I’m not going to lie, the past week at Bates has been anything but sunshine and rainbows. The weather has been super gloomy, and after talking with friends in Commons, we all admitted to feeling a little down because of the miserable weather. Because the rainy days make it hard to stay motivated and happy, I started to think of a bunch of solutions to stay positive when the sun decides to go on vacation. Plus, winter weather is right around the corner, so we might as well get used to this (sorry for the reality check). Although these may not be foolproof solutions for combating poor weather days, these tips will still send good vibes your way.
1. Watch a favorite show
This is the most classic rainy day activity, and honestly, watching a movie (or an entire series in one day) might be one of the best activities on this to-do list. The weather might be gross outside, but in your movie/Netflix show world, you’d never know. This is a perfect excuse to curl up in your dorm room, watch the show you’ve been dreaming about while taking notes in class, and even take a nap too.
2. Look at old pictures
I absolutely love getting lost in my past albums of pictures and videos on my laptop when it’s too rainy to step outside. Sometimes, you just need to look back at your eighth-grade self dancing around to Bieber in your unfinished living room so that you stay humble (this memory is far too real). Also, some of your pictures may even remind you of warmer places and memories, which provides a great escape from the sudden cold front you’re facing at college.
3. Go find a puppy on campus
This tip is essential, but also self-explanatory. Puppies bring abundant joy.
4. Watch surf video compilations/ follow famous surfers on Instagram
Similar to looking back at happy memories in your photo albums, watching some Billabong videos may also cheer you up. The background music in a surfing video is usually a tune you’d listen to on the beach, the camera shots of bright blue waves are dreamlike, and you’ll start feeling like you’re actually there. Plus, who wouldn’t want to dream about being a professional surfer traveling to the most pristine beaches on this earth? Looking at a surfer’s Instagram account might also leave you feeling ~stoked~ to make a smoothie bowl or even try out that tanning lotion you bought last winter!
5. Get creative/journal
For some reason, rainy weather inspires me to whip out my journal and write. Maybe it’s because I’ve seen too many rom-coms where the main character is stuck inside due to gloomy weather, looking chic but lazy, and journaling in a super cute notebook. Or, the reason I feel like writing is because I feel guilty about the half-filled journal I spent too much on at Anthropology when I was in tenth grade. Either way, writing on a rainy day gives me a necessary mental boost!
6. Listen to some happy songs
Some go-tos are any songs by Shakira, Tom Petty, or that song “Solsbury Hill” by Peter Gabriel.
Bonus tip: If you’re lucky, there will be a peek of sunshine somewhere in your week of rain. If the sun does come out, even for a little bit, enlist some friends to go and look for a rainbow! Yes, this may sound cheesy, but a little adventure can completely transform your attitude towards the dreary day. Pro tip: to ensure you see a rainbow, make sure it’s raining AND the sun is behind you (shout out to my Psychology course for teaching me this important fact)!
Wishing you all sunny days in November!