The new year is here, and with it comes innumerable attempts at self-improvement. Many resolutions center around getting fit, eating healthier, and trying new things, but what about activities that just plain make you feel good? Evansville Living has selected a few small options that are sure to give you a mood boost during the dreary winter days of 2022.
Reclaim A Favorite Activity
It’s a tale as old as time: As we grow up and acquire more responsibility, some of our favorite pastimes end up falling away. So, why not choose an old favorite to re-engage in 2022?
Former singers can shake the rust from their pipes and audition Jan. 7 — by appointment only — for a spot in the Evansville Philharmonic Chorus, which performs with the philharmonic orchestra and stages its own spring concert in April. Email dhenderson@evansvillephilharmonic.org or call 812-425-5050, extension 310 to make an appointment.
Forgotten how to ride a bike? (Hey, it can happen!) Download and register on Evansville Trails Coalition’s Upgrade Bike Share app at WalkBikeEVV.org/bike-share, choose a plan, find a bike, and hit the open trails. Bicycles are available for rent year-round.
De-Stress with Adoptable Pets
Have you felt decompression and contentedness while petting an animal? Then this activity is for you. Plenty of Tri-State dogs and cats awaiting adoption would love to spend time outside their shelters, and you can lend a hand. This activity’s benefits are many and multi-pronged. For humans, spending quality time with animals has been shown to reduce stress and lower blood pressure, while increasing physical activity and boosting mental well-being according to Johns Hopkins University. For animals in shelters, the interaction helps them socialize and prepare for their forever home.
Treat a pup to a day on the town through It Takes a Village’s Rent-A-Dog program (1417 N. Stockwell Road). If felines are more your speed, snuggle up at the Vanderburgh Humane Society’s cat room (400 Millner Industrial Drive) or its Downtown affiliate, River Kitty Cat Café (226 Main St.). Also consider volunteering your time at a local animal shelter.
Add Adventure to Your Exercise Routine
Getting a new exercise routine off the ground can be tough, especially if it feels arduous. Instead of just going through the motions, try injecting some fun into your fitness, such as balancing yoga while aboard a paddleboard or battling a friend in pickleball. Fitness centers around the Tri-State ramp up their indoor workout offerings in the winter, making it easier than ever to find an exercise routine you’ll actually want to stick with.
Experience the core strengthening of aerial yoga, mental sharpness of boxing fitness, or party-like atmosphere of aqua dance; these classes and more are available at the YMCA of Southern Indiana’s Ascension St. Vincent location at 516 Court St. in Downtown Evansville.
Join EVPL’s First Year-Long Reading Challenge
Reading contests are nothing new at Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library, but EVPL’s inaugural reading challenge is. Starting in 2022, participants can log the titles they dive into throughout the entire year — whether in a traditional book format or as digital or audio versions — on a tracker and return each month’s tracking slip to any EVPL branch for a chance to be entered in a monthly drawing for prizes. All ages are welcome, and at the end of 2022, EVPL will announce how many books its participants logged this year.
Jump into a Club or Trivia Night
Tri-State residents have their pick when it comes to community activity nights. Whether its trivia and gaming competitions or chats over cocktails about murder mystery books, these events are perfect for meeting area residents with similar interests.
Test yourself in trivia on Mondays at Jennings Street Public House (330 W. Jennings St., Newburgh) and Tuesdays at Prime Time Pub & Grill (8177 Bell Oaks Drive, Newburgh). Enjoy a regular assortment of food truck pop-ups at Myriad Brewing Company (101 S.E. First St., Suite 1) and join Haynie’s Corner Brewing Co. for book discussions.
Feel like kicking things up a notch? Grab the mic at karaoke night on Tuesdays at Tiki on Main (524 Main St.) or Thursdays at Lamasco Bar & Grill (1331 W. Franklin St.)
