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Rainy days can be dull and gloomy, but not if you know the right things to do.
Read on for some rainy-day activities to turn that frown upside down and make the best use of the pouring weather.
I spent two years of my life in a town where the clouds appeared more days than the sun shone.
Naturally, there were many frustrating rainy days when I wanted to scream at the skies.
Car tires splashing mud on my white shirt, feeling gloomy while locked indoors, and plans being canceled because the clouds wouldn’t stop roaring.
But despite all that drama, I kinda loved the thrill and slowness that only rain could bring out together, and I still do!
Hate ’em or love ’em, there’s no denying that rainy days have a unique charm.
They give you the perfect excuse to slow down, cozy up, and indulge in activities you might not typically have time for.
I am not in a rain-dense area anymore, but my country is in the midst of the rainy season these days (we call it the monsoon), and I am making the best of these daily showers from Mother Nature.
Even if you’re not the biggest fan of wet weather, there are many interesting ways to enjoy a rainy day instead of sulking about it.
In this post, we’ll look at 31 awesome things to do on a rainy day for cozy, fun, and productive vibes.
Read on to make the best of the rainy weather!
31 Things to Do on a Rainy Day
1. Curl Up With A Good Book
There’s nothing quite like losing yourself in a captivating story while the rain patters against the windows.
Create a cozy reading nook with soft blankets, pillows, and a hot cup of tea or coffee.
Dive into that novel you’ve been meaning to read or revisit a beloved classic.
My guilty pleasure for rainy days is the Twilight series. Vampires, college romance, and small town where it rains forever — it checks all my boxes!
2. Have A Movie Marathon
Pick a theme—whether it’s classic films, a favorite series, or new releases—and settle in for a marathon in your living room (or in your bed with your laptop).
Don’t forget the popcorn and your favorite snacks for the ultimate cinema experience!
3. Bake Something Delicious
The warmth of the oven and the smell of fresh cookies, bread, or cake can make any gloomy day brighter.
Try out a new recipe or bake your tried-and-true favorites.
Baking can be a therapeutic activity, plus you get to enjoy delicious treats afterward!
Related post: 30 Hygge Practices For A Heartwarming Time
4. Make Paper Boats
Channel your inner child and make some paper boats sitting by the window.
It’s a nostalgic activity that can bring you a lot of happiness.
Once you’ve made your boats, float them in puddles or a nearby stream and watch them sail away.
5. Dance In the Rain
Why not embrace the rain and have a little fun? Put on your rain boots, grab an umbrella, and head outside for a dance in the rain.
It’s a joyful way to connect with nature and release some energy. Just make sure to dry off and warm up afterward.
6. Make Your Indoors Cozy
If you’re gonna be locked indoors, might as well turn your home into a sanctuary.
Create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your space to fully enjoy your time away from the world.
Light some candles, put on your favorite soft music, and snuggle up with blankets and pillows.
7. Open The Windows
For those of you who love the rainy weather, don’t forget to open all the blinds, curtains, and windows.
The sound of the rain and the fresh air will do wonders for your mood and make you one with nature.
Must read: How To Create Good Vibes At Home
8. Cook A Comforting Meal
Rainy days call for comfort food. Experiment with new recipes or cook your favorite comfort meals.
The process of cooking can be soothing, and the delicious results will warm you from the inside out.
9. Create a Rainy Weather Playlist
Create a soothing playlist that suits the rainy weather.
Add songs that evoke a sense of calm and comfort, with gentle guitar strums, mellow piano tunes, and soft vocals.
Artists like Norah Jones, Bon Iver, and Sufjan Stevens can set the ideal rainy-day vibe. This rainy season, I am loving listening to Gracie Abrams.
10. Rest Or Take A Nap
Sometimes the best thing to do on a rainy day is simply rest. It’s like the world is giving you permission to take a break and recharge.
Grab a soft blanket, get comfortable on your couch or your bed, and let yourself drift off.
Waking up to the sound of raindrops will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
11. Have Tea And Some Fried Snacks
Make an exception to your health-conscious diet and enjoy a comforting tea with a fried snack.
Whether it’s samosas, fritters, or doughnuts, the combination of a warm beverage and a tasty treat can be the perfect indulgence on a rainy day.
12. Play Board Games Or Card Games
Gather your family or housemates and enjoy some friendly competition with board games or card games.
It’s a fun way to spend quality time together and make memories.
Games like Monopoly, Scrabble, or Uno are always a hit.
In my family, we love playing cards and ludo (look it up, it’s really easy and fun).
13. Organize Your Space
Take advantage of the indoor time to declutter and organize your home.
Tidy up your living space, rearrange furniture, or clean out your closet. Get rid of anything you don’t need or haven’t used in ages.
A clean and organized space will lift you up and make you more productive when you’re indoors.
Might help: 65 Organizing Tips That Will Simplify Your Whole Life
14. Write In Your Journal
Rainy days provide the perfect backdrop for reflection.
Grab a journal and write down your present thoughts, past experiences, and dreams for the future.
I’d also suggest drawing clouds and making the journal entry blue-themed to memorialize the rainy day.
15. Have A Spa Day At Home
Ever treated yourself to a spa day without leaving your house? Well, the rain is a perfect excuse to have your first-ever DIY spa day.
Light some candles, play calming music, and get started. Run a bubble bath, do a face mask, and give yourself a manicure or pedicure.
Moisturize your skin nice and slow and relax with a cup of tea afterward.
16. Watch Documentaries
If you want to do something productive on your screens while it’s pouring outdoors, then go for documentaries that interest you.
Netflix, Amazon Prime, and even YouTube have a vast selection.
