It’s raining, it’s pouring and your day is already boring. You’re trying to rack your brain for anything that can can brighten your day while stuck inside.

Finding indoor activities to entertain yourself isn’t always easy. You can play Jenga or binge-watch an entire season of your favorite show only to find yourself quickly bored.You want something different but have no idea what that could be.

One way to combat the dreary mood set by the gloomy skies is to embrace it. Senior Sarah Fox takes this in stride and says that “It’s really relaxing and calming when you get to pause.” This pause, can start by setting the mood in your house. Set the mood by lighting some candles or opening your blinds. While this may put some people to sleep, it may be the perfect way to relax and enjoy the weather without stepping outside! Senior Veronica Skikos says she likes to open the windows to let the fresh air in and even eats scones.

Based on how you’re feeling, try putting on some music. Don’t be afraid to play the soft, melodic songs that have a reputation for making you cry. It often feels good to play gentle songs when the skies are dark and gray. For those who get easily cold, cuddle up in a big blanket with your favorite hot drink to get warm all over like senior Claudia Garcia, who says she likes to put on sweatpants and get comfy on the sofa. Curl up on your bed with a book and try baking some banana bread or cooking s’mores to bring some warmth all over the house.

Rain leaves behind fresh air and water puddles that kids take advantage of an is readily welcomed as Phoenix becomes cooler after the summer heat. Senior Alyssa Largay shares the same sentiment and says she “likes the rain because it gets cloudy and the weather is different from the regular sunny days.” Even then, people complain that there becomes little to do once your stuck inside. Finding things to do, however, alone or by yourself while the rain is pouring outside is relaxing and different. “A different activity I do during the rain,” says senior Julia Neil, “is running outside because it cools you down. You run the risk of slipping but the rain can’t be that bad.” Others, like junior Hemeli Ramirez notices that “When it’s raining, people tend to be in a better mood” and can even be energized by it! So, use your imagination and embrace the day as time to recharge and reconnect with the people around you.