Make The Most Of Those Gray Days

Everybody has gray days, especially with winter now in full force. I frequently find myself stuck inside with cabin fever when I’m snowed in/rained in/my car won’t start/puddles are too big/it’s just too cold to go outside. And I know I’m not the only one who spends those days watching reruns of Jersey Shore… again… because there’s nothing else to do.

By Meg

But there is!

Just because we can’t hit the mall or grab brunch with the girls doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do at home. Think about it – we’re always running, doing, keeping busy, so maybe these gray days are actually a blessing in disguise. A chance to catch up on all those things we neglect when it’s not really effing icky outside. A chance to focus on ourselves instead of on classes, activities, drama, or parties.

If you’ve got some serious gray days comin’ your way (I’m talking to you, Midwest!), here are 8 ideas to pass the time and make your life a whole lot better.

1. Clean.
Yes, I’m serious. I know it doesn’t sound like fun, but I’m not talking about a full out the-president’s-coming-for-a-visit scrub; more of a quick organizational breeze. You’ll feel a whole lot better, at ease and productive if your personal space is clean and organized. Put all of your shoes away, gather all of those used cups and mugs and clean them, stack the magazines and books that have been lying all over your floor. Each tiny task adds up, you’ll see.

2. Lists!
Okay, I admit it, I’m a retentively-organized Virgo who just can’t seem to handle tasks if they’re not prelisted, probably color coded and definitely in priority order (sometimes I even need a first draft!). But I swear, lists really can make your life easier. Take some time and organize your life with some lists. Start big and figure out everything you’ve got coming this semester; simply writing it down will allow you to mentally tackle how and when you’re going to accomplish everything. Or make a more focused list of everything you’ve got coming this week. Or all the things you need to pick up at the grocery store. Lists work, so turn off MTV and take some time to organize your life. Even if you don’t get around to each task that day, at least you know you’ve got to get to it (and cross it off!) eventually.

3. Resume
Whether you have a steady job, never plan on getting a job or are currently looking, having an up-to-date resume can never hurt! Things are always changing and happening, so take some time and update that bad boy. Your resume is a key element in landing a job; the last thing you want to do is try and pull it together at the last minute. Take advantage of this extra time and make it perfect.

4. Read
Your first grade teacher didn’t waste their time teaching you how for no reason! You’ve got time so pick up  a book. We’ve got plenty of great recommendations here! If you want to challenge yourself, find the New York Times Best Sellers list and read one every week. A gray-day is the perfect time to start.

5. Cook
If you can follow directions, you can cook. There are some great websites that allow you to search recipes based on what you have in your kitchen already. I’ve discovered some of my favorite recipes by Googling “chicken broth, wilted spinach and parmesan cheese.” Just don’t Google and cook at the same time. Seriously, just ask my Mac about its slight teriakyi scent.

6. Watch movies!
Watching movies may be one of my favorite pastimes, but you can actually get something accomplished from watching some of those classics. Self-edification can certainly rise from watching some of history’s greatest cinematography. Make a “to-watch” list and knock ‘em off as each gray-day rolls around. Next time you’ll know who’s quoting what and you’ll know why I’m going to grow up to be really ridiculously good looking.

7. Sleep
You heard me right. While it doesn’t seem as productive as some of these other activities, sleep will benefit you in the future. Let’s be serious here – most of us don’t get anywhere near enough sleep on a daily basis, so take the time and take a catter. It’ll help you keep healthy, thin (I swear I read an article on it) and happy. What could be better?

8. Pamper yourself
Use a deep conditioner, give yourself a manicure, pluck those unruly eyebrows, or toss some soothing salts into the tub and take a nice, relaxing soak. Not only will you look better, you’ll feel relaxed, accomplished, confident and maybe even ready for some company later in the evening…