It's spring now, and where I live, spring means rain. For some, rain might signify gloom or inconvenience, but that couldn't be further from what I have found. Whether it's a thunderstorm or merely a little drizzle, rain is beautiful and refreshing.
Rain breathes life into the world around us, nourishing the earth and creating a serene atmosphere. The air is fresher, the plants begin to blossom, and the sound of raindrops tapping on roof stimulates our creativity, fostering a soothing background to life.
On days like these, I find myself embracing the opportunity to slow down and enjoy some of my favorite activities away from the computer screen, and, in this post, I’ll share them with you.
Go outside—with or without an umbrella.
If it's just that kind of rain (you know, your favorite kind of rain), step outside of your house and enjoy it to its full potential. Go on a walk, inhale that fresh, sharp scent of the air, step barefoot on the wet grass, and watch the thick clouds go rolling by. And if you want, leave behind that umbrella! See how it really feels to dance in the rain. ;)
Go to bed early and let the rain carry you to sleep.
Let's face it. It would be miserable to go twirling about outside in a thunderstorm, don't you think? Some kinds of rain warrant a good rest rather than a good dance, and on these days, I encourage you to go to bed early and sleep the deepest you've slept in weeks.
Write in a notebook beside the window as the rain is pouring down.
This is the thing I love to do most on a rainy day. Rain really stimulates our minds, so the next time it rains, go sit beside the window and let your thoughts to flow freely. With each new sentence, the world outside will become a little more magical, and your notebook will fill with stories you never saw coming.
Read a good book.
There's no experience quite like reading a good book next to the window while the rain is pounding on the roof. It might be a reread of your favorite novel from childhood, a book of beautiful poetry, or a classic book from this list. Whatever book you choose, I'm sure it will be an experience hard to forget.
Paint beside the window.
Write beside the window, then read beside the window? Now it's paint beside the window?
Yes! There is something very special about sitting next to the window on a rainy day, especially if it is cracked slightly open, the scent of fresh earth and rain filling the room. So grab your favorite set of paints, settle down beside the window, and try it out for yourself!
Make your own cozy space.
For me, it's usually a makeshift indoor tent. I fill it with pillows and blankets, string on some Christmas lights, grab some snacks, and invite my family in. Then we might tell each other stories, invent riddles, play board games or cards, or simply relax.
Solve a puzzle or play a board game.
Rainy days stimulate our minds, and when my mind is stimulated, one of my favorite things to do is find a challenge. Whether this is trying to complete a thousand-piece-puzzle, attempting to win chess against my sister, or pulling out Clue and having the whole family join, rainy days make these activities especially rewarding.
Bake or cook something delicious.
Do you know what your favorite food is? Well, go make it! Some ideas include soup, hot chocolate, freshly baked bread, noodles, brownies, mashed potatoes, baked apples, cinnamon rolls, tea, and scones. (And if you have more ideas for foods that fit a rainy day, please comment it down below! I'm always looking for more. :D)
That's it! 8 of my favorite activities on a rainy day. If you usually dislike rain, remember, the next time it begins to pour, don't groan! There are so many fun activities waiting in store for you. If you do like rain, I also hope this post inspired you, If you have the time, it would mean a lot if you wrote a comment and shared of some of your own favorite things to do on a rainy day! :)
Now I'll end this post with my one of my favorite poems about rain.
Rain on the Roof
When the humid shadows hover
 Over all the starry spheres,
And the melancholy darkness
 Gently weeps in rainy tears,
What a bliss to press the pillow
 Of a cottage-chamber bed,
And to listen to the patter
 Of the soft rain overhead!
Every tinkle on the shingles
Has an echo in the heart;
And a thousand dreamy fancies
Into busy being start
And a thousand recollections
Weave their air-threads into woof,
As I listen to the patter
Of the rain upon the roof.
[...]
Art hath naught of tone or cadence
 That can work with such a spell
In the soul’s mysterious fountains,
Whence the tears of rapture well,
As that melody of Nature,
That subdued, subduing strain
Which is played upon the shingles
By the patter of the rain.
— Coates Kinney (1826-1904)
Read the full poem here!
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This is a GREAT post, Julie! Thank you so much for sharing. I love the pictures, and the ideas.
This is lovely, Julie!
Ooooh... How about apple or pumpkin pie? I know it's more of an autumn thing, but it's definitely one of my favorites to make when the weather outside isn't great.
This is great--I'll definitely be trying more of these next time it rains!
P.S. Hmmm. Dancing in the rain sounds great; unfortunately, last time I tried I came back sopping wet and pretty cold. But maybe I should try it again...?