Wednesday, April 10, 2019

April Showers Bring People Indoors

Are you tired of this rainy weather?  If you're like me, the gloomy skies and rain beating against the windows are probably wearing you down by now.  I know that April showers are supposed to bring May flowers, but for now they're bringing people inside.

What can we do indoors (other than reading books and watching movies) to keep us from going stir crazy?  Here are some ideas:
  • Light some candles.  Create a cozy mood in your home with the soft glow of a flickering candle.  Burn a scented candle or incense for some soothing aromatherapy.
  • Make a nice warm drink.  If it's cold and wet outside, warm yourself from within. Make coffee, tea, hot chocolate...whatever puts a smile on your face.
  • Play your favorite music.  Don't they say music calms the savage beast?  Listen to some of your favorite tunes!
  • Cook something in the slow cooker.  Not in the mood for cooking?  Try a "dump" recipe, like a soup or stew, for your slow cooker.  Dump everything in the slow cooker and have a homey meal later.
  • Take a long bath or shower.  There's just something about hot water, whether you're soaking in it or having it run down your skin.  It relaxes your body and clears your mind.
  • Make time for a nap.  Experts say that a 10-30 minute power nap can improve our mood and make us feel refreshed. Give it a try.
  • Do a hobby.  Into knitting, drawing, woodworking, or some other hobby?  Rainy days are great for doing them.
  • Exercise.  A few jumping jacks, sit-ups, push-ups, or walking in place is all it takes to get the endorphins ( a.k.a. the happy hormones) going.  Get off the couch and start moving around!
  • Cleaning.  They call it spring cleaning for a reason.  Say goodbye to winter and say hello to a fresh new spring!

I'm sure there are other things to do when the weather is rainy.  If you don't feel like staying home, there are always museums to explore and (surprise!) the library to visit.  Do you have a rainy day activity you enjoy doing?  Share with us!

Wishing you warm, sunny days ahead from the perch.