Easy Living In Forest Hills: How To Unwind In Your Neighborhood

FOREST HILLS, QUEENS — Living in a big, busy city can make for equally busy lifestyles, but on Aug. 15, beings of leisure across the city can indulge in National Relaxation Day.

But relaxation doesn’t have to be limited to one day. With so much to do in Forest Hills to help keep residents busy, Patch wants to know: How do locals like to relax?

Here are some of the ways to find some R&R in Forest Hills this week:

Tai chi: an exercise of the mind and body

Where: 98-27 Metropolitan Ave.

Tai chi is an ancient Chinese tradition that involves a series of movements performed in a slow, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing.

From 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 14, adults in Forest Hills can practice beginner’s tai chi with instructor Mirelle Netelle, who will teach participants at Queens Library to use the five elements of qigong (a system of physical exercises and breathing control) for health and wellbeing.

Jazz and boogaloo: an outdoor concert with Spanglish Fly

Where: 70th Road

Latin soul-boogaloo band Spanglish Fly performs a free jazz concert on Aug. 17 as part of the Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce’s Jazz Thursdays series.

From 7 to 9:30 p.m., 70th Road will close between Queens Boulevard and Austin Street, and a number of seats will be available, but residents have been advised to arrive early for optimal seating.

Coloring for adults: it’s just for kids

Where: 98-27 Metropolitan Ave.

Queens Library is offering adult coloring programs in August, and no registration is required to attend. Adult coloring has been recommended as a way to reduce, the library says.

From 3 to 4 p.m. on Aug. 16, staff will supply all coloring pages and pencils. Participants are also welcome to bring their own materials.

Take a walk through Station Square

Where: Between 71st Avenue and Burns Street

Station Square is the centerpiece of Forest Hills Gardens, originally envisioned as the commercial center of the community. Today, the brick-paved plaza is a place where residents and visitors alike can sit down and take in the neighborhood and its scenery.

Self-help and mental health: a meeting with Recovery International

Where: 98-27 Metropolitan Ave.

Recovery International, a not-for-profit mental health self-help organization, is meeting Aug. 17 to help participants find a way to cope with anxiety, fear, obsessions, anger, stress and depression.

From 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., the meeting will be held at Queens Library, and all discussions are safe, free and — most of all — confidential. No registration is required to attend.

Image via Pixabay