Nobody likes the doom and gloom

As someone who has lived in Missouri her whole life, you’d think I would have gotten used to the unpredictable weather, but it honestly still gets to me. Especially in the fall and winter months where seasonal depression hits hard, waking up to grey skies puts you in a gloomy mood.

These types of days make me feel unproductive and unmotivated. I’d prefer to stay in bed all day huddled underneath my blankets and watch movies until my brain rots. A lot of the time, our world feels like the doom and gloom. It’s sometimes challenging to find ways to add sunshine to your day when there is no sun outside, but there are some ways to try.

Here are a few ideas to help you defeat the day of gloom!

Turn on your Christmas lights or favorite lamp

Bringing in some warm light into your environment could help you feel more comfortable throughout the day. Even though it is artificial and not direct sunlight, you still get to be surrounded by light and not the grey that is outside the window. I have two different colored Christmas light strands hung up around my bedroom (I may or may not have an obsession with Xmas lights) and whenever I turn them on, I feel myself smiling and feeling better.

Something about the soft glow of the pretty lights relaxes and calms me. So, if you have some cute light strands that twinkle like little fairies or a lamp that has your favorite-colored shade or light bulb, turn them on and bask in the artificial glow that cancels out the grayness. There are also sunset lamp projectors that make your room look like a glowing sunset. These lamps are gorgeous to look at and they can make you feel calmer and relaxed.

Sunlight is essential to our health, so we have to make our own if there is no trace of it outside.

Do things that you enjoy

My favorite thing to do on rainy days is laying in bed and listen to music and vibe with the falling rain. I enjoy some rainy days, but they can become tiresome and boring. If you get bored or want some variety in your day, do something that you enjoy. Whether that be listening to music, exercising, or cleaning the house, do an activity that makes you feel happy. Getting your mind occupied on something else that you like is a good way to keep you distracted for a few hours.

I find joy in cleaning, baking, doing laundry, and reading a good book. So find a couple of activities and hobbies that are fun for you. Or if you want to try something new, discover a new hobby! There is an endless number of possibilities that you can do, so find what piques your interest and try it out. You never know unless you try and hey, you’re stuck inside so nobody will ever find out about the trials and errors you may have.

Sing and dance it out

A dance a day keeps the doctor away… or whatever that saying is. Music is a great mood booster, and it can set the tone for your entire day. That’s why music is so magical. Certain songs are motivating and can get you pumped up for the day ahead. If the weather outside is cloudy and dreary, start your day by turning on songs that have a happy vibe.

Listen to my Sunny Days playlist to help brighten up your day:

Blast some of these tunes on your speakers and allow for them to push away the grey thoughts from your mind. Immerse yourself in the positive energy from the music and dance around your house like no one’s watching. This would be a good time to practice your moonwalk or risky business underwear routine.

Gloomy days are not fun, but they can be if you make them fun. There are loads of hobbies and activities you can do to keep yourself entertained and feeling productive. Crank up some music and clean your house or rearrange your furniture. Close the blinds and turn on some soft glowing light. Sing as loud as you can and dance around your house with your socks and sunglasses.

Whatever it is that you do to spend the grey day, make sure it’s what makes you happy and feeling comfortable!

*Written in 2021*