Chances are “taking better care of your health” is one of those resolutions that makes your New Year’s to-do list every January. The Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department is determined to help you make good on that promise.

In planning their offerings this year, staffers have been guided by the mission to program opportunities to “Live Well in Lake Oswego” along these six dimensions: physical, intellectual, spiritual, environmental, social and emotional.

So see? They’ve already done the groundwork for you. All you have to do is sign up!

Here are some of the choices you have for “Living Well in Lake Oswego” this year. Find out more by checking out the Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation catalog.

PHYSICAL. No matter your age, there are lots of reasons to get moving. From Tiny Boppers, an introductory dance and movement class for 3-6 year olds starting in January to Coed High School Flag Football in March to ongoing sessions of Strength Training for the 50 and over crowd, everyone can get in on the action.

INTELLECTUAL. Do yourself a favor by learning something new and see how good it makes you feel. Options include Spanish for beginners (ongoing), a Digital Camera Workshop in February, Social Security Planning Workshop for Women on January 17 as well as ongoing sessions of Hooked on Phonics Reading Enrichment for the 3-9 year old crowd.

SPIRITUAL. No matter your spiritual practices, feeling like you are part of something bigger than yourself contributes to a better sense of well-being. The Parks and Recreation Department offers you a variety of volunteer opportunities to provide that kind of connection. Depending on your age and interests you can help out at Luscher Farm, the Adult Community Center, Special Events, Natural Habitats, Youth Action Council or as a Junior Counselor.

ENVIRONMENTAL.  Strengthen the connection between your health and the health of the environment around you by pulling ivy or planting native seedlings as part of a Stewardship Friends Group. Adopt-a-plot at Luscher Farm and put organic practices to work to produce your first crop.

EMOTIONAL.  Having the ability to understand and release your emotions goes a long way in establishing a sense of wellness. Consider learning how to use movement and your breath to tap into your feelings and restore a sense of balance in the “Bring Your Breath to Life” workshop on February 7. Or practice Trauma Releasing Exercises to release the tension stored in your body (March 2-16). Creative expression is another way to tap into your feelings and offerings like the Creative Writing workshop for ages 10+ on March 21 or Bob Ross Oil Painting classes starting up in January are designed to do just that.

SOCIAL. Studies have shown that a feeling of connectedness with others contributes to a sense of well-being. Take advantage of opportunities to mingle by joining a Choral Group (beginning January 7), signing up for the Daddy Daughter Dance on February 21 or dropping by Foothills Park on a Sunday or Monday afternoon starting in April for a game of Petanque.

Make a resolution to stay informed on what’s going on in Lake Oswego by clicking the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column.

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