Winter of 2018 has already proven itself to be bitterly cold and relentless. Between the subzero temperatures, high gusting winds, and snow that has fallen, schools are racking up the snow days, early dismissals, and 2 hour delays. Here’s how to take full advantage of each of these pleasant surprises:

2-Hour Delays

It’s 5:45 a.m. your phone alarm rings in your ears, frustration and anger grow within you. You wipe the crust out of your eyes as you click on your phone screen after shutting off your alarm. Before forcing yourself out of your warm, cozy bed and into the stinging cold of your room, you check Twitter and realize that a 2-hour delay has been put into action.

But wait! Why go back to sleep when there are so many opportunities to get a nice workout in before school? Rip off those blankets, and hit the stairs. If you have a treadmill, run those 5 miles in record time to beat your personal record. When the workout is over, take a nice hot shower and get ready for the school day. Going back to sleep is a waste, but feeling fresh and renewed all day after a hard workout pays off.

Early Dismissal

If the weather didn’t come in time to ensure a few extra hours of work in the morning, then the alternative can be just as useful. Arriving home earlier than normal provides extra hours to finish up that AP Bio essay on genetics that has been put off for weeks now. Don’t stop there; continue your efforts by reading those few extra pages for English so the next test is breeze.

Time management is key during early dismissals to guarantee you are taking full advantage of this gift. By the time all of the school work is finished and you look at the clock, the rest of the afternoon is free for fun and games.

Snow Day/No School

The absolute jackpot of all phone calls from the school, the best tweet to wake up to, and the most incredible day of the school year: a snow day. Instead of sitting at a desk for 8 hours, you now have endless opportunities to spend time with your family and clean up the house.

Start by cleaning the messiest room in the house, and when it’s done, take a moment to soak in all that pride.

Next on the list is spending time with the family. Pick the most heart-warming film on Netflix to set the ambiance of love and happiness for your parents and siblings. This will make the sense of family feel even greater. When the day is over, reflect on the fulfilling activities that have been accomplished today.