Yesterday my snow day marked a milestone in my adult life – my first snow day experience. As an emergency medicine physician, snow days are not a thing. Our commitment to serving those in need trumps weather-induced closures, or really any kind of closures. We show up no matter what, when and how. It’s been an honor and a privilege to fulfill this duty for the better part of last two decades.

This past year, as I have grown my private coaching practice, I have transitioned to part-time work in an FQHC’s express care area, and I found myself in a realm where closures due to severe weather despite being rare are a sometimes event. So, when the announcement of a snow day arrived, it was a delightful surprise. Suddenly, a day earmarked for an 11 am to 8 pm shift evaporated, leaving me with unanticipated freedom.

The day itself unfolded with simple pleasures. I tidied up the remnants of Christmas decorations, whipped up crepes for my children, indulged in coloring sessions and sledding adventures, soaked in a leisurely bath, and savored a few chapters of my book. While lacking in grand excitement, the absence of commitments provided this feeling of luxury – time for being and not doing — a state where I didn’t have to be productive at all, aka rest.

Yet, amidst the tranquility of it all, a pang of guilt surfaced. I couldn’t shake the thought of my colleagues diligently serving our community in the hospital while I enjoyed a day of respite. Those familiar with my coaching philosophy know I delve into understanding the roots of negative emotions, knowing they are powerful indicators for growth. So, I paused to examine why guilt had crept in. The answer crystallized: my fellow hospital-based colleagues, unsung heroes who show up unfailingly, deserved this respite too. They, like me, deserved a day to luxuriate in not being productive, just hanging.

Upon further reflection, I came to understand what my guilt was telling me is that I wanted to advocate for these breaks. This realization inspired me to write this piece, urging my colleagues in acute care settings to grant themselves a “snow day.” Not during peak demand, where it would likely induce more stress and feelings of guilt, but rather an unexpected day off. A day where you take time off not for competing commitments or vacation, but simply to be uncommitted—  a chance to revel in the freedom of spontaneous leisure. So, without further ado, here is a guide on how to create a snow day for yourself:

Snow days are not part of the routine; they arrive unexpectedly, like a delightful surprise. They disrupt the usual schedule, injecting an element of spontaneity and excitement into our lives. This can be a random Tuesday morning that you already have off, or you schedule off. Just choose a day where you decide you will not schedule anything, block it in your calendar as “snow day” and don’t schedule anything.

The world shuts down on a snow day, relieving us from the pressure of obligations and commitments. For one day we can allow meetings, appointments, and deadlines to take a back seat, reveling in the freedom of unstructured time.

On snow day the immediate surrounding world is on a little pause, you can self- impose this for a day. Put on and out of office, don’t answer texts, consider leaving your phone away from you.

Snow days provide a rare chance to exercise our freedom, allowing us to be without an agenda and choose what our heart desires in the moment, and what our body might need. Whether it’s engaging in a creative endeavor, trying out new recipes, indulging in a long bath, curling up with a good book, or simply lounging in cozy pajamas, the possibilities are endless. The key is choosing what you feel like doing over what you “should” be doing.

• Pick a day: Choose a day that you can take off from work or clear your schedule. It could be a weekday or weekend, whichever works best for you. And if you don’t have a full day, a half day is a great start.
• Plan ahead: Block off the day in your calendar and inform colleagues or family members you will be unavailable, and commit to staying unavailable.
• Create spontaneity and leisure: Treat your snow day like a mini-vacation. Choose what you feel like doing and do that, don’t plan any of it ahead of time, other than the blocking of the schedule.
• Set boundaries: Just like a real snow day, give yourself permission to unplug from work and responsibilities. Turn off notifications, resist the urge to check emails, allow yourself to be.
• Embrace spontaneity: Let go of a schedule and allow yourself to go with the flow. Whether you end up exploring a new hobby or simply lounging in bed all day, embrace the freedom to do whatever brings you joy in the moment.

In essence, snow days allow us to step away from of our daily grind, offering an opportunity to escape our routines, obligations, and unwavering sense of duty. They present a rare chance to rediscover the joys and desires that often get buried beneath the weight of our responsibilities. While our commitments to patients may not afford us spontaneous snow days, we hold the power to consciously craft these moments of untethered freedom for ourselves. By intentionally scheduling periodic snow days, we reclaim control over our time and prioritize our well-being amidst life’s demands and the many responsibilities we shoulder.