Fall has begun, and with it comes shorter days, crisp air, and, of course more rainy days. While the rain often means staying indoors, that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. In fact, rainy days can be the perfect excuse to slow down, relax, and create little moments of joy. With the right mindset, you can turn gloomy weather into something to look forward to.
Why Romanticizing the Rain Helps Your Mood
Romanticizing life is all about shifting your perspective—seeing beauty in the simple, everyday moments. Instead of focusing on the inconvenience of rain, you choose to see it as an opportunity for rest, creativity, and self-care.
Here’s why this little mindset shift works:
- Improves your mood – Viewing rain as cozy rather than dreary helps you feel calmer and more content. It’s all about perspective. Sure, you can think it’s terrible that it’s raining all the time, but you can also see it as an opportunity to slow down, watch a movie or show, and maybe read more books. Every season has its pros and cons — you just have to make the most of it.
- Supports mental health – Fall is the perfect season to slow down and take care of your body and mind. Listen to what you need. Build slower routines and habits to ease anxiety, and do more inner work like breathing exercises and meditation.
- Adds everyday magic – Romanticizing makes even ordinary moments feel special, giving you something to look forward to. Yes, you may be staying inside more during fall, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t endless ways to make your days feel magical. Plan a cozy reading night with a good book, blankets, and snacks; cook your favorite meals or try a new recipe; light a candle for extra coziness; or invite your friends over for a cozy girls’ movie night.
How to Romanticize Your Rainy Days
Here are some simple yet dreamy ways to turn a rainy day into your favorite kind of day:
1. Create a Cozy Atmosphere
Set the scene for comfort: light your favorite fall-scented candle — think pumpkin spice, vanilla, or warm cinnamon — and pull out your softest blankets. Dim the lights and let the sound of rain on the windows set the mood. Add some cozy music; I’d recommend a Taylor Swift album like Folklore, Evermore, Midnights, or The Tortured Poets Department. Billie Eilish also has plenty of perfect rainy-day songs.”
2. Read a Good Book
There’s something magical about reading while it rains. Pick a cozy romance, a thrilling mystery, or that book that’s been sitting on your TBR for months. Pair it with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for the perfect rainy-day escape. Reading and rain are the ultimate combination for relaxation. I’m not kidding when I say all my anxiety disappears when I’m curled up on the couch with a good book on a rainy day.
3. Watch Comfort Shows or Movies
Rainy days practically beg for a Gilmore Girls marathon, a cozy Harry Potter rewatch, or your favorite rom-coms. Make it extra special with a movie-night setup — snacks, blankets, and maybe even fairy lights. Invite your friends, make pizza or snacks together, then curl up on the couch for a cozy girls’ night. Don’t forget to dim the lights for that perfect vibe.
4. Bake Something Warm and Sweet
Nothing says cozy like the smell of something baking in the oven. Try chocolate chip cookies, pumpkin bread, or cinnamon rolls. Not only will your home smell amazing, but you’ll also have a delicious treat to enjoy while listening to the rain. And the best part? You have to eat what you just baked (such a tragedy, right?).
5. Listen to Rainy Day Playlists
Create a playlist of soft acoustic songs or lo-fi beats to match the mood. Think coffee-shop vibes or a mix of jazz and indie for ultimate coziness. Like I mentioned before, Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish have some great moody tracks, but you can also find plenty of playlists on Spotify that fit your vibe. You might even discover some new artists you’ll love.
6. Write, Journal, or Plan
Use the quiet time to write in your journal, brainstorm creative ideas, or plan your week. The sound of rain can be surprisingly inspiring and calming for creativity. Turn off your phone and grab a physical journal. Writing down your thoughts is a great way to clear your mind when you’re struggling mentally. It can help you see things more clearly or maybe you have an idea for a story or book that you want to put on paper.
7. Enjoy a Warm Drink
A rainy day calls for warm drinks, try a pumpkin spice latte, a creamy chai, or homemade caramel hot chocolate. Make it an aesthetic moment with your prettiest mug and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. Sit down, be mindful, and really savor your drink. It may seem small, but it can help you feel more relaxed.
8. Pamper Yourself
Run a warm bath with bubbles, essential oils, or bath salts, and light some candles around the tub. Or have a self-care night with a face mask, cozy PJs, and your favorite skincare routine. Paint your nails, use a gua sha tool for a face massage, and if your skin feels dry, apply body lotion or body butter. I always enjoy these kinds of moments. I feel so much better when I take care of myself.
9. Get Creative
Rainy days are perfect for exploring creative hobbies like painting, scrapbooking, knitting, or trying a new recipe. Creativity paired with the soothing sound of rain can be surprisingly therapeutic. You could also keep a journal about the books you read. I can also remember when I went on vacation, my family would always make a sort of diary with photos, movie tickets, and other mementos to remember the trip.
10. Simply Sit and Listen
Sometimes the best way to enjoy a rainy day is to do nothing at all. Open the window just a little, listen to the rain, sip your drink, and simply be. There’s something so relaxing about the sound of rain and it feels like all your problems are washing away.
Final Thoughts
Rainy days don’t have to feel dull or depressing. By adding a little intention and creativity, they can become a source of comfort and joy. This fall, instead of wishing for sunny skies, grab your blanket, your favorite book, and your coziest playlist—and start romanticizing the rain.
Photo by Keenan Barber on Unsplash