Rainy day activities: bringing the fun indoors!
2026 has got off to quite a rainy start!
It’s been reported for being particularly wet and gloomy, and there’s a long history behind the UK’s (rainy) weather.
Sometimes, when it rains this hard, we have a ‘lazy day’. We choose to stay inside, have more lie ins, and wrap up under a blanket. This can be a great way to recharge your batteries and get some much-needed rest.
But what if it’s always raining? Long stretches of wet weather can cause low mood, reduced motivation, and a sense of isolation, especially when social gatherings start to get cancelled.
To combat this, here’s some rainy-day activities designed to lift the mood and help make our days more fun:
Start your day with purpose
When the skies are cloudy, there’s less natural light, which can lower serotonin. This is the brain chemical that helps to regulate mood, and reduced serotonin levels contribute to us feeling sluggish and having less motivation.
That’s why creative mornings are a great way to start a rainy day. This could be knitting, crocheting, painting, colouring, whatever you like most. If you like making small, detailed things you could have a go at jewellery making or beadwork embroidery. If you’re looking for bigger projects, you could try pottery or clay sculpting. If you have limited dexterity, or you’re not a very ‘hands-on’ person, try something creative with the other senses! You could record voice notes, telling stories to your family, or writing songs for your loved ones.
It doesn’t matter what you make, it’s the act of creating something that has a big impact on our mood, and fuelling our sense of achievement. Creativity activates the brain’s reward system, helping to release dopamine, a chemical that helps us feel motivated and makes things feel fulfilling.
Keep yourself active
We tend to be more active in the summer, as rainy days can disrupt routines, especially for older adults who use mobility aids. When the pavements are slippery, walking aids become more difficult to use, and transportation around town becomes more difficult to manage.
But even when staying indoors, physical activity is so important, both for boosting mood and maintaining our health. Low-impact, gentle exercise can include walking around the home, cleaning, and getting up to make a cup of tea. Dancing is also a good form of light indoor cardio; you can dance to your favourite playlist, or even just move to the sounds of the rain.
Also, not all exercises need to be performed standing. Chair yoga uses a variety of different stretches, great for flexibility and strengthening muscle groups. Resistance bands can be used for gentle strength training, and balance exercises (such as heel-to-toe walks) are great for preventing falls.
And it’s not just our body we need to keep active! Mental stimulation improves brain function and emotional wellbeing, again giving us a sense of purpose. Brain games like Sudoku and crosswords help with memory, focus, attention and problem-solving, which are a great way to pass the time when staying indoors.
Bring the outside in
Even when the rain keeps us inside, there’s ways we can connect with nature. We associate gardening as a summer activity, but there’s many plants, such as rosemary and dahlias, that have been shown to last indoors. Starting a windowsill garden, repotting herbs, and even watching nature videos can help reduce stress, and keep us connected to the outside world.
Rainy weather also disrupts social plans. Whether it’s a coffee group or a library meetup, rain can cause events to be cancelled. And whilst it’s not the same as an in-person meetup, virtual events are the next best thing in helping us stay connected to our community. Video calls with family, and online hobby groups with friends, are essential for combatting loneliness and brightening those gloomy days.
So whilst rainy days can be a challenge, there are lots of ways to pass the time in meaningful, purposeful ways. Whether it’s something creative, physical, or social, we owe it to ourselves to find the thing that brings us joy and motivation. It’s also temporary – a rainy day doesn’t mean a rainy year, and spring is right round the corner to give us some much-needed sun!
If you’re struggling to stay motivated in the bad weather, we want you to know you’re not alone. For support, guidance, and info, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
