Need a breath of fresh air? This event provides a perfect day out for outdoorsy dog lovers. At 10 a.m. on May 11, pending decent weather, the Tails on the Trails group will embark on a four-ish-mile hike at Queeny Park, expected to last two and a half hours. “If you’re new to the group, this one’s for you,” the event page states. “Queeny is our ‘party hike,’ one that almost all people and dogs can enjoy. Easy to meet and greet on wide-open trails.” You can bring your own dog or come alone–just be sure to read the group rules and instructions ahead of time at meetup.com/tailsonthetrail-stl/events. And if you like it, sign up to attend more events in the near future.
Your guide to a healthier, happier you
Sign up for the St. Louis Wellness newsletter and get practical tips for a balanced, healthy life in St. Louis.
YES RECESS from YES HONEY Studio
YES HONEY is a local fitness studio known for its dance workouts, but it provides opportunities to improve mental and emotional health in addition to physical wellbeing. The instructors and staff are all about self-love and meaningful connection with others, and this year they’ve started hosting free YES RECESS events to encourage members and non-members alike to make new friends and embrace play. YES RECESS happens monthly, with the next one scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. on May 18. Participants will meet at the studio and carpool to nearby Tower Grove Park to play kickball. Don’t forget to register ahead of time at yeshoneystudio.com/schedule.
Silent Book Club, St. Louis Chapters
If you’ve wanted to join a book club but prefer to choose your own reading material, then this is the club for you. Attendees bring their books to coffee shops, parks, and other cozy locales where they’ll eat, drink, and read with fellow bookworms. It’s been called “introvert happy hour” because the gatherings are set up with 30- to 45-minute increments of socializing and about an hour of sustained reading–hence the silent part. Monthly events are free and located in the St. Louis area, with signup information available at meetup.com/saint-louis-silent-book-club, and in nearby Eureka, with details posted at instagram.com/thebookreviewguru.
STL Millennial Ladies Meetup Group
Throughout the month, join the STL Millennial Ladies Meetup Group as they flow through yoga practices, hang out at Forest Park, and attend various events across the metro area. A zillenial in her 20s and a millennial in her 30s established this group in the summer of 2020 using Meetup, an online platform for hosting and organizing gatherings. The group’s profile describes it as “a great way to meet, get to know, and connect with other wonderful ladies in the St. Louis area, regardless of if you are new to town or a local.” Request to join the group and attend specific events at meetup.com/stl-millennial-ladies-meetup-group.
Local nonprofit volunteer opportunities
Connect anytime with an organization and fellow volunteers who share your passions by exploring the United Way’s Volunteer Center. Apply to volunteer for St. Louis Arc, which serves people with disabilities, and you could help others express their artistic talents, learn to cook, enjoy a dance, or practice yoga. Get involved with Gateway Pet Guardians or Stray Rescue of Saint Louis to support shelter animals as they heal and find their forever homes. Or consider partnering with Welcome Neighbor STL in its mission to empower refugees and immigrants as they build a new life in the metro area.
If you’re struggling to improve your mental health, find support groups and other resources through the National Alliance on Mental Illness at namistl.org.
