Snowstorm Prediction Got You Down?

Last Thursday then again Saturday into Sunday we got hit with major snowstorms. Charles and I were trying to think back and neither of us could remember the last time we had a storm this monumental. 

Picture this…you get the warning on your phone that a storm is coming and a substantial amount of snow is expected. I’m talking predictions of  1-3 inches of snow Saturday morning, 3-5 Saturday night, and another 8-14 inches throughout the day on Sunday on top of the 5-6 inches that fell on Thursday. That’s a lot of snow, even for Vermont.  Now I’m a snow queen, and winter is my favorite season, but even I can’t get up to my normal snow day shenanigans with that much snow being dropped in a short time.

So what’s a girl to do? Well, I’m glad you asked sis, because there are SNOW many things to do. See what I did there? Ok save me the eye rolls and keep reading.  Big storms can be scary for some people but let’s flip that mindset. What if you viewed it as an opportunity for relaxation, fun, and productivity? In today’s post I’m going to show you how to turn your snow frown upside down with activities like; getting cozy, reading, watching movies, playing board games, playing video games, cooking and/or baking, practicing self-care and tackling that project you’ve been putting off. 

Once you’re done reading you’ll be begging for a snowed-in day!

Prepare for the Storm

To fully enjoy your snow day, you need to be prepared.  I know that snowstorms can be scary and nerve-racking for some people. I don’t want you to be one of those people, so let’s take a look at what you can do to be prepared.

If you don’t already have a stockpile of food in your house now is the time. We are so lucky with today’s technology that we know about storms long before they hit. This gives you plenty of time to stock up. Don’t know what to stock up on? Your girl’s got you covered!

There are a few essentials you want to have to prepare for worst-case scenarios such as; food, water, heat source, batteries, warm blankets and clothes, light sources, and backup electricity.  I won’t go through my whole prepper handbook with you today, I’ll save that for a future post but here are the basics.

Food

Make sure you have about three days worth of food for you, your family, and your animals. Think quick, easy, and high protein.  Also, remember you may or may not have electricity so convenience foods are your best bet. Protein bars and canned fruit make a great breakfast.  Crackers and canned tuna or chicken are great for lunch. Canned soups or Chef Boyardee-style meals in a can make great dinners. Beef jerky, nuts, and bagged snacks like chips make for great snacks. Easy peasy! Make sure you have enough for each member of your family. Yeah, I know these aren’t the healthiest but you are trying to survive until help arrives, not eat like the queen you are. 

You’ll also want to set aside your pet’s portion of food for three days. Divvy up their dry food into plastic bags for each meal time so that feeding time can be quick and easy. Now is not the time to try new foods or ingredients for them. Stick to their routine the best you can.

Water

The best practice is to have a gallon of water stored for each member of your household and each pet per day. As mentioned above, for a snowstorm, you want to be prepared for three days. So you need three gallons of water for each person and animal in the house. Again, we’ll get into prepping more seriously in another post, but even if you just make sure you have a couple of cases of bottled water on hand at all times for emergencies you will be in a good place.

Heat Sources

First things first, if you have an exhaust for your heating system that leaves your house on the ground level, you want to make sure that it is clear and free of snow at all times. Some examples would be a dryer vent or a wood stove exhaust. If these areas get backed up, then the exhaust has nowhere to go except back into your house and that is B A D bad! Depending on how much snow is falling, you should check your vents every so often and shovel them out as needed. As an extra precaution and just to be a nice person, make sure your fill pipe for your heating oil and/or your propane tank is shoveled out too. Trust me, your fuel delivery drivers will appreciate it!

You will want to make sure your fuel is filled up and that if you heat by wood source such as firewood or wood pellets, you have enough on hand and that it is easily accessible. For example, we use wood pellets in addition to propane heat. We buy pellets by the ton and store them on pallets under our lean-to next to the shop. I know I don’t want to be hauling bags of pellets across the yard when it’s dumping snow. I always make sure that the hopper is full of pellets and that we have a bag or two on our covered porch. If we are going out to walk the dogs or plow during the storm, we always check to see if we need to grab more pellets when we are already outside. This way we don’t have to get dressed up in our snow clothes twice and we never run out of heat.

Electricity

Next up is the hard piece, electricity. We live in the woods and lose electricity a lot. Our line consists of us and our neighbor. That means when the power company is out restoring service, God bless them, we are not their priority. We learned a long time ago that we can’t rely on electricity at our house. My husband had a breaker box installed in the basement with an external plug for our generator outside. Once we know a storm is coming, we fill the generator and set it up so that if we need to, we just have to plug it into the external receiver and switch from our normal breaker box to our emergency breaker box. This allows us to run the essentials like our heating system, our pellet stove, the refrigerator, the stove, and some well-placed light throughout our home. Not everyone has this luxury and some have an even better situation where their electricity switches over to a larger generator automatically when they lose power. If neither of these things is an option for you, you should at the very least have a small portable generator that you can hook to your heating system or your fridge.

