Things to Do on a Rainy LA Day
By Ann Nguyen ‘22
“It’s Los Angeles. It won’t rain in Los Angeles!”
…And now it’s raining.
So, aside from giving in and buying an umbrella, are you at a loss on what to do? Well, as the band TOTO tells us, “take some time to do the things you never had.”
Here are a few lovely activity options based on what you need most! *
For the Busy Person/Procrastinator:
It’s a little obvious, but… get work done!!
It’s wet and cold (and probably a bit sticky) out there, so find yourself a nice little study hole or café table and check some items off your to-do list.
The rain creates a calm study atmosphere— perfect for those of you who can’t work without some noise but can’t get anything done because you feel the urge to sing along to every song. Who needs “peaceful meditation” playlists on Spotify when you can hear the soothing sound of actual rain droplets right outside your window?
For the Wild/Energetic:
If the idea of being trapped inside for an entire day makes you go crazy, don’t be trapped.
But don’t just stand out there: really experience the rain. There’s nothing like the feeling of running through the rain to get out all your pent-up stress, anxiety, or emotions. Taking a bike ride through campus as the rain streams down is especially exhilarating, and my personal favorite thing to do is dance like nobody’s watching because they aren't— they’re all inside, not taking the opportunity to feel the rain on their skin.
For the Artistic/Creative Soul:
There’s a reason why there are so many songs about rain or involving rain in existence: it’s so inspiring!
Rainy days present the opportunity to chill out and create something beautiful.
Dedicate the entire day to sketching something, or set goals to get a new painting completed. Write that story you have been meaning to tell or compose that song you have been thinking about. If you’re okay with your precious camera getting slightly wet, maybe have a mini photoshoot in the rain or in between showers. Just imagine the aesthetic: glistening pavement, water droplets clinging to every surface.
For the BURNT OUT:
NAPTIME!!!
You have been working way too hard, so take a break. Don’t fight the waves of sluggishness. There’s actually a scientific reason behind the extra tiredness you feel when it rains: because you’re exposed to less sunlight, your pineal gland produces more melatonin, making you feel more sleepy. Since you’re already tired from your normal day-to-day activity, just take the slow, rainy day to catch up on much needed rest and relaxation.
For the Blue:
Rainy weather has you feeling down? There’s a scientific explanation for your malaise and melancholy too.
Just like how your body creates more melatonin in the absence of sunlight, it also makes less serotonin, a.k.a. the happy chemical.
That’s okay though. It might not make things feel 100% better, but get some friends together to hang out in your room. Choose something fun to watch on Netflix or Hulu, and get a self care session started. Do face masks, order in good comfort food (or cook your own), and just let your worries slip away.
*Note: If you have classes on a rainy day, attending them is what you should do. Get some rain boots so your feet don’t get soaking wet, wear a raincoat, maybe carry an umbrella, and make a seat cover for your bike if you plan on using it to go to and from class. You’ve got this!
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