Rylie Horrall  | Lifestyle Editor

This year is a leap year, which means there’s an extra day tacked onto the end of February, subsequently pushing forward the rest of the months to follow by a day. For those who don’t know, this happens every four years, and, if they didn’t exist, we would already be in the year 2021. Here are some ways to commemorate the extra day that we have this month.

Play leapfrog

Spend this year’s leap day playing leapfrog with a group of friends. It’s just the same as any other day, but why not play into the theme of ‘leaping?’

Celebrate a birthday

Have any friends that were born on a leap day? Celebrate their birthday with them, since it technically only happens every four years, making them only five years old. Go all out and invite a bunch of people, grab some food and get an activity set up such as a movie marathon or various board games.

Have a self-care day

The end of the term is nearing, which can mean that tests and classes become more stressful. Having an extra day could be beneficial for some much needed rest and relaxation. Take a bubble bath, hang out in pajamas all day, watch some favorite shows or partake in some hobbies. It’s important to give the mind a break and take a mental health day if it’s needed.

Sleep in

For anyone that feels like they’re behind on sleep, having an added day may be a blessing. This Feb. 29 is a Saturday, so it’s a great chance to sleep in and catch up on some much needed z’s that have been lost due to late night studying and early morning classes.

Enjoy the day

Take the day to relax and spend time with friends. Go out and enjoy the sunshine that’s been slowly creeping in by planning a picnic. Since this is Oregon, however, double check the weather the day before to ensure that unexpected rain doesn’t diminish plans the day of.

Memory box

Create a box that can only be opened on Feb. 29; fill it with pictures from the day or just overall favorite photos. Another addition can be a note to a future self or group of people, or some sort of memorabilia from a group gathering. Once the next leap year hits, then it can be opened again to see a progression of change from the last four years. 

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Photo by Kay Bruley

Photo by Kyle Morden