February 9th: On rainy days, choose the kindness of protecting your body

On rainy days, my body inevitably feels heavy.
From the moment I wake up, I feel as if moisture has settled deep within my joints, and it takes a bit of courage just to get out of bed. Looking outside, the rain continues to fall quietly. The air is damp, and my breathing feels slower than usual.

On days like this, the more I think, "I have to keep moving," the more my body and mind seem to drift apart.
But recently, I've started to think that it's okay to choose the "kindness of protection" precisely because it's a rainy day.

Opening an umbrella.
Wearing warm socks.
It's such a small thing, yet my body truly receives it as being "cared for."

Working as a nurse, I feel the connection between the weather and physical condition on a daily basis.
People who get headaches or feel dizzy when the atmospheric pressure drops.
People whose joint pain or fatigue intensifies when the humidity rises.
These are not "all in your head" or "being soft"; they are perfectly natural reactions to the environment.

So, in truth, it is perfectly fine to apply that same judgment to yourself.
"I won't push myself today."
"I'll focus on self-protection today."
I believe that is also a form of excellent self-care and a nursing-based choice.

In psychology, it is said that the sense of being able to adapt to one's environment is a factor that stabilizes self-esteem.
Rather than forcing yourself to act as you usually do, deciding, "I will live within this capacity today."
That is not giving up on yourself; it is closer to trusting yourself.

Instead of blaming yourself for not being able to move on a rainy day,
"I managed to do this much in this weather."
Just by acknowledging that, the tension in your heart will loosen a little.

In karate, "uke" (blocking) does not deny the opponent's force.
It is not about colliding head-on, but a movement to receive the force, redirect it, and protect your own center.

Rain is the same.
It is not something to resist, but something to accept.
The moment you acknowledge, "It's raining today," your body and mind will feel just a little bit lighter.

In your daily life, you don't need to do anything special.
Drink a warm beverage slowly.
Roll your neck and shoulders, and focus on your breathing.
Even just a few minutes of stretching will make your body feel "protected."

On rainy days, you don't have to go on the offensive.
You don't have to move forward.
By choosing to protect yourself, you are still moving forward in your own way.

For today,
"doing what you can is the right answer."

If you can allow yourself that, I think that is enough.


[Monthly Prescription]

1. Be mindful of staying warm.
2. Warm your hands and feet to protect your blood circulation.
3. Do light, gentle stretching.

On rainy days, choose the kindness of protecting your body.
That is what will lead to the you of tomorrow.


Honoka Yuki