Sitting by the window with a cup of steaming hot masala chai, watching raindrops make the greenery around us greener, is our favourite thing to do in the monsoon. 

It’s a much-loved season for many reasons. 

Playful and joyous, rains not only offer a much needed respite from the heat, they also bring with them an undeniable urge to go out and enjoy ourselves. “Lighten up!”, they say. 

Getting soaked in the rain, eating hot snacks and drinking tea or coffee (we like both) are the usual ways to relish this season. But, we have something else planned for you. 

A few unusual ways to rejuvenate yourselves this monsoon. Let’s begin! 

Impromptu Rain Dance Party 

All you need for this one is your favourite playlist and a good quality speaker. And yes, you can’t do this in the office, unless your office has really cool people who think of this activity as an exercise in team building. No? We thought so. 

Find a place where you can play your music really loud, now put on your favourite playlist and boogie in the rain! 

If you can’t find a suitable spot in your house then you can go to the terrace of your building, even better if can get a friend/partner/fun family member to join in. 

The most delightful part of this impromptu party is that you never know when it might start pouring. So, just be prepared with your music and the will to try something different this year. 

The fresh water and exercise will not only help you release stress they will also make your brain chemicals happy! 

Mood Booster Tea/Coffee Accompaniment 

This recipe is the king of happy hormone food. 

You know why? Because each and every ingredient we picked is a mood lifter! It’s all backed by science, you see. 

Plus, it’s super easy to make. All you need for this one is a hot buttered toast (multigrain is the way to go). 

You can toast some sliced almonds in a skillet while the bread is in the oven to save time. 

Put some sliced bananas on top of the bread, add the toasted almonds and grate a piece of dark chocolate on it. Add a teeny weeny sprinkling of sea salt for added flavour. Sounds pretty simple eh?

Now, the science behind it. 

Dark chocolate does a brilliant job at making you happy as it has many mood improving compounds such as theobromine, dopamine, caffeine and N-acylethanolamine. Flavonoids present in chocolate increase blood flow to your brain thereby supporting your happiness. Chocolate would make a precious friend, right? 

Vitamin B6 in bananas releases dope hormones like dopamine and serotonin, which are basically responsible for for making you happy and keeping your mood that way. The natural sugar present in bananas is also great for you as it helps in keeping your blood sugar levels stable which in turn keep irritability and anxiety at bay. 

Almonds also produce serotonin in your body through an amino acid called tryptophan present in them. 

Carbs from the whole grain bread sort of tie it all together. They are the rocket launcher for these goody hormones and are essential for a serotonin boost. 

Relax, Rejuvenate and Replenish 

Use the monsoon as your cue to stop and smell the roses. It doesn’t even have to be the entire day, just an evening dedicated to self care will suffice. 

Do you have a tub in your bath that you never use? This would be a good time to use it. Fill it up with water, just add a bath bomb to it and soak in the goodness. You deserve it. Keep the lights dim and light some scented candles. 

If you don’t have a tub, fret not, you can draw a very relaxing foot bath instead. 

Find a place where you can hear the pitter-patter of the rain drops (natural, soothing music). Fill a small tub with hot water and add a few ingredients such as - 

• 1/2 cup Epsom salt 

• 2 tbsp Carrier oil (coconut, jojoba are great options) 

• 5-10 drops of your favourite essential oil (we recommend lavender, sandalwood, peppermint, chamomile)

• 1/4th cup dried rose petals 

Pro tip : to ensure that everything mixes well, first combine all the ingredients in a large bowl, mix well then transfer to the foot bath. 

If you don’t have Epsom salt at home and suddenly feel the urge to indulge in this recipe then you can also do a foot soak-scrub with 1/2 cup sugar and vinegar. Add a few tbsps of coconut oil and you are good to go. 

Grab that book you have been wanting to read, sit back for 15 minutes and enjoy. Just enjoy. 

What are your plans for the monsoon? We’d love to hear, please write to us at info@gonuts.in.