This weekend, I challenge you to HAVE FUN IN THE SNOW!!  I remember when I was little, I used to LOVE playing in the snow! What has happened over the years that has suddenly made us as adults so serious and afraid to play? We worry how bad the roads are going to be and how slippery it could be. This weekend, I want you to think about what you could do to enjoy the snow! Here are a few ideas to get you started. 

1. Make a snow angel…. Or better yet, a MYSTERY snow angel. I love the picture for this article. My mom woke up to this mystery snow angel in her driveway one morning in December. She had no idea where it came from, but found out later that one of her friends snuck over, crept down the narrow tire tracks without making any footprints, and leapt off the tracks to make the snow angel. The angel looked like it must have come from heaven. How fun to surprise one of your friends with a mystery snow angel to wake up to!
2. Have a snowball fight. This could mean a full on planned snow battle, or balling up one ball of snow and playfully tossing it at a loved one.
3. Shovel. Yes I know I know…. Who has fun shoveling? BUT…. When else can you get your body moving by pushing loads (snow) made my nature with your own body.  Instead of thinking of it as a chore, think about how productive you are and how you are using your body and muscles. Make sure not to lift the snow with your lower back. Rather use your butt and pivot from your hips as you transfer the snow into the pile.
4. Build a fort or a snow man. If you have kids, go out and play with them! No kids? Go out and build something in the snow anyway! What a great fun workout crawling around to make balls out of snow, and lifting and moving that snow!
5. Look for animal prints in the snow. Imagine what sort of animal could have made those tracks. You can watch for footprints as you hike or  rent snow shoes from the Dupage County Forest Preserve or Morton Arboretum and make your own tracks. 
6. Go cross country skiing. What a great way to get out in nature and enjoy this time of year. Arrowhead golf course in Wheaton even offers cross country ski rentals if you don’t own your own skis. 
   
7. Go sledding or tubing! Mount Hoy at Blackwell forest preserve offers tube rentals on weekends in the winter if there are 3 inches of snow or more. Click here to find  forest preserve hills where sledding is allowed.  
   
8. Sit in your warm house and watch the snow. It is amazing how mesmerizing and relaxing watching the snowfall can be. Use this as an opportunity to destress and connect with nature or your thoughts from the comfort of your home.
9. Go for a walk in the pristine snow. Whether it is day or night, you will be awed by the beauty of the snow before it is disturbed. 
10. Do a Random Act of Snow Kindness. Find a way to help a friend a neighbor. Dust the snow off their car. Shovel their sidewalk or driveway. Make them a treat or give them a ride.  Then you will be a "Snow Angel". 

Have Fun! Take some selfies while you are at it!  I'd love to see them. Please  share them on my facebook page!

 --- Dr. Jamie