registration opens online on January 11, 2021 at www.yoursynergy.ca/chestermerewellnesschallenge. Each member can register themselves and must include their team name. Questions about the challenge can be sent to the committee by emailing involved@yoursynergy.ca.
