Rain and grey skies don’t have to mean a grey day. Here are some simple things you can do when the weather invites you to head indoors.
It’s tempting to cancel all your plans when the rain hits the window, but autumn’s darkest days can also be the cosiest. Whether you want to be social, cultural or simply do very little with a clear conscience, there are far better alternatives than endless scrolling.
Take a cultural break
Use the rainy weather as an excuse to visit a museum, gallery or exhibition you’ve been meaning to see for a long time. Go alone and take your time, or bring someone along and finish the visit with coffee and something sweet.
Host a home cinema
Get out the blankets, dim the lights and choose a film you actually want to watch – not just the first one Netflix suggests. Bring out the popcorn, order takeaway and put your phones on silent. These little tricks actually do a surprising amount for the atmosphere.
Try a new place to eat
Rainy weather is perfect for long lunches and dinners without a guilty conscience. Seek out a restaurant, wine bar or café you usually walk past. It’s even nicer if the place has a window seat with a view of the rain.
Make something from scratch
Bake bread, try a new pasta dish or invite friends over for dinner. Ideally, choose a recipe that takes a little more time than you usually have. On a rainy day, the process itself – and the fact that it can take a long time – is the whole point.
Visit a second-hand shop
Hunt for the perfect leather jacket, a book you didn’t know you needed, or something nice for your home. Second-hand shops work best when you have time to browse, and that’s exactly what you have when the weather isn’t tempting you outdoors anyway.
Do nothing
You don’t have to turn the day into a project, either. Grab a book, put on a series and make something warm to drink. Sometimes the rain is just nature’s way of giving you permission to stay at home.
