6 Proven Ways to Feel Better on a Rainy Day

You cannot change the weather — based on all the mistakes meteorologists make, you can barely even predict it. But, if you are feeling poor on bad weather days, there are ways you can take charge of your own emotional health and combat the rainy day blues.

1. Get outside. Yes, even if it is raining, get an umbrella and take a walk. The lack of sunlight affects our mood, and it is even worse inside. Fresh air will give you a boost.
2. Exercise. Moving and increasing your heart rate will increase your endorphins. This is like medication for the dropping serotonin levels we experience on cloudy days.
3. Give into cravings in a healthy way. We crave carbs when the weather is bad. You don’t have to reach for the Snickers. Instead, opt for healthy carbs like sweet potatoes, apples, oranges or blueberries. At the very least, try something healthy before you dump more sugar in your latte.
4. Accomplish something. Have you been meaning to clean out a closet or go through your pantry for expired foods. Take advantage of a gloomy day to get things done and you will feel much better.
5. Stimulate your other senses. Turn on good music, give yourself an exfoliating scrub down with that product that’s been sitting under your sink or light a scented candle — the smell of lemon, lavender, jasmine, rosemary, cinnamon and peppermint is a mood enhancer.
6. Plan ahead. Know yourself. If you often feel achy, down or angry when the weather stinks, plan ahead. Is it going to rain tomorrow? Start prevention today by eating fresh, non-processed foods and drinking lots of water. Consider taking an anti-inflammatory in the morning before the headache kicks in. Make plans for the day that will keep you active and engaged.
7. Write down 10 things you are grateful for — gratitude is the antidote for the blues. You many want to include some nice things about the rain, e.g. we need it to survive, it makes us appreciate the sunny days, etc.

Too often, we lose a day to a bad weather lull. There are so many things we cannot avoid, we can, however, refuse to let them control our lives or our mood.

If you are wondering why you feel bad when it rains, click here.