This week, many New Yorkers will return to work at the office while others will return to the work of rebuilding a life stripped away by Sandy. Though some of us endured without so much as a flickering of lights, no hell or high water, that hasn’t stopped those more fortunate from taking the city by storm, creating vast networks of biketrains to buoy new two-wheeled commuters, running an unofficial marathon for a much worthier cause, and getting downright dirty (like oM senior writers Suzanne and Silvie) to help NYC get on the road to recovery.
The outpouring of support for fellow New Yorkers in need has been quite something to witness and be a small part of, and that characteristic and often competitive big-heartedness will undoubtedly continue long after Thanksgiving.
Whatever kind of days you have ahead, here are 10 free things to do this week (in addition to your free right to vote) to help lift your spirits.
Free National Parks
Over Veterans Day Weekend, November 10-12, all National Parks will waive their entrance fees. Use this cool map feature to find parks in NYC and beyond.
Free Jazz
After a long week, the Jazz and Colors festival on Saturday November 10, featuring 30 bands at 30 locations throughout Central Park, may be just what you need. Enjoy great music and fall foliage at its peak.
Free Workout
Now through November 14, the New York Sports Club is welcoming non-members to workout and enjoy a hot shower free of charge. Visit www.mysportsclubs.com to find a location near you.
Free Yoga
From November 5-11, Remorca Fitness on the Upper East Side will offer all of their yoga classes for free. “Yoga is a great way to lower blood pressure, increase immune system, and relieve stress,” the studio said over the weekend. “Make time to give back to yourself and bring a loved one.”
Free History Lesson
The Museum of the City of New York is waiving admission fees through Saturday, November 10. Current exhibits include From Farm to City: Staten Island, 1661-2012, Timescapes: A Multimedia Portrait of New York, and Activist New York.
Free Laughs
The Upright Citizens Brigade showcases free comedy acts on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Or for as low as $5, laugh at the likes of Shawn and Marlon Wayans, Bill Maher, Patton Oswalk, and Ricky Gervais during the New York Comedy Festival, November 7-11.
Free Zoo
On November 7, take the 2 train to Madagascar, then to the African savanna, and on to a Congo Gorilla Forest, all for the price of a MetroCard. The Bronx Zoo offers free admission on Wednesdays until 4:30pm year-round.
Free Bike Lights
BikeNYC is offering free lights along the Hudson River Greenway at Pier 54 and 72nd Street on November 5. If you miss getting one, you’ll have another chance on November 12.
Free Lunch
Chase and Jetblue have been the driving force behind thousands of free food truck lunches being served throughout the city. There will continue to be such thing as a free lunch this week, when meals are doled out in Far Rockaway, Coney Island, Staten Island and Red Hook. Participating trucks include Korilla BBQ, Sweetery, and Phil’s Steaks. Follow these twitter accounts for specific locations: @KorillaBBQ @SweeteryNYC @PhilsSteaks
Free Salsa Lesson
Step out on Monday nights at Taj Lounge in Chelsea, and get a free salsa lesson at 6:30pm. There will also be $6 Coronas and $8 mojitos.
Photos: chrisobayda, MCNY
The co-founder and editor-at-large at offMetro, Lauren is a sustainable travel specialist and freelance journalist with frequent bylines in National Geographic, Bicycling Magazine and Shape. Follow Lauren’s adventures at @laurenmati.
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
Annie is a travel writer, environmentalist, and surfer based in Venice, CA. She heads up our West Coast team, keeps our grammatical errors in check, and makes sure our California writers always have a plan for their next adventure. Follow Annie’s travels @annelisemcb.
Carly Pifer is a freelance writer who has been known to follow whims inspired by romantic movie scenes or colorful street style shots to India, Japan, Tunisia and Argentina. After stints living in Seoul, Boston, Paris and Los Angeles, writing and searching for something intangible, she landed somewhat steadily in Brooklyn and has begun to find inspiration in her more immediate surroundings. 
Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram