How to Properly *Rot* a Gloomy Day
How to productively use a rainy day to your advantage
Before I dive into writing, I need to ask—am I the only one who finds rainy days incredibly productive and calming? Or is that just the Bostonian in me, fully conditioned by gloomy weather?
I just got off a call with one of my patients who mentioned that she never feels motivated to take care of herself or be productive on rainy days. That conversation inspired me to write article.
It really comes down to your mindset. Instead of saying, “Ugh, it’s raining, I have to stay inside,” what if we reframed it as, “Yes, it’s raining—this is my chance to finally slow down and do the things I’ve been meaning to get to”?
Whether it’s a weekday or weekend, once my work is done, I use rainy days as a nudge to pour into self-care or reset my home. The weather outside might be depressing, yes, but inside, it’s an invitation to feel grounded and do things for yourself with intention.
I want to inspire you to do more things for yourself on a gloomy day. Here are some ideas…
Clean out your kitchen pantry: Check expiration dates, donate extras, and organize items by category (grains, snacks, canned goods).
Deep clean your fridge: Wipe down the shelves, toss out anything expired, and group similar items together (e.g., condiments, dairy, veggies).
Make a nourishing soup: Use up leftover produce or pantry staples. How can you go wrong with a warm soup on a rainy day? Your body will thank you.
Journal your current mood or intentions: I think we’re most reflective on rainy days. Take the time to jot down what has been on your mind.
Create a calming playlist: One for slow mornings, one for when you’re cleaning, one for when you’re cooking, and one for when you’re winding down.
Sort through that "junk drawer": Don’t tell me that you don’t have one or two. Everyone has one. You’ll feel 10x lighter after it’s organized.
Try a new gut-friendly recipe: you have my entire website at the palm of your hands. Try out a new oatmeal recipe, yogurt bowl, grain bowl recipe, etc.
Declutter your closet: This one is my favorite one to do. Donate clothes that no longer serve you and organize them by color or category. When it comes to decluttering your closet, think about the last time you wore that piece and how you would wear it again. If you have a hard time figuring that out, toss it away!
Make a cup of tea and sit in silence: No phone, no laptop, just you and the rain. Take the time to meditate, be one with yourself.
Rearrange a small part of your home: Switch up your nightstand decor, refresh your bedding, maybe switch up the living room seating.
Stretch/do some yoga
Make your own “rainy day ritual” list: List out 3–5 things you want to do every time it rains, it could be anything from this list or activities you came up with.
Clean out your spice rack: Combine duplicates, toss stale ones, and make note of what you need.
Do a digital detox hour: Turn off notifications, put your phone away, and just be present.
Redesign your morning or night routine: your morning and night routines should be sacred to you. Jot down what you want your morning and night to look like and let’s make it happen.
Start a “rainy day” book: a book that you only pick up when it’s raining!
Catch up on sleep: if you don’t have much to do that day, maybe it’s time for a good ol’ nap.
Watch an inspiring/thought provoking movie: what is better than cuddling up with a gut healthy recipe and watching a GOOD movie.
Call a friend/family member: I know you haven’t called your mom or old coworker in a while, make sure to stay in touch with your loved ones.
Self care: a rainy day calls for at-home facials, pedicure, manicure, lymphatic drainage with a dry brush/gua sha, extra exfoliation in the shower, etc.
What are your thoughts? Do you embrace a rainy day and have any things you enjoy doing? Let me know in the comments!
xoxo,
Jasmin D the RD