WHY I’VE LOVED THE RECENT RAINY WEATHER

For the past few weeks, Berkeley has been overrun by rain. While the gross weather can feel like a Debbie Downer, I’ve found that the rain isn’t only aesthetically pleasing, but also the perfect opportunity to relax and reset. 

Since the rain started, walking through campus has given me a newfound appreciation for Berkeley’s nature; from the beautiful redwoods to the luscious palm trees, rain has a way of highlighting them as particularly stunning. Whenever I go outside, I find myself admiring how the rain transforms the routes I walk every day into lovely landscapes (and also wishing I owned an umbrella). 

I also believe, rain can in some ways be cathartic; it washes away the old and promises bright, sunny weather in the future. Because of this, I’ve been treating the recent weather as an opportunity to unwind and accomplish everything I’ve been procrastinating. I cleaned my room, bought a heated blanket, and spent extra time taking care of myself. I’ve found that staying indoors forces you to look at yourself and your routine, revealing areas of your life you’ve been recently neglecting. During this time, I realized I needed to do three loads of laundry and my fridge desperately required a deep-cleaning. 

Rain also gives me an excuse to order takeout even though the restaurant is a mere block away, and rot in bed while watching movies and TV shows that have been on my watchlist (The Substance and Love Island UK). Additionally, being secluded in my dorm gives me the chance to spend more time with my friends. While this may sound unproductive, I’d argue that it’s actually a vital part of the rainy season routine and will leave you feeling at peace, ready to begin anew when the sun returns. 

I understand gloomy weather is a commonly dreaded occurrence. However, I urge you to consider it from a different perspective; rain is an exciting change from the monotony of Berkeley weather and lets you relax from the busyness of everyday life. By shifting your outlook, you can get rid of the rainy-day blues and make the most of this time. Don’t get me wrong, sunny weather is great, but rain brings about the possibility of a deeper appreciation for our campus and the smaller things in life that bring comfort and happiness.   

• cold weather
• Experiences
• life
• mental health
• perspective
• rainy day activities
• UC Berkeley
• wellness