Spring is a time of new beginnings, longer days, warmer weather and typically a better outlook on life. However, with the spring comes rainy days. The increase of rainy days can affect our mood in the same way that dark winter days bring us down. After a long winter the last thing we want is to have our mood affected by the weather again.
These tips to staying active on a rainy day will help keep your spirits up until the next sunny day.
Activities for Kids
If you have children at home on rainy days it can be increasingly difficult to motivate them while staying positive yourself. In these instances you’ll have to get creative. Keeping things fun and enjoying the time with your kids will enhance everyone’s mood and keep you all happy. Sitting in front of the TV may be fine for short period of time but will ultimately bring you and your kids down and can even hinder their learning. Better activities for kids during a rainy day are going to the library and getting them to choose their own book, work on a scrapbook, or try a new craft or recipe. Choose something that they are interested in so they’ll stay focused on the task. For example, if your son is interested in Dinosaurs bake cookies in the shape of his favourite Dinosaur and have him talk about why he likes them while you’re baking.
Board games that involve the whole family are another great way to spend a rainy day. Almost every game is educational by either including spelling or counting. Including the whole family and taking time to play with your kids shows that you have time for them. It’s a great way to bond as a family and have fun at the same time. Another way to bond is to ask your kids to pick the indoor activity that they want to do and include yourself in the fun. Having them choose the activity will help build their confidence and improve their decision making skills.

Just because it’s rainy doesn’t mean you can’t go outside. Going for a walk on a rainy day can be just as enjoyable as a walk on a sunny day. The only difference is the preparation. Dress appropriately by wearing waterproof jackets and shoes and you won’t even know it’s rainy. The fresh air will do everyone a lot of good even if the walk is just a short one. If you don’t want to spend too much time outdoors at least get out of the house. Use this opportunity to take your kids to a museum or local landmark that you wouldn’t normally visit. You won’t feel guilty about spending the time inside at a museum when you know the weather isn’t nice.
Start a rainy day activity box or suggestion box. Fill the activity box with craft ideas, games and recipes and let everyone participate in putting rainy day activities in the suggestion box. Bring out the box every time it rains and you’ll be pleasantly surprised who excited your kids will get even on the worst rainy day. They’ll still have something to look forward to even when they can’t play outside and won’t have the chance to get down on a rainy day.
Activities for You
It can be just as difficult to come up with ways to spend a rainy day even if you don’t have children. It’s especially bad if the rainy day happens on your day off from work. You don’t have to have kids to get out and explore your local community. Visiting the library or a museum can be just as rewarding on your own as it is with children. If you don’t want to or are unable to leave the house then make a list of jobs that need to be done around the house. These can include cleaning and organizing jobs. Start with one at a time and tick it off your list once complete. You’ll be rewarded by getting something accomplished and won’t feel like you’ve lost a day that could have been spent doing outdoor activities.
Whether at home or out and about staying active in some way is the most important way to combat rainy day blahs. If you keep busy you won’t have time to get down when the weather is bad. Use those days to accomplish other things and you’ll look forward to rainy days just as much as you do sunny days.