Today is Leap Day - it’s like a 24-hour bonus to your busy schedule. An extra day that only shows up once every four years.

You could stick to your usual schedule: get up, go to work, take care of the kids, do some chores, work out, eat dinner, and go to sleep. Lather, rinse, and repeat.

Or, you could take the extra day to do something for yourself. Why not feed your body the primary food that it is hungry for by spending time with your family? Or take the day to pamper yourself with a massage or pedicure? Here are a few Leap Day activity ideas that you could do to celebrate this extra day!

Show Yourself Some Love

Schedule an appointment for a massage, a pedicure, a facial – anything that will bring you the relaxation that you have trouble finding time for during the other 365 days of the year!

Last week we kicked off our new Vitamin L series, which celebrates the various relationships in our lives throughout the month of February, with a post on friendship.

Next up, we’re talking family. That’s right, those crazy people who drive you nuts, and at one point (circa age 15) you didn’t want to be seen with, but at the end of the day, you love ‘em anyway.

Unlike some other relationships, we don’t get to choose our family members. Who we marry, yes; but that mother of yours who made you take those really awkward photos on the first say of school, you know, the one who is constantly reminding you that she’d like grandchildren someday? Well, you’re sort of stuck with her.

At times it’s easy to be harsh or brutally honest with these people, as we know our family will love us unconditionally. But that’s also the reason that we cherish them so much. On our good days they’re our biggest fans, and on our bad days there's nothing quite like the comfort a family member can provide.

Sundays are perfect for so many reasons, but the best reason just may be pancakes. There is no better time to make a delicious stack of warm, fluffy pancakes for your family than on a lazy Sunday morning when no one has anything to do or anywhere to be.

This Sunday, try out this Buckwheat Banana-Walnut Pancake recipe from Integrative Nutrition graduate Reshma of Cook Me Healthy. Don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds…better make a double batch, just in case!

Veggies, fruits and whole grains pack in vitamins and antioxidants for improved health, but studies also show that it takes more than what’s on your plate to live a longer, healthier life—friends! According to these studies strong relationships can help fight illness and depression, speed recovery, slow aging and prolong life.

A big part of Integrative Nutrition is looking beyond what you put into your mouth, but rather looking at what nourishes your heart and soul. Think about the people in your life. Take out a piece of paper and write down the people who make you laugh, cry, think, happy and angry. Are there more people on that list who make you feel good about yourself than bad? How can you spend more time with those family and friends who make you feel full of life? Just as you might crowd out chemicalized, artificial junk food you can crowd out those relationships that impact you negatively.

Here’s to nourishing food and nourishing relationships.

Tomorrow, Americans nationwide will gather around their dinner tables and give thanks for all that they are grateful for. While this is a holiday that revolves around appreciating what you have in life, it’s also centered around food and overeating.

From turkeys that weigh over 20 pounds to stuffing, marshmallow-sweet-potato-casseroles, and apple and pumpkin pies it’s hard to not want it all.  After dinner and the next day most people will complain about how stuffed they are. It’s part of the Thanksgiving tradition.

Many people run themselves down with hours of cooking, preparing for a party, and eating too much. What’s fun about that?

On the day before Thanksgiving take the time to slow down even if everything isn’t perfect. If there are still a lot of things to do, find people in your life who can support you and delegate tasks to them. They will be happy to help.

When you are around the dinner table consciously chew and enjoy your food. Savor the different flavors and appreciate the time and the love that went into preparing the dish. Be present with your family and friends. When you are engaging in conversation, put your fork down and generously listen.

And finally, let us know what you are thankful for.

From the Integrative Nutrition family, we are thankful for all of our students and graduates for the work that they do and sharing our mission to create health and happiness in America.