Stranger Days #15: Rainy Days

Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes

Welcome to stranger days--my blog series exploring daily life, challenges in times of the COVID-19 pandemic, and just sharing insights or thoughts about how to make it through these days.  

A window pane with rain on it and beyond the window, a barren tree and gray house.These last few days have been harder than others. We've had a good share of rainy days of late and that's made being homebound a bit more tiresome. In principle, I'm a fan of cold and rainy days.  They can be delightful when you are staying home, to curl up in a blanket and just relax the day away with napping, reading, watching TV or movies, and the like. But much of my days are staring at computer screens doing work, in zoom calls (half of which probably don't have to happen), and staring at other screens for entertainment.

The abundance of rainy days leaves me feeling blah. I can still go out for some walks, but getting exercise is a bit more challenging.  Running is my exercise of choice and in the rain, it just hard to endure.  We have a stationary bike but it's a bit more mental effort to keep at it and much less return for cardio and calories. I'm doing weights and body exercises (which have been good and needed regardless), but being outside is a big part of my exercise and just enjoying life.  It also puts a metaphorical damper on things such as trying to participate in #Arlington6At6 or just even doing yard work. 

This isn't meant to be a whiny post but just acknowledging what I am missing right now. I think taking some time to recognize the different things that I long for and naming them is good practice, so long as I don't necessarily wallow in the loss.  That's part of why I do these posts, particularly for the more challenging aspects of this experience.  I can name, discuss it, acknowledge its impact, and then release it.  

It doesn't necessarily solve anything but it does give me peace with it.  And right now, I'll take that peace of mind until I can get back outside.  It does look like better days are coming in terms of weather so I'll keep my fingers crossed for that.  

How has the weather impacted what you are doing during all of this?

Take care. Be careful. Be care-filled.  Welcome to stranger days.

