1. Read More Books

Whatever genre or style of book you enjoy reading, commit to reading more books this year and get in the habit of reading for pleasure. Research shows that people who read books for fun have an increase in overall health and wellness and increased capacity for social mobility and connection. I find that books help me slow down and enjoy the quietness of life without interruption from a notification on my phone or being stimulated by a screen. In Grand Forks, there are four places I’ve found I can unplug and grab a book to read:

• Grand Forks Public Library (Southeast Grand Forks)
  • Located on Library Cir. and S Washington Ave. (Across the street from Red Ray Lanes) and open 9am-9pm Monday-Saturday, Sunday 1-5pm. They have STEM and robotics/coding programs for kids, homework help, and a play area. Live in Grand Forks County? You can get a library card for free!
• Chester Fritz Library (University of North Dakota)
  • Open 7 days per week, and Sun-Thurs open until midnight, this perfect study space for college students offers book rentals free to UND students. It has also been newly renovated to include a lot more seating.
• Silver Dawn Books (Southeast Grand Forks)
  • Also on S Washington St, Silver Dawn (previously known as Ferguson Books), this small, locally owned bookstore just had its grand opening event in November 2023. If you want to shop small and discover a new area of Grand Forks, go check out this awesome bookstore in the Grand Cities Mall!
• Campbell Library (East Grand Forks)
  • Located across the parking lot from River Cinema in East Grand Forks, this public library is constantly putting on events for the community and is a great place to relax and read near downtown Grand Forks. Check out their website to stay informed with all of their upcoming events and programs!

 

2. Get to the Gym

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), “Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Being physically active can improve your brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities.” Getting motivated to go to the gym can be difficult, but I find that going with a group or a partner is helpful to keep you accountable to your goals and push you to your maximum potential!

Here are a few locations in Grand Forks that can help you stay fit and get in a good rhythm of exercise! Each has different offerings and hours so check them out and decide which one is for you!

• Choice Health and Fitness
  • This massive facility has indoor tennis and racquetball courts, a gymnasium, and even a pool! If you need some extra motivation, they also offer professional coaching and group classes. Check out individual or family memberships, events, and other programs on their webpage.
• UND Wellness Center
  • For a UND Student, the Wellness Center is the go-to spot for everything fitness and recreation. They have intramural sports, a rock-climbing wall, and even camping/outdoor equipment rentals at The Outpost for crazy reasonably prices.
• IronWorks Gym
• • Here’s to supporting local businesses while supporting your health! With a special emphasis on weight training, IronWorks Gym is located on S Washington St. You can view their full schedule and rates on their website if you’re looking to start pumping that iron.
• God Strong Gym
  • This is a faith-based gym/lifting program also located on S Washington St. For times to visit or inquiries, email godstronggym@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page.

 

3. Eat Healthier

It seems like there is a new restaurant popping up around every corner in Grand Forks. So, the next time you are out and about looking for groceries or your next meal, try these healthy alternatives to the greasy fast-food scene:

• Nautical Bowls
  • Recently opened option for smoothie and acai bowls, this unique dining spot serves up tons of fun and unique flavors! Mix and match elements to build your own bowl or try a tried-and-true local favorite to ease your way into a new world of healthy!
• Crisp & Green
  • A new addition to Grand Forks as of December 2023, Crisp and Green brings its “Living Crisp” movement to the old HuHot building off of Columbia. They offer assembly-line-style salads, grain bowls, and more; all made-from-scratch with delicious fresh ingredients.
• Natural Grocers
  • This grocery store is focused on quality natural and organic ingredients while promoting nutritional lifestyles and education. Whether you’re looking for food alternatives, eager to discover your new favorite exotic produce, or simply searching for a few standbys, you’ll be happy to find Natural Grocers on on 32nd Ave.
• Hugo’s Pure Market
  • Between Gate City Bank and Central High School on DeMers Ave, this new Hugo’s market has tons of fresh produce and healthy prepared foods readily available to serve Downtown Grand Forks. Sneak a quick lunch assembled by “Sally” the salad robot, chat with their in-house sushi chef for a custom roll, or snag some fresh produce on your drive home—either way, you know you’re choosing an option that your body will thank you for.
• Town Square Farmer’s Market
  • During the summer months, stop by Town Square in downtown Grand Forks for local vendors and farmers looking to sell their locally grown produce and handmade foods. Find fresh produce (along with tons of other goodies and events) every Saturday from 9am-1pm June through September.

 

4. Decrease Screen Time

During the long Grand Forks winters, it can be tempting to stay inside and curl up with your favorite Netflix series until the snow melts. While this is great for a day or two, it’s important to not get too attached to our TVs, phones, and video games. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that people who spend more time on screens per day have decreased brain development, more mood swings, and more trouble sleeping. Learning a new skill or hobby can be a helpful way to get out of the house and off the screens to engage our brain instead of endless scrolling. Here are just a few resources to get you started on developing good habits and using your time effectively!

• Cross country skiing at Lincoln Drive Park (Check out The Outpost at the UND Wellness Center if you need gear!)
• Take music lessons at Poppler’s Music ($20-$40/30 min lesson)
• Ice Skate at one of the many indoor and outdoor rinks
• Take a ceramics/pottery class at Muddy Waters or try a new craft each week at Arts for Vets!
• Take a yoga class in a local studio.

No matter your goals for this upcoming year, Grand Forks has got you covered for all sorts of activities and wellness opportunities. Happy New Year!