6AM City In-house

Culture

Taking a mental health day in Austin, TX
A boardwalk along the lake with Austin's skyline in the background.
The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail is Senior City Editor London’s happy place. | Photo by ATXtoday
If you’ve lost motivation to work, are feeling less productive, or find yourself worrying, feeling anxious, and stressed— you might need to take a mental health day.

Just like taking a sick day when our bodies are under the weather, taking a mental health day allows for a day of rest for our mental well-being.

Here are some ways you can recharge your batteries in Austin.

Get some fresh air

Take advantage of the weather and go for a walk around the neighborhood, along Lady Bird Lake, or at Zilker Park. Fully immerse yourself in nature for a hike at the Mayfield Nature Preserve or one of the many other trails in the area.

Not looking to do something active? Grab a book or some close friends and sit outside at one of the local parks. Get some food and have a picnic. We love grabbing takeout and heading to Mueller Lake Park.

Do something creative

Find something that inspires you or something you haven’t done before to experience creative freedom. Check out some of the writing workshops at Austin Bat Cave, sign up for a painting or pottery class at Cordovan Art School, or get a free intro to improv at The Hideout Theatre.

Get in a workout

It can be difficult to fit in active time during the work week, so taking some time to get your body moving can be a great way to utilize time during your mental health day. If you’re looking to really break a sweat, try out at class at LOVE Cycling Studio. Yoga is also a great option — Practice Yoga Austin offers several kinds of classes.

Do self-care your way

If anyone knows what you need to recharge your battery, it’s yourself, so take the day to do whatever it is that brings you joy.

Editor London likes to take a walk along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail with her dog, Baxter, and look through books at the Central Library.

Editor Figi feels recharged after a trip to Austin Creative Reuse, a homemade London Fog latte, and day of roller skating at Veloway Park.

Looking for additional information or resources about mental health? Click here.

What are some ways you take care of yourself?
LET US KNOW
6AM City In-house

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Friday, Dec. 16
  • The Department Of The People + Process | Now-Saturday, Feb. 25 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | George Washington Carver Museum, 1165 Angelina St., Austin | Free | This interactive art exhibition examines questions of authority and the sovereignty of the human journey.
  • Maywald Holiday Lights Display | Now-Wednesday, Dec. 28 | 6-10 p.m. | Maywald Home, 10505 Twilight Vista, Austin | Free | The ABC Great Christmas Light Fight winners of 2019 are at it once again and fundraising for Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas.
Saturday, Dec. 17
  • Ugly Sweater Crawl: Austin | Saturday, Dec. 17 | 6-11 p.m. | Multiple locations | $15 | Join in on the 6th annual Ugly Sweater Crawl — just bring your least-appealing sweater.
  • Armadillo Christmas Bazaar | Saturday, Dec. 17-Friday, Dec. 23 | 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. | Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd., Austin | $12-$47 | Shop for artisan gifts, dig into food from local vendors, and take in live music at this annual lakeside bazaar.
Sunday, Dec. 18
  • sunSLAY Drag Brunch | Sunday, Dec. 18 | 12-3 p.m. | Wax Myrtle’s, 506 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin | $15 | Catch the inaugural monthly SunSLAY Drag Brunch, starring queens Amber Nicole Davenport, Marilyn Williams, Vegas van Cartier, and Brandi Williams.
Monday, Dec. 19
  • Chris Isaak | Monday, Dec. 19 | 8 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave., Austin | $35-$80 | Settle into a performance of the second Christmas album by the Grammy-nominated singer and actor.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
6AM City In-house

Weather
  • 56º | Cloudy | 16% chance of rain
Holiday
  • Hanukkah sameach. This Sunday evening (Dec. 18) marks the beginning of Hanukkah — the Festival of Lights that lasts for eight days. Celebrate by attending the nightly Lakeway menorah lighting or this year’s Mazel Ball. 🕎
  • If building gingerbread houses is an annual holiday tradition for you, now’s your time to shine. Show off your gingerbread decorating skills for a chance to win a $500 Central Market Gift Card. Upload a photo of your creation by Tuesday, Dec. 27 to enter to win.*
Now Open
  • After beginning construction almost five years ago, the northern portion of the Texas Mall has opened to the public. Part of the Capitol Complex Project, a master plan to redevelop spaces between East 15th Street and East MLK Jr. Boulevard, the new pedestrian promenade only has one rule: no cars.🚶‍♀️ (Austin Towers)
Announced
  • Country musician Garth Brooks is slated to perform at Matthew McConaughey’s annual fundraiser Mack, Jack & McConughey — created jointly with UT coach Mack Brown and recording artist Jack Ingram — a group that has donated $20 million to charities benefiting children. The event is scheduled for April 27-28 at ACL Live — click here for tickets. 🎤 (KXAN)
  • Queer Eye chef and local resident Antoni Porowski announced he’s going on tour for his book, “Let’s Do Dinner,” after postponing due to the pandemic. Austin’s visit takes place on Thursday, Feb. 16 — get tickets here.
Featured
Cause
  • Austin FC and H-E-B on North Lamar teamed up on Tuesday evening to “Surprise and Delight” customers by paying for their groceries to alleviate stress ahead of the holidays. This year marks the third time Austin FC has celebrated the holidays by giving back. (KXAN)
Shop
  • It’s ok if you waited until the last minute to shop this season. There’s still time to shop items from our online shop Six & Main. We’re talking cocktail glasses, shirts, candles, mugs, and more. Our gift guides make shopping easy. 🛍️
Travel
Finance
Outdoors
  • Still shopping for the hunter or angler in your life? Sportsman’s Box, the leading gear discovery service for outdoorsmen, is adding a free $100 credit for all new members through Saturday, Dec. 31. Choose from nine leading brands with your first Sportsman’s Box and claim your free gift. 🎣 *
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History

A very South Congress time lapse
A slideshow of the same part of the strip from South Congress from 2007-2022.
South Congress has transformed in the last decade. | Images via Google Maps, Gif by ATXtoday
It’s no secret that Austin is always changing, but looking at old photos of South Congress Ave. is a blast from the past.

Inspired by a 2009-2022 time lapse of Rainey Street from TikTok account @itsallchanging, we wanted to show you some of the changes tourism district South Congress has been through.

A time lapse of the corner of Music Lane from 2007-2022.

Music Lane has been in the works since 2017.

Gif by ATXtoday


Google Maps street view began in November 2007, right in the middle of South Congress’ transformation. Prior to then, South Congress was shifting from its reputation as a pseudo “red-light district” to a burgeoning entertainment district while Liz Lambert revamped the Hotel San José.

In 2007, South Congress was just beginning its tourism spike and vestiges from the old street still remained. There was no Music Lane development — that wouldn’t break ground until 2017. Click the button below for a street view compilation that will give you all the nostalgia.

What’s your favorite establishment — past or present — on South Congress? Let us know.
TIME LAPSES ON
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Figi.

Editor’s pick: My 19-year-old sister is coming back to Austin from university in England this weekend and I haven’t seen her in almost a year. I feel very old right now, but where should I take her during her visit? Let me know.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Read our ideas for giving experiences as gifts, here.
Connect with us.

Editorial: Laura Figi, London Gibson, Dayten Rose, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Camille McLeod | Advertise with us.

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