What to Do with Your Leap Day

Hi everyone! My name is Jackie LiPera and I’m a dietetic graduate student on Long Island. I work alongside Bonnie to develop wonderful nutrition-driven ideas and resources for you guys. I wrote this blog to give you some ideas on what you can do with your extra day this leap year.

We all have a ton of responsibilities throughout the week. Every day I find myself saying, “There just aren’t enough hours in the day”. Between household responsibilities, social obligations, family obligations and work, it seems like there is never enough time to do something for myself. I fantasize of the day that I will actually complete all of the tasks on my long to-do list.

Fortunately, leap year is the one time every four years that we are granted that leeway that we have been asking for. What to do with those extra 24 hours you may ask? There are so many things you can do.

Unfortunately, this leap year falls on a Monday. But whether you take advantage of the extra day during the week or on the weekend, make sure you are taking care of you. Here are some ideas:

Take a Fitness Class

Fitness classes are a way to be active while also having fun. Zumba is a popular dance class that has swept the nation. If you’re anything like me, you have two left feet. If Zumba isn’t for you, there are plenty of other options. I recently took a barre class at my local location and it was amazing! It was a refreshing take on my regular workout routine. I had so much fun using all of the resources that they offer.

Spin classes are also a great way to keep that upbeat energy. Although it is some crazy cardio, I have never felt more alive than the feeling I experienced during a spin class. The instructors really know how to keep the crowd going.

But if you are looking for something a little more mellow, yoga is always a great option to improve your blood flow, flexibility and mindset. You will leave feeling peaceful and relieved of all of your stress.

Play a Board Game with your Family

Get the family together and do something you don’t normally do, like playing a board game. Try to get everyone to participate after dinner, that way there are no distractions. Having a good time laughing and spending time with your family will reset your mood and perhaps spark a new tradition for years to come.

Go for a Bike Ride

We have been granted with such lovely weather lately, it might be a good idea to capitalize on the rising temperatures. Go out there and get active! Being physically active doesn’t always have to be so monotonous. It can be exciting. Hop on a bike, perhaps with a friend or loved one, and explore a new park or territory that you’re unfamiliar with. Or you can pick a familiar spot that helps you relax. It can be on a trail, on a boardwalk, or down a pretty street. It doesn’t matter how long you get out there for, the point is to get some fresh air and to notice the nature around you. It’s surprisingly cathartic.

Cook Yourself a Fancy Meal

If you are not one who regularly cooks, this is your opportunity! Cooking can be enjoyable no matter how much experience you have had. There is something about creating a delicious meal from scrap that elicits an empowering feeling. There are cookbooks and online blogs that offer recipes for every preference, skill level and flavor out there. You just have to give it a try.

Although all of these suggestions sound nice on the surface, they might not be realistic for you considering February 29^th is on a Monday.  If that’s the case, take the time to prioritize your to-do list and remember…some things on that list can now be done on February 29^th.

Your Turn to Take Action: How do you plan to spend your extra day this year?

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