10 Things You Can Do When It’s Raining

So it's not the nicest of the weather elements but the rain surely has to be useful in some shape or form, doesn't it?

Rebecca McKnight

The rain is drumming up against the window of the Her.ie offices making us wonder if there actually is anything that the rain is good for aside from plants.

After a few moments deep in thought, we discover it’s actually handy for quite a few things, such as…

Taking a trip down memory lane – When it’s raining, most people stay indoors but rather than doing the same old thing, why not whip out the old family photograph albums and share stories about the good old days? With the rain beating down, you and your loved ones will feel extra cosy inside on the sofa.
Having a duvet day/evening – Depending on work commitments and other things, rain is the perfect excuse to either stay in, or get changed into, your pyjamas and lie in bed. Alternatively you could take your duvet down to the sofa and set up camp in the living room. In fact, that way, you’re closer to the kettle!
Cleaning the house – As painful as it is to say, bad weather is a great excuse to get ahead on the housework. Better doing it on a rainy day than a sunny, or at least a dry, one. Just make sure you put all of the hands that are sheltering from the storm outside to good use. Don’t do it all yourself.
Being a big child again – It’s raining, it’s pouring… it’s time to bring out the board games! Seeing as you have nowhere to go, have a game of Monopoly or Cluedo. In fact, have a game of both. Board games are great fun especially when it’s raining outside, whatever age you are.
Making hot chocolate – Rain and a cup of hot chocolate go together like salt and pepper. Even the lightest of showers requires something tasty and hot to warm up your insides. If your sweet tooth is being extra naughty, whack on a bit of cream and some marshmallows too!
Reading a book – At times in life, it can be easy to forget about the simple pleasures such as reading. But when it rains, it limits how much you can do and where you go. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact you should take advantage of it and sit down with a good novel.
Catching up with friends and family– Whether it’s over the telephone, via email or in person, use the bad weather to catch up with those that mean the most to you. It’s not like you’re going to be doing anything else anyway. Besides, you could probably do with a good chinwag about all this bad weather.
Having a DVD night – Rainy weather is the perfect weather for watching films or television. So get out some of your favourite flicks or box sets and sit down with a bowl of popcorn for a night of almost unlimited entertainment. If you’re feeling particularly brave, stick on a scary one. The rain always creates a good atmosphere.
Getting to sleep – Have you ever noticed that the sound of rain on the roof can be quite soothing? Well tonight is your night to! Sit back, close your eyes and just listen to the rain dropping down. Just make sure you’ve brushed your teeth as you might fall asleep until your alarm goes off the next morning.
Bracing the elements – If you feel like doing something a little different, you could always throw on a pair of wellies and a raincoat, and go out for a brisk walk in the rain. That way it’ll make that nice warm bath of yours even sweeter when you get back. Then again, you could skip the walk and head straight for the tub.