Feeling Blah in the Gloomy Weather (or just blah in general)? Here’s How to Support Yourself in Mind, Body & Soul.

Here in Massachusetts, the spring weather has felt a lot like the winning Powerball numbers… 30, 69, 45, 28, 65… but lately, it feels like it’s been mostly rainy and gloomy. 

When you haven’t seen sunshine in what feels like forever, it can really mess with your energy, your mood, and your motivation. I’ve heard so many people say they feel sluggish, down, snacky, more annoyed or just… meh.

If you’re nodding along, you’re in the right place – AND you are not alone.

Gloomy weather funks are real – but the good news is, there are gentle, nourishing ways to support yourself during them. Below are some of my favorite holistic tools to stay grounded, uplifted, and balanced – even when the sky outside is gray for days.

1. Let There Be (Fake) Light

It’s not just in your head – less sunlight can seriously mess with your circadian rhythm and mood. If you find yourself feeling low energy or just off, try a light therapy box in the morning for 15–30 minutes (10,000 lux is the gold standard). It mimics natural sunlight and helps reset your internal clock. I did some research and with a mid-range budget, I would recommend the Verilux HappyLight Luxe Light Therapy Lamp.

Also, open the blinds during the day, even if it’s cloudy. Natural light, even muted, still helps your body. And in the evening, try candlelight or string lights to create a cozy, grounding vibe. Your nervous system will thank you.

2. Move Your Body, Even Just a Little

I get it – when it’s rainy and gray, curling up in a blanket burrito sounds way more appealing than a workout. But even 5 –10 minutes of movement can help boost your mood and energy.

Try:

• A rainy-day yoga flow on your living room floor (My fav app: DownDog!)

• A dance break in the kitchen (Ace of Base, maybe!? 😂)

• A quick walk outside in your raincoat – the fresh air can feel like a reset

Movement clears out heavy energy and brings fresh oxygen to your brain. Start small. Your body doesn’t need perfection – it just wants to feel cared for.

3. Eat for Warmth, Mood, and Energy

This is the time to lean into grounding, warming foods that nourish and stabilize. Think:

• Roasted root veggies

• Soups and stews

• Herbal teas (ginger, cinnamon, or turmeric blends are lovely)

• Protein + healthy fats to balance blood sugar

Try not to rely too heavily on comfort carbs like crackers, toast, or pasta. They can feel cozy in the moment, but they often leave you feeling more sluggish or foggy later. Balance is key.

4. Support Your Mood with Key Nutrients

If the gloom stretches on for days (or weeks), it’s worth checking in on a few nutrients that deeply impact mood:

• Vitamin D – especially if you live in the Northeast like me, where sunlight gets scarce.

• Omega-3s – great for brain health and emotional balance.

• Magnesium – calming for the nervous system and can help with stress and sleep.

You can get these from whole foods, of course – but supplementation can be helpful, especially during long stretches of low light. (Just make sure you check in with your doctor before adding in any new supplements.)

5. Create Little Joy Rituals

It doesn’t have to be big. But something small each day that lifts your spirits can make a huge difference.

Examples:

• Lighting your favorite candle before making dinner

• Reading just one chapter of a feel-good book

• Putting on a cozy outfit that makes you feel human (I’m currently wearing my new favorite white sweatshirt for the 1st time – THIS is the special occasion: taking care of my happiness!)

• Playing an uplifting podcast while you cook dinner

Give yourself something to look forward to, even if it’s simple. It sends your brain the message: I’m worth showing up for.

6. Tend to Your Mindset (Gently)

Rainy weather often slows us down – and that’s not a bad thing. It can actually be an invitation to rest, reflect, and tune in.

Journaling, breathwork, or even a few moments of mindfulness can go a long way. Try asking:

• What do I need most right now?

• How can I bring myself comfort today?

And remember – this weather will pass. The mood will pass. Nothing stays stuck forever.

7. Stay Connected (Even If You Don’t Feel Like It)

The combo of gloomy weather and isolation can be heavy. Reach out to a friend, schedule a coffee catch-up, or even voice memo someone just to check in (IYKYK!). We’re wired for connection – even when we feel like hiding under the covers.

8. Make Peace with the Season

Sometimes the best thing we can do is stop resisting the weather and instead work with it.

What if these gray days were a nudge to slow down, rest more, or soften your schedule?

What if you could give yourself permission to move a little slower, sleep a little more, and be a little gentler?

That’s not laziness. That’s wisdom.

Bottom line?

You don’t have to power through gray days pretending everything’s fine.

And you don’t have to let them pull you under, either.

There’s a middle path – one where you check in, care for yourself, and move through the clouds with more softness and grace.

You’ve got this. And I’m cheering you on.