This year is a leap year, meaning there's one extra day added to the calendar, February 29. And today's the day, so what are you going to do with your extra time? This only happens once every four years, so there's extra pressure to make it count. To help, we've rounded up a list of some ideas (and even some for those who'd rather not buy into leap day).
1. Go for an Extra Workout
You might think this sounds like an obligation, but you can use the extra day of the year to hit the gym or a fitness class. Chances are you'll feel much better after (thanks, endorphins). Bonus points if you try a class or workout that's new to you.
2. Catch Up With Someone
If you haven't seen or talked to a friend or family member in a while, now might be a good time to reach out. Send them a text, call them (I know, a phone call! How novel!), or maybe even send them snail mail.
3. Clean Out Your Closet
Yes, another thing that sounds like a chore, but you've been telling yourself for months that you've been meaning to do it. Take whatever you no longer need to a donation center afterward.
4. Go to a Museum
Or gallery or botanical garden or insert cultural institution here. It's a fun way to spend a few hours, either by yourself or with friends.
5. Plan an Impromptu Gathering With Friends
On the morning of leap day, send a group text to all your friends seeing who's up for a spontaneous hangout. It can be brunch, dinner, a picnic (if you live in a warmer climate), an afternoon of board games, whatever your crew wants. Sometimes it's fun to not have plans in advance and just go with the flow.
6. Head Outside for a Walk
If you're lucky to live somewhere that isn't too chilly this time of year, take advantage of that fact and go for a walk or a hike. And if you live in a place where a parka is mandatory, take a short walk. The fresh air might do you some good.
7. Read a Book
You know that stack of books on your nightstand that you haven't touched? Or the to-be-read list on your phone? Tackle one of those.
8. Make a To-Do List
The extra day might be a good time to organize your thoughts and all the things you have going on in your life right now. That doesn't mean you have to do anything on the list, but at least you'll have it all spelled out.
Conversely, since we're at the end of February, it might be a good time to take stock of the resolutions or intentions you made earlier this year and rethink some of them, or come up with some new ones if needed. Or just say goodbye to them overall.
9. Have a Self-Care Day
Treat yourself to an at-home spa day, complete with a face mask, bath, and hours of just relaxing, whatever that means to you. Or you can splurge and head to an actual spa and salon for a treatment.
10. Do Something "Boring"
This is similar to the to-do list idea, but you have to actually DO it. Take on something that's been on your list for a while, but you've been putting it off—like your taxes, organizing or cleaning your space, getting your important paperwork together, etc. It might help to tell yourself it's an extra day of the year, so technically you're not wasting your precious free time doing something you don't want to do.
11. Do Some Voting Research
We have a big election coming up, and some important primary dates are happening soon. So now's a good time to do your civic duty and do some research on causes, issues, and candidates.
12. Reset
We asked some of our readers what they were doing with their bonus day, and one person said they were going to use this time to reset. Take a moment to think about what's been going on in your life, say goodbye to some things that are holding you back, and do anything you need to do to start anew or reframe your mindset.
13. Do Something That's Free
You don't have to spend a dime on your extra day. Take a look online or in your local newspaper for any fun (and free) activities that are happening in your neighborhood or city today.
14. DIY
Whether you're a crafty person or not, a day spent making something with your hands could feel very productive and fun. Take up a new crafting hobby, or pick up something you love doing—stuff like knitting, calligraphy, macramé, or a home improvement project.
15. Go Shopping
Maybe you have some extra cash or got your tax refund early. Whatever the case, if you feel like revamping your wardrobe with some new spring finds, head to your favorite store. And if you don't have money to burn, window shopping is always fun, too.
16. Plan a Vacation
If you've been itching to go somewhere this whole winter, now's the time to start plotting your next adventure. It can be a quick weekend getaway or a multiple-week vacation—whatever you plan, it will be something to look forward to!
17. Do Something Alone
Sometimes trying something by yourself can seem a little intimidating, like going to the movies, eating out, or even going on a solo day trip. But it can be fun and rewarding to spend time with yourself, so use this extra day to get to know yourself better.
18. Binge-Watch a TV Show
Since it's an extra day, I say we shouldn't feel guilty about spending it bingeing a new show or rewatching something you already love.
19. Cook Something New
You might not be the greatest cook in the kitchen, or maybe you're an aspiring chef—whatever the case, with your extra time, why not try a new dish you've seen on Instagram or in that cookbook you got as a gift?
20. Call Your Mom
Or dad, grandma, sister, aunt, uncle… anyone in your family you need to catch up with.
21. Go Somewhere, But Have No Set Destination
Now, we're not saying to drive around aimlessly, but it can be fun to wander around, whether you're on foot, in a car, or using public transportation. Head out the door and decide once you get outside where you're going to go. Or start traveling in a certain direction and decide from there. Again, it's the perfect day to be spontaneous!
22. Try a New Look
Whether it's makeup, an outfit, or both, today might be a fun time to experiment with an idea you've been toying with for a while.
23. Organize Your Photos
How many photos do you have on your phone? Or what about the ones saved in the cloud? Or maybe you have prints in a box somewhere. It could be fun to take a trip down memory lane and look at all the snaps you've taken over the years and also get them organized.
24. Write
You can do some creative writing if you feel the itch, or this can also mean just jotting down your thoughts in a journal. Some quiet time to write can feel so soothing.
25. Do Something That Scares You
While you might not opt to go skydiving or bungee jumping today, you can try something that's out of your comfort zone.
26. Create Some Art
This is like the DIY idea—grab some painting supplies, try pottery, make a collage, or for a low-lift activity for non-artsy folks, lose yourself in a coloring book.
27. Start Learning Something New
Thanks to technology, it's pretty easy to pick up a new hobby nowadays. Want to learn a new language? There's an app for that. Inspired by The Great British Bake Off and want to get into pastry-making? Guaranteed there are online tutorials. Whatever you want to do, there's probably an app, video, or website to help you achieve it.
28. Meditate
Use the extra time to re-center, relax, and de-stress.
29. Take a Nap
Did the workweek wipe you out? There's nothing like a nap to make you feel so much better.
Next up: You Always Forget to Buy These Things, so We Made You a List
This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in the place of advice of your physician or other medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first with any health-related questions.
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