Snow Days Are My Stress Relief Days

I love snow. It doesn’t snow very often where I live, but I sure enjoy when it does.

We got about 5 inches of snow last Thursday. I work as a college counselor at a private high school, so I benefited from the decision to close school on Friday. A snow day! We lost power for about 16 hours, but I loved spending a lazy Friday morning beneath the covers with my cats while reading a book.

I also watched my dogs play outside in the snow. They were adorable; I could watch them run around for hours. It was windy and cold Thursday night, so I put coats on them to keep them dry. They ran around as the snow fell and I took care of the horses. Once the snow stopped, I let them out to play and took this adorable picture of Tanner.

Tanner enjoys the fresh snow. (Photo by Karen Del Vecchio)

I love snow days because of the snow, of course, but also because they force me to relax. I’m terrible at sitting still if I know there’s something I need to do. Snow days, though, mean I get to stay home guilt-free for a day.

I didn’t stay home all day this time, but still, something about the magic of a snow day reduces my stress and anxiety — a common co-occurring disorder for people with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). Maybe it’s watching the animals play in the snow or the beauty of a landscape covered in white. Or it could be how snow changes sound. At first, everything is quiet, with the thick blanket of snow absorbing sound. Later, the snow melts and refreezes, amplifying sound waves and bouncing them back to you.

Whatever the reason, snow days are a natural and holistic treatment for EDS symptoms. Chronic fatigue? A perfect opportunity for a nap on the couch with my cats. Sore? I can use my heating pad or do some Pilates at home. Stressed? I can relax and read a book, watch a movie, bake, or do whatever else quiets my soul.

Snow days are winter’s gift. Even if they mean additional farm chores or losing power, there’s still something perfect about surprise snow days.

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Note: Ehlers-Danlos News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Ehlers-Danlos News or its parent company, Bionews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Ehlers-Danlos.