From nature and science to history and culture, there’s a lot of knowledge you could get from these documentaries.
My favorite kind is the ones on space and universe.
17. Make Video Calls
Normal routines can make it hard to spare time for your long-distance friends and family.
Use your free hours on a rainy day to catch up with all those that you haven’t talked to in a while.
Instead of texting them or talking on call, go for video calls.
It’s more fun to discuss the weather when you’re able to show it to the other person.
18. Do An Indoor Workout
Rain doesn’t have to get in the way of your fitness routine.
In fact, even if it’s something that’s not on your priority list, a workout can be a healthy way to kill time on a rainy day.
You’ll find many workout videos on YouTube that suit your style. You can go for HIIT, Pilates, or my favorite, dance workouts.
Bookmark now: 30 Day Glow Up Challenge For The Ultimate Health Boost
19. Do Yoga
Since we’re talking about indoor workouts, yoga would naturally pop up.
It’s the ultimate exercise to gently unwind both your body and your mind.
Find a quiet space, roll out your yoga mat, and follow along with a video or app.
I usually skip my workouts on rainy days and go for a long yoga session instead. Doing it by the window to the smell of rain makes it even more beautiful.
20. Try Rain Meditation
Embrace the calming effect of rain with a meditation session.
Find a comfortable spot near a window where you can hear the rain.
Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and focus on the sound of the rain.
Let the rhythmic patter guide you into a state of relaxation and mindfulness.
This natural symphony will help you declutter your mind and connect with the present moment.
21. Make A Blanket Fort
Channel your inner child and build a blanket fort.
Use blankets, pillows, and furniture to create a cozy hideaway for your rainy day.
You can use this spot to relax, read, or watch movies while it patters outside.
22. Create A Vision Board
Use a rainy day to visualize your dreams and goals by creating a vision board.
Gather magazines, scissors, glue, and a board.
Cut out images and words that represent your aspirations and arrange them on the board.
It’s a creative exercise that will reward you with high motivation in every season throughout the year.
23. Host An Indoor Picnic
Who says picnics are only for sunny days?
Prepare some sandwiches, salads, and snacks, and spread a blanket on the living room floor.
You can do this with your family or turn it into your cozy me-time.
Recommended: 51 Best Solo Date Ideas To Make You Love Yourself
24. Get Some Work Done
Rainy days can be the perfect time to tackle chores or work-related tasks that you’ve been putting off.
Finish your laundry, catch up on emails, study a chapter, or complete a project for your job.
You’ll love the sense of accomplishment once you’ve checked those items off your to-do list.
25. Drink Hot Chocolate
There’s nothing quite like a warm cup of hot chocolate to lift your spirits on a rainy day.
Whip up your favorite recipe of hot chocolate, be it a classic mix or with whipped cream and marshmallows.
Savor each sip of this sweet drink while allowing your world to slow down.
26. Listen To An Audiobook
I’ve only recently started listening to audiobooks and am surprised by how much I love it.
It does feel like being inside a book but at the same time, the experience is so different than reading.
Plug in your earplugs, hit play, and listen while working, dozing off, or reading the actual book.
You could even play it on your phone and have the rain act as the background music.
27. Knitting
Knitting is a perfect blend of relaxation and productivity that’s ideal for a rainy day.
Find a comfy spot, maybe near a window where you can watch the rain, and let yourself get lost in the process.
By the end of the day, you might have a new scarf, hat, or even just a few more rows completed on your latest project.
Similar post: 27 Interesting Things To Do When You’re Bored
28. Solve Puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles are great for passing the time and engaging your brain.
On rainy days, they are the perfect way to pass the time and feel productive.
Find a challenging puzzle and spend the day piecing it together.
You can also try crossword puzzles, Sudoku, or brainteasers to keep your mind active.
29. Take A Rain Walk
Walking in the rain isn’t a popular choice for obvious reasons. People only ever step outside in the rain when they have to.
But if you want to experience the beauty of rain up close, then grab an umbrella and go for a walk in the rain.
It doesn’t have to be a long one. Just walk around your neighborhood touching the raindrops and smiling at the clouds.
It’ll make you love the rain and appreciate the clean appearance of your surroundings.
30. Take An Online Class
Sites like Udemy, Coursera, and YouTube offer classes on a wide variety of topics.
You can take a class on anything, from cooking and photography to painting and learning a new language.
Not only will you pass the time, but you’ll also gain a new skill or hobby.
It’s a productive and engaging way to spend a rainy day indoors.
31. Raindrop Painting
Let’s finish off with an interesting and unique rainday activity — Raindrop painting!
Place a watercolor paper or cardstock outdoors where raindrops can fall on it.
Dip your paintbrush into the watercolor paints and gently flick or drop paint onto the paper wherever raindrops have fallen.
Watch as the raindrops interact with the paint, creating beautiful and unpredictable patterns.
Allow your raindrop painting to dry naturally or bring it indoors to finish if the rain stops.
Your painting will have the unique essence of rain and reflect the natural rhythm of the weather. Cool, right?
Definitely something worth trying on a rainy day.
Make The Most Of Those Rainy Days
Rainy days don’t have to be gloomy or boring.
With these 21 activities, you can turn any rainy day into a memorable one filled with fun, relaxation, and productivity.
Embrace the slower pace, enjoy the cozy vibes, and make the most of your time indoors.
Remember, it’s all about finding joy in the little things and making the best of whatever the weather brings.
Happy rainy days!
Read next: How To Romanticize Your Everyday Life – 10 Simple Tips
Share your favorite rainy day activities in the comments below. Let’s inspire each other to make the most of every rainy day!
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