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Make the Most of Leap Year's Extra Day!

February 4, 2020
Leap Day

2020 is a Leap Year, meaning that February has an extra day in it — February 29. Leap Years happen every four years to align the calendar with the Earth’s rotation around the sun.

Everyone wishes for more time now and then. Ask yourself, what can you do with an extra day? What do you want to accomplish this year? Or over the next four years? As a part of a healthy lifestyle, we would like to suggest you dedicate the extra day to wellness.

The dictionary defines wellness as “The quality or state of being healthy in body and mind, especially as the result of deliberate effort”. There are many ways to promote your well-being, including some you may not have thought about.

Here are a few ideas to get you started on the path to wellness:

Health

  • Do one thing to improve your health: Are you do for a checkup? Have you been putting off eating better? It doesn’t matter what. Just take the first step. Make an appointment today.
  • Get up! Get Moving: Having an extra 24 hours in 2020 is a good reminder that we have the time to make exercise a priority, even when lives are hectic. Take a walk around the block or to your local park.
  • Meditate: Very few of us likely have an entire hour or two to devote to meditation and stillness each day. On this Leap Day, try to take a break. Do nothing for 15-20 minutes. Experience empty time with no electronics.
  • Have a spa day: You are a hard-working individual and you deserve a "treat yourself" day. Soak those toes, do your nails, put a face mask, light some candles, and relax.
  • Spring cleaning: This is not the most exciting thing in the world. WE KNOW. Start with things that don't work, things you never use, and things you do not wear. They're just weighing you down. Time to say good-bye!
  • Write your future self a letter: Write down what you hope to happen in the next four years to stay healthy. Set the delivery date for the next Leap Day.

Family & Friends

  • Quality time: Spend time with your loved ones. Set aside more time with your family preparing and eating a special Leap Day dinner or watching a movie.
  • Throw an impromptu dinner party: Would you like to know the secret to do it in less than two hours? Chinese takeout and fine china. Paper plates also will do!
  • Host game night: Bring out the dusty game of Clue, or Sorry!, or The Game of Life. Invite some of your family and friends over and have a good old-fashioned game night.
  • Reach out: Contact an old friend. You don't need to give a reason for reaching out. All you need is to make the effort.

Social

  • Go to a museum: Stop a museum and learn something new. Many New York City museums are either always free or free for select hours. Check them out here.
  • Volunteer: Let’s use this extra day to do something kind for someone else. Donate your time with a nonprofit in your area, drop off contributions to your local food bank, or shovel a neighbor’s driveway. Make this day focused outward and toward the benefit of the people around you.

Although you can do any of these activities every day of the year, the uniqueness of Leap Day makes it seem like you are adding something special to your life. Leap Day only comes every four years, so using this day for some improved wellness and relaxation is a good way to celebrate this extra day.