Rainy Day Bliss
Rain, rain, don’t go away… You may dread the dreariness of drizzly days, but it’s actually the perfect opportunity to catch up on some much-needed self-care. There’s nothing quite like a relaxing rainy day at home to recharge your batteries.
Don’t let seasonal showers dampen your spirits. Rain is necessary for nature’s beauty, just like self-care is essential for our well-being. It’s nature’s nurture—cleansing and replenishing, sparking new growth and fresh starts. And the pitter-patter gives us permission to pause, to be nourished and nurtured, too, and replenish our winter-weary mind, body, and soul for new beginnings.
Spring, no matter the weather, is a season of renewal, especially when it comes to our health and well-being – there are just so many ways to grow our wellness holistically and brighten overcast days:
Set up your own little rainy-day retreat and give yourself the spa treatment. Relax and recharge while lingering in a tranquil foamy bath. Try a new face mask or give yourself a mini mani and pedi. Light some all-natural, lavender-scented candles or plug in an essential oil diffuser and enjoy the aromatic scents while embraced by the sounds of raindrops or your favourite playlist.
Pour yourself a cup of organic tea and cozy up with your favourite blanket. Curl up with your pet. Dive into that book you’ve been meaning to read. The one you were so excited about but haven’t had a chance to open yet.
Take advantage of the calm to catch up on some much-needed ZZZs. There’s nothing better than falling asleep to the sound of rain when you’re tucked away cozy and warm. It’s pure bliss, so soothing, satisfying, and rejuvenating.
Find the rainbow – rain or shine – with meditation. There are so many apps that offer mini-guided sessions, or take a meditation class and make new connections. Take comfort in the quiet, taking in positive energy and breathing out negative energy. Reflect, disconnect and reset your mind, body and soul. Finish off with gentle stretching.
Do a bit of decluttering. Now, this may not sound like self-care, but hear us out. Living in a cluttered space takes a toll on mental health. Tidying up is a form of stress reduction and it creates a calming environment for improved well-being. You’ll feel more relaxed, happier, and in control—and if you make a small effort to keep things tidy in the days that follow, you’ll continue to reap the benefits.
Get social—call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Texting just doesn’t create the same joy as hearing the sound of their voice. Reconnecting will lift your spirits. Make plans to meet for a quick coffee, dinner out, or a potluck and games night.
Push away the gloom and make room for some learning. Take an online course, listen to a podcast or audiobook, tour a virtual museum, or play some brain-building games online.
Make a gratitude list of all the things you are most thankful for. Family, friends, good health, your job. What about shifting your mindset and finding the beauty in rainy moments—and being thankful? Feel awash in gratitude when seeing the healing and renewal that rain brings. How nature bursts with joy and vibrancy greens with a little TLC—you can too!
Go walk in the rain. Breathe in the purer air and the complex array of scents released by plants, trees and soil when pounded by raindrops. Studies suggest inhaling these sweet-smelling compounds improves our mood.
So don’t curse the wet weather—take it as a chance to enjoy simple pleasures that make you feel good and are good for you. Stick with them long after the rain stops.
Self-care doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment. We spend so much time scrolling on our phones each day, so why not dedicate some of that time to simple habits that prioritize our well-being? Our health will flourish and we’ll be better able to cope with life’s little and big storms.