It’s always a good idea to make sure you charge your electronics ahead of time too. Items like your cell phone, tablet, and laptop. Also, make sure you have batteries in your flashlights. Now is a great time to pull out those battery-operated candles I keep raving about! In addition, it’s a good idea to have some extra blankets, sweaters, and warm pants, just in case. 

But that’s enough doom and gloom for now. Let’s move on to the fun stuff!

Create a Cozy Atmosphere

The best way to wait out the snow is to enjoy it! And the best way to do that is by creating a cozy atmosphere! Don’t worry, I’m the queen of cozy so I have you covered.

If you have a wood stove or pellet stove I would suggest lighting it up. If you don’t you should look into an electric one. If that still seems like too much you can always stream a cozy fire on YouTube. We love to do this in the summertime for Vader who finds the fire to me very calming. But he’s not the only one!

Gathering around a fire offers numerous psychological and physiological benefits that can enhance well-being such as;

1. Stress Reduction and Relaxation

Research indicates that observing a fire can significantly lower blood pressure. A study conducted by the University of Alabama found that participants who watched a fire with accompanying crackling sounds experienced an average 5% decrease in blood pressure. The longer the exposure, the more pronounced the relaxation response. Vitacost

2. Enhanced Social Connection

Fires have historically served as communal gathering points, fostering social interaction and bonding. The act of sitting around a fire encourages storytelling, sharing, and a sense of togetherness, which can strengthen relationships and promote a sense of community. Vitacost

3. Improved Mental Health

The calming effect of a fire’s flickering flames and warmth can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. This soothing environment promotes mental clarity and reduces stress, contributing to overall mental well-being. Copperfield

4. Increased Connection with Nature

Gathering around a fire, especially outdoors, allows individuals to reconnect with nature. This connection can enhance mood, increase feelings of relaxation, and provide a break from the stresses of daily life. Glampful

Incorporating time around a fire into your routine, particularly during a snowstorm, can offer these benefits, making it a worthwhile activity for both relaxation and social connection.

The next step is to turn the bright overhead lights off and get some candles lit. Or, turned on, if you’re using electric flameless candles. By now, you know these are my favorites!  Add some cozy blankets everywhere, grab your favorite fur baby,  play some soft music and you have a perfect, comfortable area to wait out the storm!

Curl Up with a Good Book

A storm is the perfect time to get lost in a new book or catch up on your TBR list.  But don’t just take my word for it. Here are some benefits to keep on reading even when you age out of storytime. 

Reading books as an adult offers a wide range of benefits for mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. Here are some key advantages:

Mental and Cognitive Benefits

Enhances Brain Function Reading stimulates different parts of the brain, improving cognitive function and mental agility. Regular reading has been linked to a reduced risk of cognitive decline and diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Improves Memory & Focus  Reading requires concentration and memory retention, helping to strengthen neural pathways and improve overall focus and attention span.

Expands Vocabulary & Communication Skills Exposure to new words and different writing styles enhances verbal skills, making you a more articulate speaker and writer.

Emotional and Psychological Benefits

Reduces Stress Reading is a great way to unwind and escape daily stressors. Research suggests that reading for just 6 minutes can reduce stress levels by up to 68%. Surely you can read for SIX minutes!

Boosts Creativity & Imagination Fiction, in particular, encourages creative thinking and helps you visualize new ideas and perspectives.

Enhances Empathy Reading fiction, especially character-driven stories, improves emotional intelligence by helping you understand different perspectives and emotions.

Self-Improvement & Productivity

Encourages Lifelong Learning Nonfiction books help you gain new skills, stay informed, and continuously grow in knowledge.

Increases Problem-Solving Skills Analytical reading helps improve critical thinking and the ability to assess situations logically.

Supports Personal Growth & Mindfulness Self-help and inspirational books can provide motivation, guidance, and new perspectives on personal development.

Physical Health Benefits

Promotes Better Sleep Reading a physical book before bed (instead of scrolling on a screen) signals the brain to wind down and improves sleep quality.

Lowers Blood Pressure & Heart Rate The calming effect of reading can contribute to overall relaxation, leading to physical benefits like reduced heart rate and blood pressure.

Social Benefits

Improves Knowledge & Cultural Awareness Reading exposes you to new cultures, perspectives, and historical events, broadening your understanding of the world.

If you want to take advantage of a quiet, snowy day to enrich your whole family, consider reading out loud or playing an audiobook. There are so many different genres that you can choose based on your mood; thrillers for excitement, cozy romances, or personal development for inspiration. 

Do you need some recommendations? Check out my “read” list on Goodreads!

Have a Movie Marathon

We love a good family movie night. In fact, as I’m writing this we are watching an episode of our favorite family TV show, When Calls the Heart!

The first step to a good movie marathon is to pick the movie. You can start with a theme that makes the family happy. Some ideas are; holiday movies, classics, nostalgic childhood favorites, or a full franchise (like Harry Potter or Star Wars).

After you’ve chosen a movie, it’s time to set the stage. Use my suggestions for creating a cozy atmosphere and transfer it over to your movie marathon. All you need to add is popcorn, soda, and other movie theatre-type treats. Press play and enjoy!

