8 ways to get through the rainy June blues

18^th June 2019  

I don't know about you but last time I checked, June was supposed to be nothing but glorious sunshine? Something's obviously really wound up the weatherman (or woman) because all I'm seeing outside our ingenie office windows is misery. OK bit extreme - rain. I'm seeing rain, but month's worth of the stuff.

If you're as weary as we are with the wet, windy weather we're receiving (try saying that after a few), we've thought of 8 ways to help you survive it.

So let's all stop crying about it (things are wet enough) and try to enjoy hibernation mode for a while.

Just a while though. Right? Weather gods? Hope you're listening. ☔️

 

1. Make a toasty meal

   Food of any kind is a guaranteed way to lift your spirits - and if it's warm, greasy and bad for you in large quantities you're probably onto a winner.

   • Cheese on toast, with lashings of Worcestershire sauce
   • A big bowl of soup with fresh, warm, crusty bread
   • Chips. Any kind, any shape, anywhere.

2. Treat yourself to that thing

   If ever self-love was more in need it's now. Being cooped up inside is not good for our minds and that can quickly lead us down the road of feeling crappy about everything.

   The chances are you've not been going out much (as every time you do, you get soaked), which means you've saved some money lately. Which means you're allowed to buy that thing you've had saved in your online basket - for a rainy day. That's now my friends.

   Just spare a thought for the postman (or woman!) delivering your soggy parcel.

3. Binge watch some TV

   Literally everyone has a must-watch list of films, series, box sets, Christmas DVDs from your Mum, that we're just too busy to commit to. And with the weather forecast looking pretty bleak for the time being, now is the perfect time to settle down and work your way through them.

   Stick the kettle on, grab a blanket and get your pjs on. It's show time.

4. Spend time with your pet

   Studies have shown that just a few minutes of stroking an animal can prompt the release of a number of happy hormones in humans, including serotonin and oxytocin. Petting your furry best friend can also lower blood pressure, help with feelings of depression and decrease stress levels.

   If you're fed up with not being able to get outside, chances are your pet is too - so cuddle up!

   Unless it's a goldfish. Probably best to leave Nemo be - he's OK with the wet.

5. Uplifting music

   When we feel low we tend to make matters worse by listening to the most melancholy tracks we can get our ears on. Not helpful.

   If there's one thing you do today, make yourself the ultimate rainy day playlist. Start with your top 15 feel-good songs and add to it every time you hear lyrics that makes you go "ahhhh, I love this song!".

   Banned from this playlist: Mad World - Gary Jules, Fix you - Coldplay, and Fields of Gold - Sting. You'll thank me later.

6. Exercise (inside!)

   When it's chucking it down outside it can feel impossible to find any motivation to move - let alone exercise. But dig deep, because just 30 minutes of exercise in your lounge/bedroom/garage wherever - will get you feeling back to your usual, sunny self.

   Check out YouTube's Yoga with Adriene and get your stretch on at home. There's loads of videos here for beginners or experts - all of which will help clear the fog from your head and get your happy endorphins kicking again.

7. A bath full of bubbles

   Just the thought of this makes me instantly switch off from the sound of torrential rain hammering down on the roof. Although - some people actually find listening to the rain relaxing too. Every cloud.

   Run yourself a hot bath, pour AT LEAST 4 litres of bubbles in (if you really do want to hide from the world) and enjoy some uninterrupted you time.

8. Chat to an old pal

   Losing touch with friends is the unfortunate symptom of having super busy lives. And we usually only notice when the WhatsApp group goes tumbleweed quiet.

   Take this spell of bad weather as a chance to reconnect with your buddies. Send that long text, start the Facebook chat up again or even (brace yourself) pick up the phone and have a conversation.

   You can bet your wellington boots that their plans will be on hold while the weather is ruining everyone's fun - so invite them over for a takeaway and have a cosy film night, reminisicing over the good times. You'll remember why they're your mates in no time.

Songs for a rainy day

As we've never been one to miss out on a good pun opportunity at ingenie, here's some classic tunes to listen to while you're standing under your umbrella.

We've got you covered.

• Purple rain - Prince
• It's raining men - The Weather Girls
• A hard rain's a-gonna fall - Bob Dylan
• Why does it always rain on me? - Travis
• Umbrella - RiRi
• Singing in the rain - Gene Kelly
• Here comes the rain again - Eurythmics
• Set fire to the rain - Adele