When the meteorologist mentioned major snow accumulations at the beginning of the week, I immediately went into planning mode.  I made sure that all my assignments were completed at the office.  I had no intention of checking emails or messages.  This snow day belonged to me!  As soon as the long hand was on 12 and the shorthand was on five I headed for the door.  The snow was not expected to start until after midnight, so I headed towards my local Target to stock up on groceries and snacks; then headed to my favorite liquor store to pick up a bottle of Moscato.  It’s very easy to make a snow day a lazy day and believe me I wanted to.  However, here are 5 Ways for You to remain productive during a Snow Day, while Still in Bed!

Organize Your Email Inbox

On any given day I would get up 50 emails (non-work related) and they would just sit there unread in my inbox.  This is the perfect day to read, delete and unsubscribe to emails.  Create email folders/ categories to keep things organized.  To prevent future email pile up, spend few minutes at the end of the day to empty your inbox.  Emails that require your attention should be flagged.

Time to Chat!

Girl, get on that phone! I literally mean, TALK ON THE PHONE.  Not Text!  Call a few friends or family members that you haven’t chatted with in awhile.  We often resort to texting as a main form of communication.  Chatting on the phone seems to be a lost art.  Yeah, I am guilty of this too.  Make plans with your friends to get together to go to the movies, dinner, drinks or my favorite brunch.

Make Plans for Valentine’s Day, Vacation, etc.

Valentine’s Day is close at hand and making plans to surprise your honey would be ideal.  Use part of this day to make arrangements for Valentine’s Day.  Perhaps trying out a new restaurant, or making a nice dinner at home.  Research the internet for gift ideas and place orders to have gifts shipped before the big day.  Now, since its snowing outside, it would be good to start vacation planning.   Imagining someplace warm, with white sandy beaches and endless cocktails, etc.  Get the hint?  Make a list of possible places, prices and ideal times to travel.

Catch up on your Reading

I absolutely love to read and I am not just talking about blogs.  I am talking about books…about history, art, romance, and cooking; just to name a few subjects.  I have been lacking when it comes to reading, so I decided that I would read at least one book per month about any subject.  I haven’t selected my book of the month yet, however, I did decide to do some research for future blog posts and what better way to get ideas than to read magazines.  My favorite magazines are Essence, Ebony, Oprah and Real Simple.  And, while you are at it check out a few new blogs and of course comment, share or subscribe.

BLOG!

Snow Days are excellent for playing catch up.   This is the best time to write and edit blog posts that are already published but to also write new ones for the following week.  Check out your editorial calendar (and you must have one!) create outlines for new posts, schedule social media postings and create images.  In addition to writing on your blog, it would be a good time to start a personal journal too.

Even though you are being productive, don’t forget to take some time to relax.  I would recommend relaxing after you have done a few things on your list.  Look out the window and watch the snow fall and allow your mind to wander.  Take a long bubble bath, watch a new show on Netflix and most importantly grab a good nap.

How do you spend your Snow Days?