Yesterday the Northeast was pummeled by a giant snowstorm. Schools are closed, flights are cancelled, and many businesses are letting their employees work remotely for the day. But that doesn’t mean you get to stay inside all day drinking hot chocolate and smoking weed. No, you must go shovel your walk (maybe you can smoke a little first). Here’s how to do so without severely injuring yourself or dying.
Stretch First
Odds are you haven’t used the muscles required to shovel snow in a while. Basic stretching—maybe even some yoga!—can help you avoid straining something that will leave you in pain during what would’ve otherwise been a pleasant day off.
Lift With Your Knees
You’d think that by now everyone would know to lift with your knees, not your back. But alas, the most basic bit of advice is the one most often ignored.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Nothing is worse than taking a big shovelful of snow to the face when you’re walking past someone obliviously clearing their sidewalk. So please, be mindful of those around you when you’re doing the neighborly thing and shoveling your walk.
Don’t Rush
Take this time to enjoy the beautiful outdoors and the physical exercise you’re getting instead of sitting at your desk and staring at a screen. Unless it’s really snowing hard, in which case—fuck that, shovel quickly (while still using proper form) and get back inside.
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Related Story: Watch: This Woman Is All Of Us Dealing With Ice In Winter
Take A Break
Halfway done or so? Go inside and have some more of that hot chocolate or maybe a little daytime beer or toke—it’s okay no one is judging.
Admire Your Handiwork Before It Vanishes
There, you’ve finished shoveling your walk. Congrats! Now take a minute to admire what you’ve accomplished because soon you’ll have to do it all over again.
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Related Story: Watch What Happens When Bad Dog Pushed Cat’s Head Into Snow
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