In the last few weeks, the weather has been fluctuating between warm sunny days and dismal rainy ones. While the brighter days bring a more positive energy, any student would agree that when the sky is full of dark clouds and the potential for rain looms overhead, it can be hard to find the motivation to make it through the day. Here are a few tips and tricks for staying positive and beating the rainy day blues:
- Go to class
Waking up to the sound of rain drizzling down on the pavement outside is not a pleasant sound when you have the dreaded 8:30am class on the other side of campus. It is really easy to turn off your alarm and roll back over into sleep but going to your classes is will stimulate your brain and have you feeling a little more productive throughout your day.
- Catch up on Homework
If you are stuck inside for the day, you might as well make your life a little easier. Grab a comfy blanket, put on your favourite sweats, make some hot chocolate, and buckle down on those upcoming assignments and tests. Trust me, you are going to thank me when you have a significantly lighter load later in the week.
- Dress for the Weather
You’re going to want to keep in mind that water is literally falling from the sky before you leave your room. Nothing will make your rainy day blues worse than soaking through your shoes in 5 minutes and having to sit through an hour and a half lecture, or accidentally getting fresh mud all over your light-coloured jeans. Be proactive and save your mood and outfit at the same time.
- Make a Rainy Day Playlist
This one is a MUST-do on a miserable day. Spend some time combing through your phone to craft the perfect playlist full of all your favourite songs. Not only is a kick-ass playlist going to help you make it through the day, but it’s also a perfect way to amp yourself up to get all the other things on this list done: after all, everything is better with a little music.
- Stay Positive
Often accompanying the sound of rain is the sound of all your classmates’ voices complaining about the weather. Too cold, too gross, too soggy. You can complain all you want but there is nothing you can do about it, so I suggest you change your perspective. Focus on the beauty of your environment when it rains, or how it is an excuse to wear your comfiest clothes – just stop whining.
- Exercise
Trust me I know… exercising is definitely not what I want to be doing when it rains either, but I can’t deny that it works. Exercising releases endorphins and endorphins make you feel really good. If the reward isn’t enough to get you motivated, grab a friend. Everybody knows that self-motivation is a hill to climb, but motivating your friend? Easiest thing in the world.
- Watch for the Signs
As easy as it can be to blame your mood and energy on the weather, take the time to recognize the signs of something bigger. While weather can affect your mood, if you feel low regularly, it may be time to investigate the signs and symptoms of depression. If you still aren’t feeling like yourself by the time the sun comes back out, know that there’s nothing wrong with asking for some help.
- Cherish the Feeling
No one wants to feel cold, tired, unproductive, or low, but when the sun peeks through the clouds, there is finally a break from the storm. It is easy to push down the feelings of how cold and tired you felt as soon as that sun makes an appearance. I say don’t. Remember how horrible you felt so that when the sun does come out, you can stand under it and cherish the feeling of the warmth. You will feel an immediate lift in your mood, I promise.
With these tips and tricks in mind, try to make the most of your rainy days. They may suck but hey, at least it hasn’t snowed yet.
Rylie Moscato is a first year English student and Wellness Columnist for The Athenaeum
