Healthy Minds Program

Manitowoc-Two Rivers YMCA
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Meditation Meditation

HEALTHY MINDS PROGRAM

Healthy Minds <--> Healthy Bodies 

One in five American adults polled in the “Household Pulse Survey” experienced symptoms of anxiety and depression in 2023 (CDC, 2020-2024). Our mission is to create accessible paths to mental and physical well-being for all. Through a curated blend of new and existing offerings, the program empowers individuals to manage stress, build emotional resilience, and foster meaningful connections. Just as physical conditioning allows our bodies to handle physical stressors with more ease, mental conditioning helps us navigate mental stressors while maintaining a sense of inner peace. 

Current Program Highlights

  • Mindfulness & Movement: Guided meditation, Tai Chi, and various forms of yoga.
  • Creative Expression: Visual arts workshops and expressive dance sessions.
  • Community & Connection: Board game nights, a walking group, and socials.

Our Program is Evidence-Based

  • Meditation and mindful movement practices such as yoga reduced anxiety levels in a randomized clinical trial by 30% within two months—comparable to medication (Hoge et al., 2023).
  • A systematic review found that group arts interventions—such as painting workshops—produced moderate reductions in both depression and anxiety among adults (Quinn et al., 2025).
  • Meta-analyses suggest that practicing expressive dance has potential to decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety (Laird et al., 2021).
  • Regular participation in tabletop gaming has been shown to reduce feelings of social isolation and decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety in adults, including those resistant to other forms of intervention (Yuliawati et al., 2024).
  • A systematic review and meta-analysis found that group walking programs boost mental health, reducing depression and anxiety (Grassini, 2022). 

This program reflects the YMCA’s ongoing commitment to mental and physical wellness, establishing it as a trusted source for accessible, evidence-informed mental health support.

SPONSORED BY:
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UPCOMING EVENTS & WORKSHOPS

Bring your favorite games to share--the group will decide what to play together (and split up if needed) - no registration required, just come ready for fun!

Head to www.mtrymca.org (home page) to view a complete listing of our upcoming events.

Let loose and find your flow at our Expressive Dance Workshop with Tori. We'll kick things off with a warm-up and intention setting, then dive into free-form expressive dance under our brand-new dance club lights. Shoes off to feel grounded, minimal talking to stay in the moment, and a soothing savasana to wrap it all up. Pre-registration required.

Head to www.mtrymca.org (home page) to view a complete listing of our upcoming events.

In this Neurographic Art Workshop, you'll explore a relaxing painting method that turns stress into creativity and mindfulness. No artistic background is required-simply come as you are and create a one-of-a-kind artwork that reflects your inner world.

Head to www.mtrymca.org (home page) to view a complete listing of our upcoming events.

The third Friday of each month from 9:15-9:45 AM through May, 2026. Meet in Harborview Studio. Chairs are offered as a seating option, otherwise bring a yoga mat. No need to pre-register.

The first Friday of each month from 9:15-9:45 AM through May 2026. Meet in Harborview Studio for a warm-up, then the group will walk along the Maritime Trail in nice weather, or along the walking track in poor weather. No need to pre-register. 

These and other regularly scheduled group fitness offerings can be found HERE and on the app. No need to pre-register. 

Sources

CDC National Center for Health Statistics & U.S. Census Bureau. (2020–2024). Household Pulse Survey: Anxiety and depression [Data set]. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/covid19/pulse/mental-health.htm

Grassini S. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Nature Walk as an Intervention for Anxiety and Depression. J Clin Med. 2022 Mar 21;11(6):1731. doi: 10.3390/jcm11061731. PMID: 35330055; PMCID: PMC8953618.

Hoge E. A., Bui E., Mete M., Dutton M. A., Baker A. W., & Simon N. M. (2023). Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction vs Escitalopram for the Treatment of Adults With Anxiety Disorders: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry, 80(1), 13-21. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2022.3679

Laird K., Vergeer I., Hennelly S. E., Siddarth P., Conscious dance: Perceived benefits and psychological well-being of participants, Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, Volume 44, 2021, 101440, ISSN 1744-3881, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101440.