Things to Do on a Rainy Day When You’re Stuck Inside

When the weather turns gloomy and you’re stuck indoors, it’s easy to feel bored or restless. But a rainy day doesn’t have to drag. You can turn it into a chance to rest, create, laugh, or even check something off your list. Whether you’re in the mood for comfort, fun, or productivity, here are plenty of ideas to fill your day.

Get Cozy and Unwind

• Watch a comfort movie or binge a feel-good series.
• Read a book you’ve been meaning to start—or finish.
• Light a candle, wrap up in a blanket, and do nothing guilt-free.
• Take a midday nap and listen to the rain while you drift off.
• Make yourself a warm drink like tea, cocoa, or a fancy latte.
• Listen to a calming podcast while lying in bed or on the couch.
• Put on fuzzy socks and relax in your favorite chair.
• Write in a gratitude journal while watching the rain fall outside.
• Diffuse essential oils and let your space feel spa-like.
• Rewatch an old favorite movie you haven’t seen in years.

Try a Creative Project

• Start a journal or fill in a few pages if you already have one.
• Sketch, paint, collage, or try a new DIY craft idea.
• Write a short story, poem, or a letter to someone you miss.
• Make a playlist to match the rainy mood—or lift you out of it.
• Try your hand at photography with moody indoor lighting.
• Learn a new drawing or lettering technique from a YouTube tutorial.
• Start a scrapbook or photo book from a recent trip or event.
• Repurpose old clothes with fabric paint, patches, or embroidery.
• Decorate the cover of a notebook, planner, or folder.
• Create a vision board with clippings from magazines or printed photos.

Do Something Productive (But Low-Stress)

• Clean one small area—like a junk drawer, your nightstand, or the fridge.
• Plan out your week or month with a digital or paper calendar.
• Update your resume, portfolio, or LinkedIn profile.
• Organize your phone’s photos or delete unused apps.
• Catch up on emails or texts you’ve been meaning to respond to.
• Refold clothes in a drawer that’s gotten messy.
• Sort old receipts, bills, or notes piling up in a catch-all basket.
• Back up your devices or clear out old files.
• Clean your makeup brushes or wipe down high-touch surfaces.
• Make a list of goals or bucket list ideas for the rest of the year.

Move Your Body (Without Leaving the House)

• Try a gentle yoga session or stretch while listening to soft music.
• Dance to your favorite songs like nobody’s watching—because nobody is.
• Follow a guided workout video that fits your mood and energy level.
• Practice a few minutes of meditation or breathing exercises.
• Do a mini spa day with a bath, face mask, or DIY foot soak.
• Use a foam roller or massage tool to ease tight muscles.
• Try a short Pilates session or low-impact strength workout.
• Play with your pet or do a short indoor obstacle course.
• Do a posture check and stretch your neck, back, and shoulders.
• March in place or walk laps around the house during phone calls.

Cook or Bake Something New

• Try baking cookies, bread, or a one-bowl cake from scratch.
• Make a comfort meal—like soup, pasta, or something slow-cooked.
• Use up pantry or fridge items with a “no-recipe” recipe challenge.
• Prep meals or snacks for the next few days.
• Create your own hot chocolate bar or tea tasting tray.
• Experiment with a recipe you’ve saved but never tried.
• Make breakfast-for-dinner with pancakes, eggs, or waffles.
• Whip up homemade popcorn and season it with something new.
• Make your own salad dressing, spice blend, or smoothie combo.
• Host an indoor picnic with finger foods and a cozy setup.

Connect with People You Care About

• Call a friend just to talk—even if it’s been a while.
• Send a voice note, text, or funny meme to brighten someone’s day.
• Write a thank-you or thinking-of-you card and actually mail it.
• Play an online game or do a video call with friends or family.
• Make a shared playlist or book list to trade with someone close to you.
• Send a “remember this?” photo and spark a nostalgic chat.
• Comment meaningfully on someone’s recent post instead of scrolling past.
• Reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in months.
• Start a group message or email thread with a fun question of the day.
• Plan a future get-together and start a countdown.

Do Something Just for Fun

• Build a blanket fort—yes, even as an adult.
• Try a puzzle, board game, or card game solo or with whoever’s around.
• Browse thrift apps or online stores for something fun (or weird).
• Watch a documentary about a topic you know nothing about.
• Revisit childhood hobbies—coloring books, LEGO, origami, or even paper dolls.
• Make a quiz or trivia game for yourself or friends.
• Do a “Would You Rather” challenge with someone you live with.
• Watch bloopers, cat videos, or funny clips online to laugh out loud.
• Try digital escape rooms or interactive storytelling games.
• Create a silly sock puppet or paper puppet theater for fun.

Let Yourself Slow Down

• Listen to the rain and let your mind wander without a goal.
• Write down your thoughts, feelings, or goals with no pressure to solve anything.
• Unplug from your phone or social media for a few hours.
• Reflect on what’s been good lately, even if it’s small.
• Let the day unfold without needing to be productive at all.
• Do nothing but stare out the window for a while—and let that be enough.
• Rewatch a slow-paced movie or show you usually skip for being “too quiet.”
• Sit with your pet, a blanket, and a hot drink and just be still.
• Write a list of things you’re grateful for—even if it’s messy or short.
• Notice how the rain sounds, looks, and feels—it changes every time.

Rainy days don’t have to feel wasted. They’re an invitation to change the pace, do something quiet, or explore something you usually skip. Sometimes the best thing you can do is nothing at all—and that’s okay too.