My Favorite Rainy Day Activity
It is when I feel the most energetic.
What do you enjoy doing on a rainy day? Sleep in? Get warm and cozy in a plush blanket? Bake sweet treats? Well, there is one outdoor activity I love doing if there is not thunder and lightning.
In case it's helpful, below are the main points covered in this post:
The Activity
During severe weather, I prefer to stay indoors where I am safe. I would sleep in, get warm and cozy in a plush blanket, and do some arts and crafts.
However, I typically feel energized on rainy days. If it is raining when I wake up, I cannot fight the urge to go for a long walk in the park.
My small dog, Rascal, prefers to stay indoors when it is rainy, stormy, and cold. Rascal will only walk in the rain when we are away from home, and he is wearing a raincoat. At home, he will only go outside to potty under my covered patio. I regularly wash it because of his dislike of wet weather.
My large dog, Lucy, does not mind rainy weather as long as the rain. Lucy will wear a raincoat when the rain is heavy, but she prefers to get wet. She loves playing in water but hates bath time for some bizarre reason.
I tend to walk slower, longer, and further on rainy days. Unless the park floods, which has happened in the past, I find the walks more peaceful than other days.
Why I Enjoy It
Rainy days usually (not always) mean cooler temperature. It takes longer for me to feel uncomfortably hot or start sweating when it is cooler, especially when it is windy. My raincoat is lightweight and does not cause me to overheat after a short walk.
I love the smell of rainy days. The earthy aroma relaxes me. It cleanses the environment which is much needed especially since a lot of college students do not pick up after their dogs at the park. Clean, refreshing, and relaxing, like a good shower after a long, busy day.
As someone with anxiety, I love that there are significantly fewer people wandering the park on rainy days. Because of its near emptiness, it feels more comfortable to me. I feel safe when Lucy, a German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois mix, is with walking me. She can get very protective of me.
I think because I feel happier during rainy walks, my dogs are happier, too. If Rascal joins a rainy walk because we are traveling or spending a day away from home, he is more likely to walk longer on rainy walks than regular walks. Lucy is more likely to stop and watch birds bathe in puddles.
When the Thunder Rolls
I will not walk when I hear thunder. After all, thunder is a clear, audible indicator of lightning nearby. However, sometimes thunder rolls and lightning strikes while I am walking at the park.
The local parks have lightning alert systems. A strobe light flashes and a horn blast when lightning is detected in the area. I am aware of the dangers of lightning strikes, so the dogs and I head home immediately. Fortunately, it is a short walk from the park to my house.
When the weather is really bad, my energy decreases. On these rare days, I tend to snuggle with my anxious dogs (we all have anxiety) on the couch with the TV on. Sometimes I will play a video for Lucy to watch while I draw, paint, or color a page in a coloring book.
What's Next?
Since there are a few more rainy days predicted for this week, I think I will take a few long, relaxing walks!
Comment below to share your favorite rainy day activity!
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Thanks, and have a great day!
~Simply Jelly Jam
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