10 awesome things to get you through Stella: A snow day survival guide
Winter isn't dead yet. If you're among the many snowed in by Winter Storm Stella today, here are 10 things to do to make it through the day.
1. Netflix and binge
A snow day is always a good time to catch up on your TV. If you plan to spend your day off curled up with hot cocoa and Netflix (or Amazon or Hulu), we have a few suggestions for what you should be queuing up, including, but not limited to Buffy the Vampire Slayer (can you believe she's 20?) and The Americans (even if Russia is in the news a bit too much for the producers' liking). Seeking family friendly shows? Here's a list for you.
2. Take the kiddos — or your inner kid — outside
Once the heavy snow and gusting winds cease, break out the sleds. Cooped-up kids of any age are going to have a lot of energy to burn. And let's face it, you're not going to the gym today. If it's too cold to go outside, turn to Pinterest for indoor activity ideas (laundry basket skee-ball, anyone?). Keeping them busy will help keep your sanity intact.
3. It's a brilliant day to fill out your NCAA bracket
Two words: March Madness! Games get into gear Tuesday night. You'll definitely need a bracket. (You can print one here.) Next, make sure you create your own bracket pool and invite your friends to join in the USA TODAY Sports Bracket Challenge. These are the 68 teams dancing this March and the No. 1 seeds: Villanova, Kansas, North Carolina and Gonzaga.
4. No snow day? Have a killer work from home day
Telecommuting pros: You can wear sweatpants. Cons: Communication can be trickier. Here's how to have your best, most productive day and show that to-do list who's boss.
5. There's no better way to warm up than with a steamy bowl of soup
It's a fact. These are the 10 best soup recipes on Pinterest and they go way beyond chicken noodle. Easy Thai Shrimp Soup? Yes, please! If you're feeling ambitious, remember it's Pi Day. Craft (and recipe) ideas abound. These are the best movies to watch in celebration of Pi Day.
6. Start thinking about that dream vacation
When the weather outside is frightful, fantasizing about leaving is so delightful. Here are some super cool locations that are actually affordable. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning. If you're stuck at the airport as you read this, here are some tips for powering through. Also worth a read: Boarding area do's and don'ts.
7. Game time!
Sure, you can dust off the old Monopoly. But if you want to hunker down with your phone, here are some classics to get your brain burning: Crossword, Sudoku and, yes, Jigsaw. Or take some enlightening quizzes. Can you really go on without knowing which Beauty in the Beast character you are? Or which NCAA men's basketball coach?
8. Worried about losing power? Save your food
Since big storms and other natural disasters can leave you without power for hours, days, or even weeks, one of the most important things to take into consideration is food storage and safety. Freezing is one way to avoid ruining your food if you lose power.
9. Seriously, though — mind your health
Shoveling snow can lead to a heart attack if you aren't careful. Cold temperatures increase the risk of a heart attack, not only because of the physical challenges of negotiating snow-clogged streets and sidewalks, but also because the body must work harder to keep up its core temperature. This is one reason you should start your day with a tall drink of water.
10. Remember, this too shall pass
Yes, it's the biggest snowfall of the season for much of the East Coast. But it won't last forever. Or even a day. Keep up with the latest forecast so you'll know when you're out of the woods.
