4 Cozy Ways to Make the Most of a Snow Day

There’s a delightful twinge of nostalgia to be found in every snow day: as kids, filling these breaks in routine with fun, mood-boosting activities felt effortless. But for some adults, snow days can be daunting. Wintry weather presents scheduling conflicts, lengthy to-do lists riddled with shovels and rock salt, and for some, fodder for your winter blues.

Maybe you’re living solo and looking to structure a day that maximizes your unexpected time off, or perhaps you’re a parent trying to plan activities that you and your children can enjoy together. “No matter your household, a snow day invites you to rest, reconnect, and find some magic in winter,” says psychotherapist Siobhan Chirico. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your next snow day, from Chirico and other mental health experts.

Siobhan Chirico is a registered psychotherapist at VOICE Counseling & Education Services
Lynn McCracken is a licensed professional counselor at InTune Wellness Center
Jo Hayes is a lifestyle coach and the founder of Etiquette Expert
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Spend Time Outside
If you have young kids, a snow day is the perfect opportunity to get some fresh air as a family—and to revisit your own favorite childhood traditions, like sledding and snowball fights. And, according to mental health experts, adults without children should also feel empowered to play outside.

Lynn McCracken, a licensed professional counselor, says she spent a recent snow day building a snowman on her own—and she recommends that anyone in search of a fun, fulfilling activity do the same. “It’s great exercise, it’s creative, and takes more grit than I thought it would,” she says. “This was a gratifying experience and made me feel like a kid again. It was invigorating being out in the cold, and I felt proud of my snowman.”

Going outside on a snow day also gives you an opportunity to check up on your neighbors—especially elderly or disabled people in your community who are especially vulnerable to the consequences of bad weather, both physically and emotionally. “Offer to shovel someone else’s driveway,” suggests Jo Hayes, a lifestyle coach. “You’ll be helping them out, while giving your body some super-beneficial exercise and endorphins. It’s feel-good either way.”

Similarly, snowy weather can make it even more difficult to muster enough energy to venture outside. But getting enough sunlight is key to treating seasonal blues, Chirico says. If the weather is too unpleasant to step out, she suggests you “sit by a bright window or use a light therapy lamp.”
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Get Some Exercise
If you’re working with limited outdoor space, or if getting hands-on with the snow just isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other ways to build some physical activity into your day. Lace up your sneakers or grab your exercise mat for a quick workout. “Gentle movements, like yoga or a short walk, can boost mood,” Chirico says.

Research indicates1 that endorphins released during exercise are beneficial for mitigating the symptoms often associated with the winter blues. Find a form of physical activity you enjoy—and it doesn’t have to be a traditional “workout.” Dance to your favorite music, play fetch with your dog, or do some jumping jacks in front of the TV.

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Bake Something New
Snow days can be particularly difficult for the Type A personalities among us: If you’re struggling with the disruption to your routine and looking for a goal to reach, try whipping up some dessert. Not only will your labor pay off in the form of a tangible (and delicious) treat, but it can also provide a mental health boost.

“Baking is a soothing and meditative activity,” Hayes says. “The super-easy nature of cookie baking, especially using premade dough, is a calming, endorphin-producing process—even before the sugar hits your bloodstream.”

Baking is also a great activity for snowed-in families. Cookie recipes are pretty straightforward, so it’s easy for kids to get involved. Hayes recommends that parents “make an event of it” for some added festivity: Bust out a tablecloth and serve up some tea or hot chocolate for an afternoon snack. But if you’re not up for the extra pomp, don’t sweat it—go the simple route, with a quick beginner recipe or even a store-bought mix.

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Practice Self-Care
For some, the thought of a snow day “is the ultimate in cozy, restful comfort,” Hayes says. But, “for others, including those who feel lonely at the best of times, the day can feel especially isolating,” she adds. And parents—many of whom might still be expected to work remotely while their kids are home—can struggle to balance their own well-being with their other responsibilities.

If snow day revelry doesn’t come naturally to you, make a concerted effort to work self-care into your schedule, wherever possible. “Turn your notifications off and dive into a book or a favorite show,” Chirico says. “A warm bath, an at-home spa treatment, or your favorite hobbies like baking, painting, or journaling can make the day feel restorative.”