So last week here in Louisville we got covered up with snow. And some ice to boot. Over the two days I think we got about 6” of snow and were just shy of an inch of ice. That’s not a deal breaker for Michigan, Minnesota, etc, but around here that’s crippling. Schools closed, work closed, gym closed, grocery stores turn into a scene from Mad Max. It’s really something to see. Needless to say, this type of thing has the potential to derail even the most committed of self care practices. Doesn’t have to though.
When the unexpected happens it’s great opportunity to fall back on our mindfulness, meditation, and breath work. Just like when our mind wanders from our breathing during a meditation, this little weather hiccup is a cue. Set aside 10-15 minutes to mediate or do some breath work. If you have an app on your phone you may receive a notification to at a certain time that would be convenient on a regular day, but maybe your kids aren’t in school and that time is now jammed up. Don’t dismiss the notification. Make a note to create this time later. Do a few rounds of simple box breathing - four seconds in, four seconds hold, four seconds exhale, four seconds hold, repeat. Just this small window of calm and clarity will be a significant prophet of change.
Maybe you can take advantage of the slow day and give yourself a spa for one treatment that you would never have time for on a regular day? Run a hot bath and add your favorite oils, epsome salt, or bubbles. Use some the products you may have received for Christmas like masks, beard oils, or candles.
You could also take this time to rework or create a brand new playlist of your favorite calming music on Spotify or whatever you might use. Explore around and let the tunes fill your space while you go about your day or while you’re treating yourself to the spa treatment above. Multiply your self care. Music is a powerful thing very capable of uplifting your mood and creating serenity.
Escape with a book. Literally and figuratively. If you can hole up somewhere out of the way AND escape reality with some good fiction, all the better. Learning something with new with a nonfiction title you’ve been waiting for the perfect time start is great too. This dedicated time immersed in a book can be multiplied by journaling your thoughts, gratitude, or future goals.
Some people who live alone may get lonely when snowed in. Without having flashbacks from CV19, you may want to check in with friends and family virtually. Obviously not as an enjoyable as the real thing, but it’s better than not seeing or hearing them at all. There’s also ways to play different games in the ether among friends and family when weather has you separated.
Being snowed in is not an excuse to miss your workouts either. YouTube is chock full of body weight workouts, stretching protocols, yoga classes, guided Pilates workouts, whatever. Take advantage of the privacy and try something new. Work on our least favorite yoga pose. Try a pistol squat. Exercise boosts energy and endorphins the same at home as it does at the gym.
Take the time to be creative and/or explore a new hobby. If you’ve ever wanted to try painting, knitting, playing an instrument or photography, this is a prime opportunity. It will bring a sense of accomplishment and boost your mood.
Lastly, if possible, spend some outdoors. The crisp cold air and bright light reflecting off the snow creates good mood and more energy. A short walk to see what the neighborhood looks like covered in snow before the cars are out again and turning everything into a black slushy mess will result in a perspective shift. Notice how quiet it all is from your front porch that is normally filled with noise.
When the unexpected happens, and the weather has you cooped up, there are other things to do besides binge watch TV and day drink. Not saying you need to do all of the suggestions, but sprinkling in a few will reduce stress and keep you on track. If you’re a habit tracker kind of person, you’ll still get to put your X in the box. By prioritizing your well being when you can’t get out, you’ll come out the other side feeling great about things, being in a good place, and ready to pick up exactly where you left off.
Comments