Some days are made for staying in, and rainy ones almost insist on it. When the sky turns grey and the sound of rain taps gently on the roof, I take it as permission to slow down, stay cozy, and lean into the quiet.

I used to feel like rainy days were meant to be waited out. Now I see them as a chance to do all the little things I don’t always make time for. They have a softness to them that makes everything feel more tender. Here’s a list of cottagecore-inspired ways I love to spend a rainy day, simple, comforting things that bring a little joy to being indoors.

A Few Favorite Rainy Day Things:

• Brew a warm cup of tea (I usually reach for something floral or earthy)
• Sit by the window with a blanket and a favorite book
• Bake something easy—banana bread, oat muffins, or a honey loaf
• Light a candle and let it flicker all morning
• Write a letter to someone I miss, or tuck a few thoughts into my journal
• Mend something by hand or do a bit of embroidery
• Blend my own tea using dried herbs (mint and lavender is always a favorite)
• Organize my recipe cards or handwrite a new one
• Gather a few stems from the garden and make a simple bouquet
• Take a short walk with boots and an umbrella—the smell of the earth after rain is like nothing else
• Put on soft music and slowly tidy up my space
• Watch a comfort movie (usually something Austen or BBC)
• Make a pot of soup and let it simmer while I putter around
• Try a small craft project—watercolors, sketching, or even flower pressing
• Sit with my pup and listen to the quiet
• End the day with a warm bath, candlelight, and tea before bed

Rainy days don’t have to feel gloomy. They can be soft and full of little joys if we let them. I’ve come to love these quiet hours, they remind me that rest is a part of the rhythm too.

If you have your own rainy day rituals, I’d love to hear them. What do you reach for when the weather turns?

With tea in hand and cozy socks on,
Autumn

P.S. If you’ve been enjoying this post, I think you’ll love my new book, The Cottagecore Project — it’s a gentle guide to slow living, creativity, and building a life that feels like home. You can take a look at it here.