By Cheryl Steinberg
With the northern states set to receive their fair-share of snow and talks of blizzards, it’s a good idea to be prepared with things like food, water, and toilet paper. But, once the basic needs are covered, if you’re snowed in, here’s a list of stuff to do.
#1. Netflix binge!
Duh! Or, here’s a here’s a novel idea…
#2. Read a book
See what I did there? That’s called a pun. Pick up that book you’ve had on your nightstand for like, two years. It will no longer taunt you.
#3. Play games
Board games, card games (Cards Against Humanity is a favorite), or video games – or a combination of all of these. If your friends are snowed-in in other locations, you can still play games with them, such as Trivia Crack or Words With Friends.
#4. Organize your closet
Ugh, sounds like a nightmare but, if this is something you’ve been meaning to do but keep putting off, it’s just another thing you have hanging over your head and creating stress in your life. Think of it this way: you’ll feel much better after you do it. And accomplished, too!
#5. Clean out that junk drawer
Similar scenario to the closet. We all have that one (or several) junk drawer that’s gotten out of hand. You probably can’t get it to close all the way anymore. Think about how nice it will feel to bring some organization – even to your so-called junk.
#6. Rearrange a room
Slow your roll…this isn’t necessarily cleaning. Have fun being creative by rearranging your stuff. You might be surprised to find that you’ve created a much roomier room simply by switching places with the sofa and the TV.
#7. Try out a new recipe
Here’s another way you can play around with your creativity. Crack open one of your mom’s hand-me-down recipe books or consult Pinterest for ideas at cooking or baking a new-to-you meal or treat.
#8. Do yoga in your living room
Or wherever you have the space to do it. Maybe you’re already a hardcore yogi. Or maybe you’ve always wondered what the whole yoga obsession was about. Now’s your chance to experience it. You can look up how to do yoga on YouTube.
#9. #10. Dig out!
As in, venture outside and dig a path in the snow. It’s great exercise and, if you do venture out, you can…
#10. Have a snowball fight
What better way to enjoy being snowed-in than to get back in touch with your inner child.
#11. Call your parents, siblings, and/or an old friend
Catch up with all your peeps, you know, the ones you’ve been meaning to call/text.
#12. Make a list of your goals for the next few months
Really take the time to think them out and write them down so now you’re accountable to yourself.
#13. Clean out your phone contacts
If you’re like me, you’ve got tons of people in your contacts that you don’t recall who they are. Even the word-hint after their name no longer means something to you. Also, this is a great opportunity for getting rid of the people you do remember that have proven to be toxic friends or ex-hook ups who make you feel terrible.
#14. Create all those Spotify playlists you’ve been meaning to make
If you’re a music fan like me, being stuck inside is the perfect opportunity to organize your music into playlists and share them with all of your friends who have been bugging you to do so. Also, you can take this time to check out other people’s playlists and find new people to follow.
#15. Write a letter to someone you haven’t talked to in a while
Or to a best friend, someone you talk to often. There’s nothing like getting an old-fashioned, hand-written letter since we’re so used to only getting texts and emails these days.
#16. Meditate
Listen to the sounds of the snow outside and breathe deeply. Clear your mind. Nothing’s gonna happen while it’s snowing this hard. Take the time to relax.
If you or someone you love is isolating because of other reasons, not just inclement weather, such as due to a substance abuse disorder like drug addiction, help is available. Please call toll-free 1-800-951-6135 to speak with an Addiction Specialist today. We are here day or night, rain or shine (or snow) 24/7 to take your call. You are not alone.