Note: This article will be updated as new virtual events and opportunities become available.
With everything we’re “used to” doing now on hold due to COVID-19, it’s easy to give into that sinking, “ugh, my life is OVER” feeling. But don’t despair! Businesses and organizations are stepping up with all kinds of clever and creative solutions to keep you entertained, and with videoconferencing and other technology making it easier than ever to stay in touch from afar, it’s actually pretty easy to turn “social distancing” into “social – from a distance”.
Sign at Perennial Accents in Downtown St. Joseph
Here are 4 things you can still TOTALLY do while riding out the coronavirus restrictions:
Sweat and Stretch.
Who says you have to go to the gym to get in a good workout? With virtual classes and all kinds of livestreamed events, you can still get gains, work up a sweat or center yourself from the comfort of your living room. Bonus: this is the time to try that really hard class without worrying you’ll look bad if you drop to your knees in the middle of it…
- The Collective is offering regular pay-what-you-can virtual yoga offerings via its Facebook page.
- Mindful Living & Yoga is offering free 30-minute yoga classes plus a mindful meditation practice on Wednesday mornings at 10 AM.
- Yoga Life is offering regularly-updated audio classes and is beginning to roll out video classes as well. Like their Facebook page to stay up to date as they add new offerings.
- Maddog 5/1 is planning adding regular online content including fitness “happy hours”.
- The YMCA of Greater Michiana is holding virtual classes for those who want to work out at home
- The Citadel Dance & Music Center is offering online courses for its students and is also sharing lots of links to virtual events in the arts.
- Renaissance Athletic Club (“The RAC”) will have you feeling the burn with trainer-led classes livestreamed daily on its Facebook page.
This list is by no means exhaustive. If you already belong to a studio or gym, check their Facebook page – chances are good that there are virtual options that will let you keep your fitness up!
Enjoy Happy Hour With Your Pals
So maybe you won’t be gathering in your favorite hot spot this Friday after work, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get some friends together for a beverage. Use Zoom, Facetime or another videoconferencing platform to host a live get-together – pajamas optional.
Or, attend one of the virtual events popping up all over the area – for example:
- The Ghostlight Theatre is hosting a Virtual Cabaret tonight (Friday, March 27) at 7:30 PM, and is planning regular Friday night events bringing performing artists near and far together.
- The Acorn Theatre is offering frequent live events on its Facebook page.
- The Mendel Center is holding events like a Facebook Live Q&A with the creator of Aureum on April 4.
- Hickory Creek Winery is offering weekly Virtual Happy Hour on Fridays
- Watch theatre kids perform their favorite musical numbers in the #CMWLivingRoomConcerts
Do Dinner and A Movie
So, going out to eat and to the movies is off-limits right now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take the experience home! Have dinner from one of your favorite restaurants & enjoy a Netflix “watch party” with your friends.
- First, grab dinner at one of the many, many restaurants offering takeout, delivery, or curbside pickup right now: Buy Local Berrien has an exhaustive and frequently updated list. And don’t forget to tip generously!
- Then, wave at your buddies from across the parking lot, and then everyone head home for the movie portion of the night. Follow these directions to easily launch a watch party via Netflix Party.
Help Others
One of the best ways to stave off anxiety and self-pity while stoking the flames of gratitude and optimism? Helping others – it’s science, people. And while you may not be able to go sit with a sick person or give a friend a hug to help them through a hard time right now, there are MANY ways to plug into your local community’s needs and lend a helping hand (okay, and maybe unload an extra case or two of toilet paper that you now feel sheepish about hoarding…)
Here are a few Facebook pages for organizations that can give you ideas and match you with helping opportunities:
Friends, the COVID-19 situation is ongoing and will continue to develop – and we’re here to be a resource to you! If you know of any fun virtual events or other resources you’d like to see shared in a future post, please email meagan@sunsetcoastmichigan.com and tell us about it. Stay healthy and keep moving! We’re all in this together.
