Ten Ways to Make the Best of #Snowpocalypse

Here in DC we are bracing for yet another crippling snow storm — with predictions of up to two FEET of snow on the Nation’s Capitol, we’ve been warned to prepare to stay in place for the next 3-5 days. (If you have a project you need done quickly, now would be the time to ask!) We’re planning on making the best of the storm and getting done some of those pesky tasks we’ve been putting off for weeks…like taxes…and laundry. But once the chores are done, there will be plenty of time for recharging our mental batteries. Here are a few suggestions if you find yourself out of options (and beer).

1. Find some new favorite blogs to read. Alltop allows you to search by area of interest and read all the latest headlines from blogs about your favorite topics.
2. Learn something new online. Interested in improving your presentation skills? Or how about some tips on blogging? Have you always wanted to learn ACT!? Now is the time. There are lots of free videos on these topics on YouTube, or if you are feeling more ambitious, sign-up for a subscription with Lynda.com.
3. Grab your camera and go on a photo safari. Nothing gets the creative juices flowing like the cold air and a blank canvas. Post your best images to Flickr (and post a link in the comments below).
4. Be your own worst critic. Pull all of those brochures, handouts, and flyers out. Put them on the kitchen table and start critiquing them. If there was no budget and no stakeholders, what would you change?
5. Back up. When was the last time you backed up your files? Now is a great time to make sure your photos, financial records, and music is safely backed up on an external drive.
6. Start a blog. Sign-up for a service such as Posterous (where posting is as easy as sending an email) and start writing. Need some inspiration? Try doing a 365Project or a once-a-week variation of that.
7. Play. In the snow or with your kids or with your pet or by yourself. Just play. Let your mind clear, and don’t worry about anything but nothing.
8. Stock the freezer. One of my favorite ways to de-stress is to hit the kitchen. After the last snow storm, my freezer was stuffed full of homemade gnocchi and butternut squash ravioli. All great things for those nights when you are just not in the mood to cook. Test out one of those recipes, or try one of these from DC blogger @floridagirlindc.
9. Learn the five steps to creative thinking. Practice SAEDI (ideas, spelled backwards) at home.
10. Light a fire, put your feet up, and enjoy the fact that you aren’t going anywhere.

Stay warm everyone!