Seven reasons why rainy days in lockdown can be a good thing

The weather has the power to change our mood – from joy-inducing sunshine, to the thrill of opening the curtains to snow on a winter’s day.

That is not so much the case with rain, which can turn our plans upside down, and leave us housebound when we wanted to be outdoors. This is especially true during lockdown, when time outside is so very precious.

Suddenly garden time, walks to the park and bike rides are replaced with ‘rainy day games’, sulks and frowns.

However, the rain can be a blessing. Here are just a few reasons why…

1. The rain’s good for the garden

Oh yes, you’ve been enjoying the garden so much lately – but you can’t have missed the fact the lawn had begun to look parched, and those sweet pea seedlings you planted are proving a little lacklustre.

A good day of rain is just what it all needs – think of it as the garden getting a huge drink. You can watch the water butt filling up, ready for your next sunny gardening day – which will come. And for now, your hands can stay compost-free. Treat them to some hand cream while you can.

2. It means you have to do those jobs you’ve been putting off

Rainy days are a good time to get those niggly chores done. You know, the ones you’ll be glad you did once you’ve ticked them off.

Things like, sorting out the baking tin cupboard – a mess thanks to weeks of banana bread and sourdough creations.

Sorting out untidy bedroom drawers, or even organising all the craft items you’ve been buying and using lately, can give you a real feeling of satisfaction.

3. It’s a chance for cosy time

The sun is all very well, but you’ve got a bit of sunburn on your arms from all that gardening. Now you can pull on a comfy jumper and a pair of favourite socks and hunker down for the day, guilt-free.

If you’re not able to work right now, why not make a hot chocolate and put a movie on or cosy up with a book? Sit by the window and listen to the rain outside, knowing you’re safe and warm indoors.

4. It’s the ideal opportunity for comfort food

Rain and comfort food are perfect bedfellows – and it doesn’t have to be unhealthy. Think jacket potatoes, or a hearty, roast vegetable soup.

5. It’s nature enforcing lockdown

With news reports of police having to break up parties and barbecues at tourist hotspots, some wet weather feels like nature saying, ‘Please stay indoors, it’s for the best’.

6. Rain can be mindful

Yes, you read that right. From the splash of the droplets on the window or a leaf, to the sound of it hitting the ground and cars splashing through puddles. If you have time to stop and look or listen, you might just find the sound of the rain quite soothing.

Going for a walk or run in the rain is especially mindful – the cooler air and refreshing water will help you feel energised and better prepared for another night in. Hey, you could add a post-walk bath into the schedule, for bonus cosiness.

7. You might just see a rainbow

We’ve been drawing them to stick in our windows, but rain means there’s a chance of seeing a real rainbow, and we could all do with that right now.

Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto