Wellness

🧘 Physical benefits

• Therapy can help reduce and in some cases even eliminate chronic pain. Trauma + stress can increase cortisol, a hormone that affects the perception of pain. In therapy, you can discover solutions that help reduce stress and positively impact your physical wellbeing alongside your mental wellbeing.
• Therapy can plant a seed for greater self-love + self-care. You might feel more motivated to do activities that make you feel good and are good for you. (Think: healthy routines, exercise, and socializing.)
• A calmer nervous system supports gut health, improves immune function, can lower blood pressure, and promotes better circulation, among many other improved areas of bodily function.

🧠 Psychological and emotional benefits

• It’s easy to shut down uncomfortable thoughts and feelings when you’re alone. The longer these go unaddressed, the more they can negatively impact your mental health. Therapy provides a dedicated time + place to address those thoughts with someone you trust.
• When you lift the weight caused by your stressors, you make space for self-awareness, creativity, and curiosity.

• Richmond Restaurant Week | Monday, April 24-Sunday, April 30 | Times vary | Multiple locations | $35.23 | Eat at select local restaurants and a portion of your meal with benefit Feed More.

• VCU Baseball vs. Old Dominion | Tuesday, Apr. 25 | 6-9 p.m. | The Diamond, 3001 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond | $0-$10 | Cheer on the Rams as they battle the Monarchs.

• BlackGrounds: Black Melancholia as a Critical Practice | Wednesday, Apr. 26 | 6-8 p.m. | Institute for Contemporary Art, 601 W. Broad St., Richmond | Free | This edition of the ongoing lecture series will feature Nana Adusei-Poku, PhD, from UC Berkeley.

• Richbrau Brewing Artisan Market | Thursday, Apr. 27 | 5-8 p.m. | Richbrau Brewing, 5 S. 20th St., Richmond | Cost of purchase | Shop from local makers selling crafts, jewelry, bath products, and apparel.

• Drive-By Truckers | Friday, Apr. 28 | 6 p.m. | Brown’s Island, 500 Tredegar St., Richmond | $25-$35 | Jam out with the Georgia-based rockers and Lydia Loveless.

• Slurp Ramen is quietly opening this week in Church Hill. The former pop-up comes from the owners of The Jasper Bar in Carytown. It’ll serve ramen, starters like dumplings and wings, and a selection of specialty drinks. (Richmond Magazine)
• A popular burger pop-up is moving to a Northside storefront. Smashed RVA plans to open in the former Brook’s Diner space this summer. (Richmond BizSense)

• The city’s “I Voted” sticker contest is still going on. RPS high schoolers can submit entries until 5 p.m. on Friday, May 12. Designs should be two inches in diameter with no more than four colors.

• The Spring Market at Pizza Bones is back for another year on Sunday, April 30 from 1-5 p.m. The Church Hill restaurant will have local vendors selling clothes, prints, and ceramics with plenty of pizza and wine to enjoy as well.

• Are you part of the George Wythe High School community? The school is one of four schools being renamed. There will be a virtual meeting to discuss new name options tonight at 6 p.m. Learn more.

• The American Lung Association’s 2023 State of the Air report has the Greater Richmond region’s air quality at “mixed.” According to the report, our region saw an increase in high-particulate-matter days, although ozone smog levels remained relatively low. (VPM)

• Renovations are complete at the Short Pump Kroger. Included in the work was an expansion of the adult beverage section and replacement of the floors. At the ribbon cutting, Kroger Mid-Atlantic also announced a $4,500 donation to local environmental nonprofit Keep Virginia Cozy.

• A massive cat up for adoption at Richmond Animal Care and Control made national headlines last week. Patches was listed at 40.3 lbs on the original Facebook post from RACC. He was adopted within a day.

• The Fan Arts Stroll returns to Hanover and Grove Avenues on Thursday, May 11 and Friday, May 12 from 4-8 p.m. Local artists will display their work on the sidewalk from Meadow Street to Robinson.
• Mark your calendar for this year’s Richmond Performing Arts Alliance Parking Lot Party, happening Saturday, May 6 from 2-6 p.m. This free event will benefit RPAA’s BrightLights Education Initiatives and feature performances by the Sweet Potatoes, Carrie Brockwell, and Jeff Beatman, with arts workshops for youth happening throughout the afternoon.*

• Need a whole home surge protector? Woodfin - Your Home Team has you covered. Bonus: Take advantage of this money saving special.*

• Hydration is key this time of year. Need to buy some water that will actually make you want to drink water? Meet Hint and use code 6AMCITY for over 45% off. (Hint: We love the Watermelon and Peach Raspberry flavors.)*

• Has your news feed (or TikTok) been robbing you of your productivity and focus? (Same.) This natural adaptogen supplement can increase cognitive function without the use of traditional medications. Bonus: 15% off and a 30-day money-back guarantee.*

• Get excited to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with our online shop (Six & Main). Cheers with this Margarita Bundle from Simple Times Mixers, and treat your taste buds with Sobremesa, a small-batch mole and salsa company.