The Perfect Black Rain Day: Indoor Activity Inspiration

While non-WFH office workers often await that Black Rain Signal with baited breath, the unexpected change in weather may leave you feeling stranded (literally!) for what to do with all this sudden free time on your hands? Enter Sassy.

Picture this: the sky’s gone dark grey, rain is pounding against the windows, and the city slips into that rare hush (and quiet rejoicing from the introverts of Hong Kong!) that only a Black Rain day can bring. Instead of grumbling about soggy shoes and cancelled plans, think of a Black Rain day as your golden excuse to reset. Whether you’re scrolling and planning your next dream holiday or curling up at home with a sheet mask, a Black Rain day is basically permission to press pause and indulge. While Sassy has a specially curated guide for rainy day activities, consider this your guide to making stormy skies feel a little more sophisticated, all without leaving your house. Read on to discover Sassy’s perfect Black Rain Day guide!

Read More: Hong Kong Typhoons — Your Ultimate Guide To Signals, Rain Warnings & More

Pamper yourself with self-care beauty rituals

The beauty enthusiasts with busy lives among us will be craving time to indulge in a beauty ritual. Whether it’s a 20-minute sheet mask, finally getting around to plucking those brows, dyeing your hair or actually learning how to guasha your face properly, the perfect Black Rain day definitely consists of a few beauty rituals!

Read More: Things To Do Indoors When It’s Raining In Hong Kong

The Everything Shower

Ordinarily reserved for a Sunday, the hectic work schedule of Hong Kongers means that The Everything Shower might fall lower on the weekly bucket list. For clarity, we’re not talking about basic hygiene here, but the Everything Shower that encompasses shaving or waxing your legs, a hair mask, conditioning your hair and actually leaving it in for more than 30 seconds and (optional but definitely recommended) shower playlist. While your water bill may not thank you for this, your mood and soft skin definitely will!

Read More: Our Favourite Spas In Hong Kong For Massages, Body Treatments And More

The Mask Trifecta

What kind of mask girl are you? Sheet, Clay or Wash-off? Whatever you choose (or even all three), now’s the time for that at-home facial pampering your skin deserves!

Read More: Where To Get Facials In Hong Kong — The Best Spas For Facial Treatments

Skincare Devices

While we love skincare and lifestyle devices here at Team Sassy, sometimes we can’t quite squeeze them into the daily ritual. So now, your Black Rain Day has given you the perfect excuse to really indulge — grab those whitening strips to brighten those pearly whites, wear that red light mask while you binge an episode (or five!) of The Paper and use multiple modes from Medicube’s skincare device — Sassy has the insider tips that are worth your money!

Read More: Hong Kong Tried-and-Tested Beauty Tools For Radiant Skin

Take the opportunity to watch those binge-worthy shows

An indoor rainy day is not complete without some time in front of a screen watching some award-winning TV or movies. And now’s the perfect time to really complete that “watch later” list on Netflix. If you need some inspiration, here are some Sassy faves that we love binging!

• “The Charlie Sheen doc on Netflix! I finished both episodes in one sitting. Also, Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, The Deepest Breath and Love On The Spectrum!” — Stef, Managing Editor
• “Every autumn, I love to watch Gilmore Girls, so when it rains, it really makes me want to get super cosy at home! I also really recommend any of the Netflix Trainwreck documentaries — they’re super fascinating!” — Jess, Editor
• “Bones.” — Haley, Managing Director
• “Twister, The Day After Tomorrow and Perfect Storm!” — Ira, Client Engagement Manager
• “I love The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (season 1 specifically!).” — Anna, Editor
• “For comedy with a bit of gore: Santa Clarita Diet. For escapism & romantic vibes (i.e. wishing you were at the beach instead of in the rain): The Summer I Turned Pretty. For easy, funny sitcom vibes: New Girl. For heartwarming comedy with some sports: Ted Lasso.” — Veena, Editor

Read More: Hong Kong Film Starter Pack — Classics & Cult Favourites You Need To Watch

Explore a fun range of indoor activities

Create a fun home decoration piece with Lego sets

Indoor activities aren’t just for kids! We’ve definitely noticed the resurgence in Lego Sets available these days, and we’re obsessed! Available in a range of collections from Fast & Furious cars (hello Suki’s pink car!) to flower arrangements to Harry Potter‘s Hedwig, there’s a perfect one for you, no matter your tastes, and they make for a perfect rainy-day activity. Plus, they make a great home decoration piece and conversation topic!

Read More: 3COINS Versus Daiso — The Japanese Lifestyle & ¥100 Stores Taking Over HK

Challenge yourself with card games and puzzles

Puzzles, of course, are always a great go-to, with trendy ones related to Studio Ghibli or art like Takashi Murakami. But be warned, some of these are more challenging than they seem! Other card games such as poker, Cards Against Humanity or Flamingo Cards (perfect for couples!) are also an entertaining way to know your housemates even better, and you’ll really get to see their competitive streak!

Read More: 8 Lesser-Known Games And Free Apps To Have On Your Radar

Reconnect with your childhood with a board game and some Mahjong

Board games make a great indoor Black Rain Day activity, so why not learn a new one or reconnect with old faves, like Snakes & Ladders or Monopoly? If you’re lucky enough to live close to friends, and the trek is manageable, organise a mahjong tournament for some Hong Kong-inspired culture and fun!

Sassy Tip: Chinese Checkers is also an extremely underrated game — it’s a Sassy Team member fave!

Read More: A Gweilo’s Guide To Dai Pai Dongs — Must-Try Spots & More

Whip up a storm in the kitchen

Skip the soggy commute and turn your space into a haven for comfort food that warms from the inside out or cocktails that bring a little sparkle to a grey day. Test out that new lasagna recipe or bake up some gooey brownies. Or why not shake up a spicy margarita or three?

Or if you’re feeling lazy, ramen noodles are always our go-to for an easy, comforting rainy-day recipe!

Read More: Top Online Grocery Stores & Supermarkets In Hong Kong

At Home Fitness Sessions — for those who really can’t go a day without the grind

If you’re looking for a drier and more cost-effective way to level up your fitness, at-home workouts are a great alternative to braving the T10 elements. Follow an online yoga class, learn a dance routine or complete a HIIT workout — all from your living room! Plus, for the real fitness enthusiasts, at-home reformer pilates boards or walking pads are readily available from sports stores across Hong Kong. There’s nothing quite like doing pilates and stretching while watching the rain fall.

Read More: Where To Buy Athleisure In Hong Kong — Yoga And Sportswear Stores

Tackle that list of chores that you’ve been procrastinating

There are a million things the weekly burnout can prevent us from doing, but now’s the perfect rainy day opportunity. Organise that closet, change the bedsheets or even practice some mindfulness and journal. It can be a challenge to find the time for yourself during the week, so make this moment count!

Read More: 8 Habits To Improve Your Mental Health

While a Black Rain day can definitely really put a dampener on plans and social events you might have been looking forward to, when the whole of Hong Kong is at a standstill, use the day as an excuse to slow down, recharge and sneak in a little pampering and fun for yourself!