10 Things to Do On a Rainy Day That You’ve Never Thought About
It’s raining, and all you can think about is what to do on a rainy day? We’ve all been there, and most of the time you rely on the old standbys—watch a movie, build a fort, channel surf, take a nap, and scroll social media. Not to put a damper on things, but all those rainy day activities are a bit boring. Never fear! Struck with some of the best ideas of what to do on a rainy day, we’ve compiled a list of 10 activities to do on a rainy day that you’ve never thought about. Read on to learn more!
1. Cook something that takes a long time to make.
Whether it’s a stew, homemade pasta, or slow-and-low braised meat recipe, cooking something that takes forever to make can actually be enjoyable on a rainy day. Gather your ingredients, set a cool cooking playlist, and get to work. You’ll want to slow down, cook with intention, and have fun through the process.
2. Watch the rain in silence.
Turn off the TV and put away the phone. Take some time to sit and just watch the rainfall. Examine the droplets that form on the window, the shifting direction, and the little splatters that erupt when drops hit the surface. Feel the rumbles of thunder and the stillness of a soft drizzle. Allowing yourself to just be, without appointments or an agenda, is incredibly calming and powerfully meditative.
3. Declutter and organize.
Decluttering and organizing don’t have to take all day. By breaking up tasks into 30-minute increments, you can maintain some momentum without getting bored or overwhelmed. Here are some ideas for 30-minute decluttering and organizing tasks:
- Declutter one drawer
- Clean your email inbox
- Remove old photos from your phone
- Clear one flat surface, such as a kitchen counter or nightstand
- Clear your fridge door of old or expired condiments and sauces
- Toss damaged, old, or uncomfortable socks and underwear
- Create a donation box and place it in a visible location
4. Run in the rain.
A jog in the rain can actually be good for you. Not only does the rain help wash away air pollutants, but it also creates a calming scent replicated in your favorite perfumes and fragrances.
Running in the rain also increases your calorie burn compared to running outdoors in dry conditions, according to this study from the National Institute of Health. Whether you’re aiming for a calorie deficit in your cardiovascular workout or training for a race, you can enhance your motivation and gain strength.
5. Experience an indoor picnic.
Create a picnic area in the most scenic room in your home. Lay down a blanket, gather some throw pillows, and string fairy lights overhead. Consider setting a more intimate ambiance by lighting candles—just be careful where you place them. You can even prepare some of our favorite picnic snack ideas, like:
- Cheese and crackers
- Hummus and crudites
- Prosciutto and figs
- Chips and salsa
- Fruit and yogurt dip
- Chocolate-covered fruits
- Selection of nuts, like peanuts, cashews, and pistachios
LEARN MORE: Plan a Picnic Like a Pro: Expert Tips, Tricks, & Advice
6. Play a board game or do a puzzle.
Family board games like Monopoly or Life require a little strategy and skill for you to think about on a day full of showers. What’s more, they can keep everyone busy for close to an hour. Similarly, 500- or 1,000-piece puzzles often take time and patience, requiring hours of mixing and matching pieces to complete.
7. Take dramatic selfies in the rain.
If the wet weather is free of storms and lightning, one fun rainy day activity is to get out there and take dramatic selfies in the rain. For a cinematic effect, capture your reflection in puddles, foggy streets, or raindrops on windows. Urban settings give your pics a gritty vibe that’s perfect for that social media aesthetic.
8. Rearrange your furniture.
A rainy day activity ideal for home improvement is rearranging your furniture. Pick one room you’d like to update, and work to clear it. Reimagine a new space by taking inspiration from Pinterest or your favorite lifestyle magazines, such as Coming Home. Even small layout changes can feel refreshing and dramatically affect the energy of a room.
9. Write a letter you’ll never send.
Take out a pen and paper and write a letter to your past self or future self. You can write to a teenage you, you a year ago, or you at 85. What do you want to say to yourself? What moments do you want to put yourself in? This exercise can be as healing, honest, reflective, or motivational as you want it to be. It’s you, writing to yourself, for yourself.
10. Plan out your goals.
Instead of daydreaming, take steps to set realistic goals and figure out a plan to succeed. You might begin by brainstorming achievable goals and landing on three to five you’d like to work on. Then, write them out using the SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) method to stay on track.
10 Things to Do on a Snow Day With Kids
Rainy day activities include indoor things, like cooking and playing board games, and outdoor actions such as running and taking selfies. But when the rain turns into snow, moods can sometimes get a little grumpy. Snow usually means more time inside, leading to stir-craziness for your whole crew. Read “10 of the Best Activities To Do With Kids on a Snowy Day” to keep little busy bodies active and engaged during the cold.
FAQs About Rainy Day Activities
What do you do on a rainy day?
On a rainy day, you can do relaxing activities at home, like read a book, create an in-home spa experience, or meditate.
What can I do when I’m bored and it’s raining?
If you’re bored and it’s raining, consider getting your heart pumping and raising your energy levels. Exercise, do some light housework, or complete a home improvement project indoors.
What activities can you do in rainy weather?
You can take a jog in the rain if there are no storms or lightning. Indoors, you can do arts and crafts, create a scavenger hunt, or try a new recipe.
What are some rainy day hobbies?
Some of the best rainy day hobbies include knitting, doing crossword puzzles, calligraphy, playing chess, and painting. Find something you enjoy, and stick to it.