When Skies are Gray
So, the weather outside is depressing. You’re stuck with months of rain, snow, and cold. There’s nothing to do, nothing to look forward to, and no fun to be had. Obviously, you have no control over this and the only thing even remotely possible is for you to pick up your things and move to a warmer, sunnier place. But for the majority of people, that’s unrealistic. You feel stuck and, well, you are for the most part. But there is a solution. Let’s go through things you can do to improve your mood and productivity when the weather wants you to do otherwise.
While you're in the midst of a prolonged period of clouds, rain, snow, cold, or all of the above, embrace it! This is your chance to get things done around the house. This could mean you do chores such as cleaning the bathroom, vacuuming, or something else you’ve been putting off. It may mean you have to type out a few emails or knock out an essay for something. Whatever it is, make sure it’s productive. What will make you feel worse is if you sit around and do nothing all day. Finding tasks to complete indoors will give you much more energy and trigger the release of endorphins (the chemicals that make you feel good) inside your brain.
Exercise is another great way to improve your mood on these days. In a similar way to completing chores or checking something off your work “to-do” list, exercise satisfies our bodies and our brains. Being physically active will give you more energy, so even if you don’t feel like doing anything, try to hit a workout, either at a gym or in your home. Running, walking, push-ups, and lifting weights are just some of the many exercises you could be doing during the dreary days of the year.
But if you still find yourself looking for things to do afterwards, there is one more thing you could do - learn how to do something you’ve never done before. For example, last winter, I decided that something I could do was learn how to play the guitar. I’d always wanted to learn how, so I decided to work at it in my freetime when it was too cold to go outside. Find something you’d always wanted to do. You might be interested in learning how to speak Spanish, how to bake, how to knit, how to play piano, or something completely different. The possibilities are endless! Pick something that intrigues you, look up what it requires, get your supplies, look up a video or article introducing you to the activity, and go for it. Not only will this make you feel more accomplished and put you in a happier mood, but it will uncover skills you may not even have known that you had. Bettering yourself with a new activity is yet another great way to make the most of those days when skies are gray.
Challenges/Points:
You can make the most of your situation, no matter what it’s like outside.
Completing tasks, exercising, and/or learning a new skill are all great ways to combat prolonged periods of gloomy weather.
Try to implement at least one of these suggestions into your day during the winter, or any other time when there’s not much to do outside of your home.
Questions:
How does the weather affect your mood? Do you feel more bored or lazy when the sun isn’t out?
What are some things you already enjoy doing inside?
What is one hobby that you’d like to take up?
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