By Philip Hartman

I woke up the sound of heavy rain drops hitting the window. What did I see? It’s another wet day in Portland, Oregon. It’s hard to wake up to a gloomy winter’s day without wanting to fall back to bed. Yet we all get up and start the day going to classes and work, but sometimes we miss out on what the season has to offer. Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean you can can’t find great ways to stay active and engaged all winter.

The rainy season can be filled with adventures from PSU Campus Rec to the outdoors. Each has a place for students like to me to explore and try new things. As one who experiences seasonal depression, I appreciate being able to utilize the Campus Rec. PSU’s fitness and wellness center. It helps me stay active and boost endorphins that make me feel better through the gloomy season. Whenever I choose to work out I feel a sense of accomplishment because I set goals, from short term one of doing a different reps to long term one of building up muscles.

While Campus Rec is great space to be active indoors the outdoors also can be a fun adventure, despite the wet. The landscape of the rainy season brings vibrant green to the Pacific Northwest, from the moss that lays on the trees; to the ferns that enjoy the rains of winter. Hiking can be a bit difficult in the wet season, but with good rain gear anything is achievable.

Even though the wet rainy season of Portland add challenges to stay active, there is much to do outside of that comfy bed. Try and get out! You never know what fun adventures you’ll have!