Do You Wanna Build A Snowman?

2 kids building a snowman

Snow, beautiful, snow! (Or more like: stress, anxiety, and more stress?)

Snow brings a certain quiet peace as it’s falling…until the kids notice it. And then the chaos begins!

Or until you realize you have a deadline to meet at work. And then your blood pressure goes up.

Many of us have had a week of having to adjust schedules. Delayed start school and work days. Cancelled school and work days. Cancelled school days, but you still have to go to work.

All of this juggling can certainly add to stress and anxiety!

Here are a couple of ideas on how to embrace the joy and reduce the stress.

1. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

The weather is out of our control. There is nothing we can do about it. Embrace the beauty that it can bring.

If you are single or married, go for a walk with your spouse and reconnect. Curl up with a good book. Watch a movie on Netflix.

OR…you could always have a snowball fight!

If you have kids, soak in the joy on their faces as they catch snowflakes on their tongues. Watch as they twirl in awe, with arms outstretched and faces to the heavens. Build a snowman. Make snow cream and hot chocolate. This is a great time to get connected to the child within yourself…let go and have FUN! (Oh, and go ahead and watch Frozen…yes again. And while you do it, listen to the beautiful sound of your children’s voices as they sing “Let it go; let it go!” at the top of their lungs. Or if you really wanna get crazy, SING IT WITH THEM!)

2. Be present in the moment.

Much of your stress comes from worrying about tomorrow. I assure you, everything will still be waiting for you when you get back to work! And think about it…if you can’t get out of YOUR driveway, how many others can’t get out of THEIRS?

Have you ever stopped and taken the time to think about the way a snowflake feels when it hits your face? Listened to the crunch as your shoes step on the freshly fallen snow? Observed the way the sunlight sparkles as it shines through an icicle on the corner of your house? Take a deep breath… notice the way the cold feels as you breathe it in. Exhale…watch as the fog forms before you. Now do it again. Just the simple act of breathing can sometimes lessen any anxiety you may be feeling.

Now it’s your turn. What are ways that you and yours are enjoying the snow days???