Play Board Games & Card Games

Maybe movies aren’t your thing, or maybe you’ve finished your movie marathon. Regardless, your next mandatory snow day activity is to play games! 

Playing games is such a great way to bond as a family. There are so many different types of games you can play; strategy games like Catan or Risk, party games like Uno or Pictionary, and cooperative games like Pandemic or Forbidden Island. If you don’t have any board games, surely you have a deck of cards! You can easily play Straight 8’s, War, or Trash.

Our family’s favorite games are Sleeping Queens, Trivial Pursuit, Phase Ten, or Trouble.  If your family isn’t into games but you are, then you can play Solitaire, complete a puzzle, or a crossword.

Dive into Video Games

Ok, ok, I know! We are trying to get the kids OFF of video games right? Well, let me tell you that we love to play video games as a family. But we have really old gaming systems and really limit the time that we play them. I think that a snow day is a time to throw the rules out the window and play some video games! 

Before stressing out about screen time, read this:

Playing video games offers a variety of cognitive, social, and even physical benefits. While gaming often gets a bad rap, research shows that when played in moderation, video games can have a positive impact on mental and emotional well-being. Here are some key benefits:

Cognitive Benefits

Improves Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking Many games require strategic thinking, quick decision-making, and adaptability, which enhance cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills.

Enhances Hand-Eye Coordination & Reflexes Action and fast-paced games improve reaction time, coordination, and fine motor skills. This can be beneficial for real-life tasks like driving or sports.

Boosts Memory & Learning Abilities Puzzle games, role-playing games (RPGs), and strategy games enhance working memory and improve the ability to retain and recall information.

Encourages Spatial Awareness & Navigation Skills Open-world and 3D games improve spatial reasoning, which helps with tasks like reading maps and navigating unfamiliar areas.

Mental & Emotional Benefits

Reduces Stress & Anxiety Engaging in a game can be a great way to unwind and escape daily stressors, providing relaxation and mental relief.

Enhances Creativity & Imagination Role-playing games (like Minecraft or The Sims) encourage creativity by allowing players to build, design, and explore unique worlds.

Fosters a Sense of Achievement & Motivation Completing challenges, leveling up, and earning rewards in games provide motivation and a sense of accomplishment.

Many of you know that in the Bradford house, we are a motorsports family. We love to play racing games! When you are having a video game session we take turns racing each other, swapping insults, driving dirty, and most importantly, laughing! So bust out those consoles and have a fun afternoon of it.

Get Creative in the Kitchen

I never need an excuse to be in the kitchen, but I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Let the falling snow inspire you to live like the Pioneers and cook or bake from scratch. This is a great time to try baking homemade bread (the bread machine counts!), cookies, and making comfort foods like soup or chili.

You could also use this time to try a new recipe. I like to try out new dishes when my family is stuck at home. This way, they are more likely to try it because they can’t run away!  In all seriousness, this is a great time to let the kids work in the kitchen. You can bake cookies and let them decorate, or teach them how to make their favorite meal. No stress allowed on a snow day, throw those expectations out the window and just enjoy this creative time.

Indulge in Self-Care

If you read my last post, you know that I’m a huge advocate for self-care. I do self-care tasks as often as possible! You have nothing else to do on a stormy day, so take some time to indulge in YOU! 

Pamper yourself with a DIY spa day! Break out the face masks, or make your own! Take a relaxing bubble bath. Of course slap on your favorite Color Street nail polish strips for your favorite at-home mani. Relaxing with journaling, meditation, or a warm cup of tea are great additions to your spa day. The possibilities are endless! Regardless of what you choose for a self-care activity, use this time to reset and recharge mentally!

Tackle Projects You’ve Been Putting Off

Reminder…you have nowhere to go. The roads are probably treacherous, and it’s cold out! Trust me, you don’t want to leave your house. If you have no choice but to stay home, you might as well get some work done. I’m putting this option last because I really want you to use this day to enjoy and indulge in yourself. BUT I also understand that time is precious and many of our schedules have no downtime but that to-do list just keeps getting longer. Use this time to tackle a project you’ve been putting off!

I’m sure you have a list as long as mine of all the things you “need” to do around the house. If for some reason you don’t, here are some ideas for projects you could do:

• Organize a closet
• Clean out the junk drawer
• Sort through old photos

In addition to tackling organizational projects, you could use this time to catch up on creative projects as well. You could work on:

• Knitting
• Painting
• Journaling
• Scrapbooking

If none of this sounds good to you, use this time to plan for the upcoming weeks or set goals for yourself. One goal I have is to plan my garden. A snowstorm is a great time to take care of this! Not sure where to get started, so keep following this blog, I’ll be sharing garden-starting tips very soon!

Conclusion

Hopefully, you are convinced that being snowed in doesn’t have to be stressful or boring, it can be cozy, fun, and productive! I hope that the next storm that rolls in finds you embracing the downtime and making the most of an indoor day.

Let’s keep the ideas rolling! Share in the comments your favorite snowed-in activities.