Los Angeles — The West is weathering a very rainy and wintery spring. Personally, I really like rainy days. Rainy days are days too. They really deserve a better rap. I am an advocate for making them less grey and boring. Hence, I strive making a rainy day mellow, lively and beautiful.

There is so much optimism in me because if you know, you know that we don’t get much rain here. I see rain as a blessing especially when I think about the sweltering, dry days ahead.

Of course, there are a variety of rainy days. If it is simply a light shower, I don’t consider it rain. Although the news weather forecast is still trying to convince me that it is what precedes a storm by calling it a Storm Watch. That’s usually not the case. I’ll phrase it like in the movie, “Mean Girls”.

Stop trying to make “Storm Watch” happen. It’s not going to happen.

For me, a drizzle is more like fake rain because it dries up almost immediately within a few hours. The sun is still there behind the clouds. What I really enjoy is a thunderous downpour, but I don’t remember the last time California had one of those. It has been a long time.

In Los Angeles, CA we are all mandated to stay indoors. We can still exercise in the great outdoors, but we must follow those guidelines. Remember to keep your distance and stand 6-feet apart from other people. That’s pretty much the length of a door or sofa.

The absolute must-do’s for a rainy day

DO make tea

I love tea. I am drinking a loose-leaf Sencha tea as I write this. My favorite though, are herbal teas.

Sometimes, I do use loose-leaf tea, but for the days when I don’t feel like dealing with the mess, I opt for single-use packets of tea. One single-use packets tend to have enough strength for two cups depending on how you like your tea steeped.

There is a plethora of tea available. I recommend peppermint tea or rose tea. I also recommend switching your morning cup of coffee for some quality green tea every once in a while. It’s the same effect, but with a lot more health benefits.

DO eat a warm breakfast

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. I really enjoy eating a warm breakfast when it is chilly outside. Scrumptious oatmeal is my go-to almost every morning. I have created the perfect oatmeal recipe that you absolutely must try. To go to the recipe, Click Here. It is super healthy and filling.

DO go for a walk

I love how fresh the morning air is when it rains.

Rain helps clear out the dense fog and improves air quality all around. I highly suggest to take a walk in the daylight hours. It is so mellow and calming to walk in the rain. I bring my huge umbrella, put on my rain boots and don comfy clothes I feel ultra cozy in. It is the ultimate rainy-day trifecta.

As I meander, I make sure to take in all the beauty in nature and sound.

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Rain grows colorful flowers and soothes the soul. I really appreciate blue sky, but those gorgeous, vibrant green trees stand out tenfold against the gray sky.

Furthermore, I also enjoy the silence that a rainy day brings. The quiet lets me catch the beautiful notes of birds chirping. I also like the sound of rain pattering against my umbrella. To walk under and feel the trickle of rain become rainfall, tied in with a beautiful backdrop, is perfection.

I also like going on hiking adventures in the rain or snow. I am out there no matter the weather, read all about my Escape to Mount Joy, click here if you haven’t read it.

DO watch a movie

I watch my fair share of movies. When I do, I make sure to have enough time to start the movie and get to the ending. I really don’t like hitting pause in the middle of the movie unless it’s for grabbing some snacks.

I recommend watching something you’ve been meaning to get to. Also, a rainy day is perfect for re-visiting classics.

My suggestion is “The Man in The Moon”. I saw it for the first time and I give it a 5-teardrops rating out of 5-teardrops. I use the Teardrop rating system because our theme here is rain.

“The Man in The Moon” is a sweet coming-of-age movie, but a heartbreaking romance-drama at its core. The sisterhood of characters Dani and Maureen, played by Reese Witherspoon and Emily Warfield respectively, is tested and thwarted when a new family moves into the property next door. Hence, be sure to have that handkerchief handy for your misty eyes.

DO bake some sweets

Bake something delicious. The oven will not only bake the cake, but it will also warm up your home. It’s a win-win situation.

On a whim, I decided to make chocolate cookies. The scent of homemade cookies warmly sitting in the oven is everything. Take the time to treat yourself to something tasty.

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The last drop

Rainy days have a bad reputation. They can be an excuse to retreat to a day of lethargy. Rainy days can prompt people to fall into a sad mood. When people check the forecast and see a rainy day ahead, most of the time people start huffing and puffing days before its arrival (which is not even guaranteed).

It’s time to make all of our days count, no matter the weather.

It’s time to make memories even in the rain. Put on your most comfy gear and have fun indoors, but also relish a downpour outdoors. If you have an umbrella or raincoat, definitely no excuses.

How do you enjoy rainy days? Do you go hiking outdoors? Tell me all about it! I’m always looking for cool things to do on a rainy day.

Stay happy and active even when it rains.