The outdoors is generally where we retreat to when looking for a therapeutic release from our hectic days. It feels healing to soak up the sunshine and submerge ourselves in nature’s beauty, so getting outside is usually the first solution we think of when our thoughts begin to spiral. But when the weather takes a turn, staying indoors can offer similar perks. And while “rainy day” activities are often seen as ways to keep kids from going stir-crazy, we grown-ups aren’t immune to restlessness and can benefit from an outlet, too.
Many of our biggest stressors stem from overwhelm—the feeling that we’re in over our heads with responsibilities both personal and professional. That’s what makes these simple indoor activities so effective. No matter which you choose, each provides a meditative opportunity to shift our multitasking “monkey minds” to mindful, more present awareness.
Below, my favorite therapeutic indoor activities to banish the indoor blues:
painting, coloring, or crafting
Embarking on a seasonal craft or even breaking out that adult coloring book you got for Christmas last year can be surprisingly relaxing—and engaging. The activity draws your attention to filling the page with bold colors and designs, improving your focus while helping your brain unravel from the day. Having something that requires your complete attention (no hands free for mindless Instagram scrolling) removes you from the overstimulating outside world, stripping you of the day’s stressors in the meantime.
Even something as old-school as knitting provides a distraction from negative thoughts that may have surfaced. Not to mention, it’s an indoor activity you can conquer alone on your couch or in a group setting. If you’re not a pro, focus on simple stitches and one-color projects, so your meditative hobby doesn’t become a chore.
zero in on one home organization or decorating project
Tidying up may not be the most exciting of indoor activities to try, but it can also be the ultimate introvert retreat: choosing just one area of your home to revamp gives you a project to complete (key for reducing anxiety) without the overwhelm of housekeeping. Begin by organizing the space, then give it a good scrub so you have a blank slate. Afterward, get creative by reimagining this one corner of your home—rearrange décor, make seasonal swaps, and reinvigorate your love of being at home. Some ideas:
- Clean out your bathroom and refresh it with cute décor that you’d normally use in your more inspiring spaces (such as your living room). Challenge yourself to find ways to transform it from a just spot to clean yourself into a spot to pamper yourself.
- Redecorate your mantel. Take everything off, give it a good wipe down (or maybe a fresh coat of paint?), and use décor you already have to create a new color palette and vibe to inspire those nights curling up on the couch. Same goes for your coffee table—it’s so easy to forget about these little everyday spaces. Don’t forget to grab a candle in a new scent next time you’re out!
- Just need a few minutes to blow off steam (productively)? See if simply washing the dishes does the trick. The act of putting on rubber gloves and scrubbing the surface of greasy dishware is meditative and a way to release anger and unsettling thoughts. Your indoor activities don’t need to be flashy or time consuming to help you de-stress.
self care beauty treatments
Self-care identifies in many ways, from taking time to be alone to flexing your social skills with a friend over coffee. But beauty treatments are probably one of the top forms of self-care that people think of when hearing the term. Some regimens that fall within the category of beauty care are: facials, massages, manicures, pedicures, waxing, tanning—the list goes on depending on what piques your interest. Getting pampered not only feels relaxing (like, really relaxing), but they enable you to do something just for yourself, boosting your self-esteem in the process, and they don’t all need to be expensive or done at a salon.
visit a library
Yep, libraries still exist. Although we order books through our Kindles nowadays, there is still something special about combing your fingers through the pages of a hardcover book. And the library is one of the most serene places to do it. Think about it: it’s one of the only places you can go that guarantees silence, allowing you to skim through the millions of stories lining the shelves. Even if you’re not a big reader, just wandering within the walls of a library feels calming as others are there in search of the same quiet you’re craving.
work on a beautiful puzzle
Everyone’s interest in puzzles reemerged during the pandemic, but trendy as they are, they can be surprisingly effective tools for mindfulness. Choose a puzzle that’s visually appealing to you—such as a landscape that evokes a sense of calm or a macro shot of flowers that all but smell of spring—as well as an appropriate challenge. This is another activity that allows you to unwind while working toward a low stakes goal, and it’s an excellent way to find peace (rather than melancholy or boredom) on slow, dark days, whether you’re alone or with company.
Are there any calming indoor activities that you are looking forward to doing this fall/winter season?
