by Elyse Wild 

Updated 03/21/2020
Note: This is post will be updated periodically. Please send an email to [email protected] with any information on additional local business and organizations that are providing services, classes or products online at this time.

According to recommendations by the Center for Disease Control, we must do our part in slowing the spread of the coronavirus by practicing social distancing and staying home. For many of us, this is a big change from enjoying daily life in a vibrant city. We've come up with a few ways to engage in activities at home through resources in our local community. 

LOCAL PODCASTS

Mental Health
Be The One w/ Aaron & Vonnie - Two people whose passion for mental illness awareness, For those who are hurting, for those who support those in need.

Sweat 

The YMCA of Grand Rapids is providing virtual workout classes for free on their website. Get your cardio (or boot camp, barre and yoga) on and stay on top of your fitness goals at grymca.org/virtual-workouts. 

Enjoy Concert from Home 

Emily Petersmark, of popular local band The Crane Wives, has organized "Stay in Your House Shows," a digital concert series in which viewers can enjoy performances by local artists. Streaming is free and donations are encouraged. Click here to follow the page on Facebook and stay up to date on future shows.

Order Take-Out

Grand Rapids has enjoyed a thriving local dining scene over the past few years. The very people that have made our city a dining destination are struggling. While bars and restaurants are closed by executive order of the governor, they can still do take out and pick up! Order take out from your favorite local eatery if you are able. It's more important than ever. We have compiled a list of local restaurants with food and beer take out and delivery options and are updating it daily. Updated 03/21/2020

Visit the Library 

Kent District Library (KDL) and the Grand Rapids Public Library - Grand Rapids, MI (GRPL) have vast digital resources available to library cardholders, including books, movies, music and more. Don't have one? No worries — KDL and GRPL offer online library card registration.
Kent District Library: Digital Resources / Sign-up for e-card here.
Grand Rapids Public Library: Digital Resources / Sign-up for e-card here.
Updated 03/21/2020

Commune with Other Working Moms

momHIVE has an established online community of working moms. If you are currently working from home, balancing life trying to reply to client emails and tending to your cooped-up kiddos, join now! You'll thank us later. 

Get Mindful

Seriously. Now is the time to take advantage of local businesses that specialize in mindfulness practices. Grand Rapids Center for Mindfulness is offering online courses in mindfulness for beginners, mindful parenting and mindful self-compassion. Additionally, practicing yoga is a great way to engage in mindfulness and has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and depression.  From the Heart Yoga and Tai Chi Center has been teaching yoga and Tai Chi in Grand Rapids for 20 years and are currently live streaming all of their classes, which range from beginner to advanced. 

Adopt or Foster a Pet

The Humane Society of West Michigan is offering reduced adoption fees: $50 for dogs, with all fees waived for cats. While social distancing will be in place for the foreseeable future and we are spending time at home, now is the time to acclimate a new pet to your family! If you aren't ready to commit to adoption but you have room for a furry friend, foster instead. This is especially helpful as the humane society is closed to volunteers, many of whom help socialize the animals.