As we’re making our way into fall and much colder and rainier months, it can often be a time of gloominess not only in the weather but also in moods. Cold temperatures are paired with early sunsets that lead to dark afternoons. And while some people love this shift, and look forward to the fall and winter months every year, many others dread the days when they are forced inside by the constant rainfall, and are disappointed with the dreary overcast that’s so often present in Portland fall weather. If you are one of those people who hate the cold months, this article is for you. I present my guide to surviving a rainy day!
Some rainy days call for productivity. Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t stop school, jobs, or other responsibilities. However, this guide is meant for that perfect rainy day when you have nothing pivotal on your to-do list, you’re done with all your homework (or more likely are procrastinating it to be completed another day), and can relax however you wish.
It is important to complete the mandatory first step of any gloomy day: put on the comfiest, fuzziest sweater or hoodie followed by some incredibly soft socks. This will keep you warm no matter how chilly it is outside. A hot beverage is the obvious next step to a morning routine on a particularly cold day. Treat yourself to your favorite drink, but I recommend a sizzling cup of hot chocolate. Day Punab Jimenez, a sophomore here at Franklin, shares that her favorite cup of hot chocolate has “whipped cream and caramel on top.” She loves to drink this while cuddling up into pillows and blankets, a great relaxing way to ease into a cold day.
With a morning full of comfiness and time to embrace the cold with every bit of coziness possible, there are endless possibilities as to how one can spend the rest of their day. Baking to a backdrop of rain song and thunder cannot be beat, whether it’s a box mix of chocolate chip cookies or homemade cinnamon rolls. There are infinite recipes online and on social media that offer endless possibilities to mix in seasonal flavors of pumpkin and brown sugar into a fall day.
As the smell of baked goods provides a delightful aroma throughout your house, pull out a book and cuddle up with a candle for lighting. Let the flickering of the warm, soft light guide your reading, or, if books remind you too much of the school assignments being ignored for the day, set up a nostalgic movie you have seen a hundred times. Hazel Allen, a junior at Franklin, shares how along with baking she recommends staying “at home watching movies!” The power of a movie choice is essential as it can brighten any gloomy day. So make sure to choose one nostalgic enough that you can laugh, cry, and maybe even sing along with it— depending on your movie preferences. My personal go-to recommendations for someone to cuddle up on the couch and watch range anywhere from La La Land to Little Women to Tangled.
Baked treats are delicious and of course, most of the results should be personally enjoyed, but don’t disregard the idea of sharing the sweets with those close to you. Whether it’s family, friends, or the neighbors you talk to once every few months, sharing baked goods with the people around you is the perfect opportunity to catch up. Additionally, a good chat while wrapped up in sweaters and snacking on something warm can allow for the most interesting conversations to get you through the cold.
Rain doesn’t always mean the hours are best spent alone. I personally recommend playing a variety of games as rain calls for the competitiveness found over the rolling of dice and dealing of cards. Dutch Blitz is my personal favorite card game to play when passing the hours, but a rainy day is the perfect time to pull out your own childhood favorite game you haven’t played in years.
While rainy days can bring everyone inside for warmth and comfort, they don’t have to keep you away from the outdoors. Anyone who has lived in Portland long enough knows how to shove on a jacket and briskly walk through pouring rain to get to a destination. However, rainy walks are one of my favorite activities when paired with a nice umbrella and headphones. The perfect rainy day doesn’t always mean you have to stay inside if you’re okay with getting your hair a bit wet. Oscar Jones, a junior here at Franklin, describes how he likes to go on walks with his friends. Jones’s ideal situation prefers to not “wear raincoats, because the rain would be warm and pleasant.” Whether the rain is icy cold or a nice warm sprinkle, spending time outside can be a good way to connect back with the outdoors, even when it requires many layers.
There are many, many ways to spend a rainy day. And while it is easy to get caught in the gloom, bad weather undeniably slows the time down and can be a great opportunity for self care. Exploring a hobby you haven’t had time for lately, embracing the weather and going for a stroll, or even just relaxing on the couch. These are all great ways to take advantage of a situation that otherwise might not be preferable. Personally, I love to cuddle up in a comfortable seat (or my bed if I’m being honest) and relax to the sounds of pattering rain while I wait for sunnier days to come.
