Way to go!

Yoga is a wonderful activity, among the benefits is improved flexibility, posture and balance, along with muscle toning. Yoga can also boost people’s moods, lower their stress, and help their sleeping habits.
Get involved, find your niche and make a difference
Whether you’re new to the area or have lived here your entire life, there’s no better time than the present to become more involved in your community. From weekly events to one-off opportunities, what’s most important is that you find something that you enjoy.
At first, it might seem intimidating, meeting new people, trying new things, and visiting new places, but the sky’s the limit on fun, new activities. Plus, it can be helpful to remember that becoming a more active member of your community can look different for each person. It doesn’t always mean that you have to be on a nonprofit board making decisions in a meeting. There are loads of different ways to find your niche and make a difference.
TAKE A CLASS
What better way to meet new people and gain a hobby than by signing up for a class — there’s one for everyone. If you’re interested in being more active, consider taking rock climbing. The Edge Rock Gym in Melbourne offers a basic movement/technique class, which offers a great introduction to the sport.
Dance classes are also a fantastic option, as they allow you to stay active while practicing self-expression. Not only do dance classes offer an opportunity to meet other people in the area, but some studios also host performance nights that are open to the public. Downtown Melbourne’s Bliss Fitness Studio has classes including pole dancing, aerial yoga and one called Booty Burn.
If your budget only allows for no-cost events but you’re still interested in a new hobby, there’s no need to stress. There are many free opportunities. Hurricane Creek Saloon offers free line dancing lessons every Wednesday through Saturday from 7-9 p.m. and the neighboring County Line Saloon offers free line dancing lessons on Wednesday nights from 7- 9 p.m.
For something a bit slower-paced and more relaxing, you could check out free sunset yoga, hosted every Tuesday at 6 p.m. in Ryckman Park. Bring your yoga mat and positive energy to stretch and flex, as the sun sets over the river.
VOLUNTEER

The Florida Wildlife Hospital, in Palm Shores along U.S. 1, helps rehabilitate injured wildlife. FWH is one of many local organizations seeking new volunteers. Florida Wildlife Hospital
Did you know that Brevard County has more than 2,000 nonprofit organizations? That means you could volunteer at a different place every week for nearly 38 years and still not run out of options. There’s truly no better way to invest in a place you love than by helping take care of it.
With so many volunteer options nearby, consider offering your time and efforts to a place that represents something you’re passionate about, whether that’s a nearby food pantry, animal rescue, or disaster relief group. Also keep an eye out for volunteer events, like beach clean-up days. These offer a fantastic opportunity to volunteer without a large time commitment — and it’s a wonderful chance to encourage your friends, family, or co-workers to be a part of a positive change.
CHECK OUT EVENTS
From the Renaissance Fair and Cocoa’s Sip & Stroll to Space Coast Pride and Surfing Santas, there are year-round events throughout Brevard County. Keep an eye on social media or do a quick Google search to discover which events are happening soon. You may be surprised how much goes on in the area every week.
Whether you’re interested in art festivals, motorcycle meet-ups, farmers markets, or live concerts, there’s guaranteed to be an event that will pique your interest and provide plenty of fun. By attending local events, you’ll also have the opportunity to meet amazing people and be a part of beloved local yearly tradition.
SHOP LOCAL
Becoming a more involved member of the community doesn’t have to be a major undertaking. It can be as simple as changing up where you eat and shop. Next time you’re thinking about hitting your favorite chain location, consider swinging by a local spot. Whether you’re looking for dinner, dessert, a quick snack or even fresh produce, there’s an abundance of locally owned businesses that provide all that you need.
Supporting family-owned companies means you’re also supporting the hard-working individuals who are the heart of our wonderful communities. Outside of shopping for food, consider checking out the unique boutiques in the area for clothing items; used bookstores for all your reading wishlists; and small barber shops or nail salons for personal care needs.

Downtown Melbourne bustles with small shops, offering visitors anything from hand-crafted goods and food to hair salons and bars. EMILY WARNER
FIND YOUR GROUP

Let’s Plant It, located on East New Haven Avenue in downtown Melbourne, is just one example of the dozens of unique stores around Brevard County which offer special products and classes for anyone with a special interest. EMILY WARNER
It’s natural for people to feel disconnected from their community when they haven’t found the places or people who reflect their similar interests. With that said, there’s a group, club, hobby or shop for everyone out there.
For instance, the quaint yet lively shop Let’s Plant It is in downtown Melbourne. They regularly host plant-related events such as terrarium workshops. They also allow you to rent out their entire shop to host your own plant party. Outside of events, you can visit the shop any day of the week to find a new plant and a unique pot.
As you consider what your niche interest may be, think back to something you might have always wanted to try but just have never gotten around to it. Pool, for example, is an addictively fun activity though one that many may not be able to practice since they don’t have a table at home. A quick search turns up weekly tournaments all over the county; there are also leagues.
If crafting and artistic activities are where your love lies, perhaps a local sewing club would pique your interest. For those more interested in being outside and active, joining a surfing group could provide a challenge on top of the opportunity to meet many new people.
Learning more about your community, including all the events, shops, and people, is a fantastic first step in becoming more involved. Becoming a more active member of your community doesn’t have to involve a drastic alteration. By making even a small change to your routine — signing up for weekly classes, volunteering once a month or opting for local restaurants when you eat out — you may be surprised just how plentiful the benefits become. The positive effects of your efforts may even radiate into the community, causing a ripple effect for the better.
Just imagine all the wonderful people, fascinating stores, and memorable events right down the road from you, waiting for you to discover them.