Rainy Days Bring You Down? Here's What to Do

Talkin' to myself and feelin' old
Sometimes I'd like to quit, nothin' ever seems to fit
Hangin' around
Nothin' to do but frown
Rainy days and Mondays always get me down
What I've got, they used to call the blues
Nothin' is really wrong, feelin' like I don't belong
Walkin' around
Some kind of lonely clown
Rainy days and Mondays always get me down
The Carpenters

I’m all about learning to dance in the rain, but when it’s wet and gloomy, it can be hard to stay cheerful all the time.  

Living with rainy weather for extended periods can sometimes affect our mood and overall well-being if we allow it to. But remember we can choose how we respond to things outside of our control, like the weather and there are several strategies you can try to help improve your mood and make the most of rainy days:

1. Change Your Perspective: Instead of viewing rainy days as gloomy, try to see the beauty in the rain. The sound of raindrops, the fresh scent in the air, and the lush greenery can all be quite soothing.
2. Indoor Activities: Rainy days can be a great opportunity to engage in indoor activities you enjoy, such as reading, painting, playing musical instruments, cooking, or watching movies.
3. Practice Mindfulness: Use the rainy days as a chance to practice mindfulness and meditation. The sound of rain can provide a calming backdrop for your mindfulness exercises.
4. Stay Active: Even if the weather is not ideal for outdoor activities, you can still stay active indoors. Try doing yoga, stretching exercises, or even dancing to your favourite music.
5. Create Coziness: Make your indoor space cosy and inviting. Use soft lighting, comfortable blankets, and warm beverages to create a comfortable atmosphere.
6. Enjoy Comfort Food: Rainy days can be a great excuse to indulge in comfort foods like soup, hot chocolate, or your favourite warm dishes.
7. Connect with Others: Reach out to friends and family for virtual hangouts, phone calls, or even play online games together. Socialising can help lift your spirits.
8. Read or Learn: Use the time indoors to catch up on reading, start a new book, or take an online course to learn something new.
9. Practice Gratitude: Focus on the positive aspects of rainy days. Practice gratitude by listing things you appreciate or things you can do because of the rain. I try and remember to be grateful for my cosy little home.
10. Embrace Self-Care: Treat yourself to self-care activities like taking a long bath, doing a skincare routine, or practicing relaxation techniques.
11. Plan Indoor Projects: Use the time indoors to work on projects you've been putting off, like organizing your space, decluttering, or starting a creative project.
12. Exercise and Movement: If you have space, consider doing indoor workouts or yoga to boost your mood and energy levels.
13. Listen to Music or Nature Sounds: Play music that matches your mood or listen to nature sounds like rain or thunderstorms, which can be surprisingly calming.
14. Practice Hygge: Embrace the Danish concept of hygge, which is all about creating a cosy and comfortable atmosphere. Light candles, use soft textures, and enjoy simple pleasures.
15. Look Forward: Plan activities or outings you enjoy for when the weather improves. Having something to look forward to can boost your mood.

“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” – Dolly Parton

Remember that it's normal to have days when the weather affects your mood, but trying out these strategies can help you make the most of rainy days and maintain a positive outlook. If you find that your mood is consistently impacted by the weather, consider speaking to a coach, or a qualified mental health professional for additional support.