In the UK we get our fair share of questionable weather conditions. When you’re confined to the barracks by a rainy day, time can virtually grind to a halt. So much of our lives revolve around being able to get out and about, if even just for a walk! So, we’ve gathered together our favourite rainy day activities to help pass the time. You’ll wonder why you ever needed to set foot outside in the first place!
At-home exercise
If your usual fitness regime revolves around running, walking, or playing outdoor team sports, then bad weather can really rain on your parade. Even when you’re stuck at home, though, you can still keep active and get a sweat on. Try a HIIT workout on Youtube from Fitness Blender or Joe Wicks, The Body Coach. Or, for something a little more zen, follow a yoga class by Yoga With Adriene or Boho Beautiful. You could even do both!
Odd jobs
Everyone has a stack of odd jobs they say they’ll do when they get round to it, and they’re left undone for a reason. They’re awkward, difficult or boring! Working through a list of odd jobs makes for a great set of rainy day activities. After all, if you’re going to be rained in, you may as well accomplish something. Hang those pictures! Deep clean that bathroom! Bag up those clothes for the charity shop! Not only will the time fly by, but you’ll be pretty chuffed with yourself for churning out a months’ old to-do list, too.
Pamper yourself
If there’s ever an excuse to indulge in a pampering session, it’s a miserable, rainy day. Crack out a face mask, turn your washing up bowl into a foot bath, throw on a soothing playlist and relax. If you don’t have a stash of pampering supplies to hand, take a look in your cupboards. You can often replicate products you’d spend a fortune on at the shops with a few cupboard staples, and get all the same benefits from the natural ingredients.
At-home film festival
We’ve already given you all the tips you need for the perfect at-home movie night. A rainy day is a great opportunity to put them into practice! Dig out some old favourites, snuggle up with some snacks, and get watching. If committing to two or more hours on the sofa isn’t up your street, then why not try a box set? You can access hundreds of complete series for free on BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub and All4. Catch up on something you missed, or binge in bite-size chunks on something you’ve been meaning to get into.
Baking bonanza
Rain or shine, there aren’t many things that beat a freshly baked batch of cakes, cookies or even bread. For a treat, we love making a big batch of chocolate chip cookies! If sweet treats aren’t your thing, you could have tons of fun baking by making pizzas! The great thing about pizza in particular is that you don’t need fancy or expensive ingredients to create something unbelievably tasty. All you need is flour – strong white bread flour is best – yeast, water, and a little bit of olive oil, plus your choice of toppings. Having a pizza party is also a great rainy day activity to keep kids entertained!
Stay connected
With so many of us leading hectic lives, it can be hard to keep in touch with all our friends and family. Make the most of a rainy day and catch up with everyone, even though you’re not face-to-face. Reply to the texts you haven’t gotten around to. Skype your faraway friends and family to say hello. Call the relatives you’ve been meaning to check in on. You could even make plans to see people once the weather improves – a perfect way to beat the rainy day blues and give yourself something to look forward to.
Check out 50 things to do with a no-spend weekend for more rainy day ideas!
