Here in San Diego, AKA Paradise AKA the center of the universe as we know it AKA Whale’s Vagina,  it’s raining. It’s supposed to rain until next Sunday which might as well be a year, but as you know, we’re still Weekend Warriors. We’ve still got to make the best of this coming three-day weekend despite it being mostly underwater. So what’s the best way to spend a totally BLAH rainy weekend? Getting your music on, OBVS.

1) Plan your summer music festival schedule

The #1 absolute best, no-questions asked way to enjoy music is to grab a bunch of your friends, a tent, and some sunscreen, and see some bands at a music festival near you. There are quite a few to choose from depending on your location and music tastes, from the eclectic Coachella in the Indio Desert to the techno and house jam Ultimate Music Fest in Miami. Check out a site like Metrowize to give you the full calendar of Spring and Summer music fests along with links to buy tickets or just learn more.

2) Check out a DJ you’ve never heard of

Instead of going to the same club that you go to every weekend and see the same people that you see all the time, get a good friend (or your fave booty call) and check out a DJ that perhaps you’ve never heard of before. Up and coming DJs usually play the smaller venues, where drink prices don’t cut into your rent money and the crowd is a lot less stale and far more real.

3) Blast some music

Whether it’s learning a few chords on an electric guitar, accompanying your run with some loud Lady Gaga, or just playing a little Rock Band with your friends, loud music can be good for your heart AND mind.

According to researchers at Manchester University, music fans are stimulating part of the inner ear known as the sacculus, which responds to the beat in music. This gives the brain pleasure and makes us feel good — during the music and afterwards.

[When loud music is playing,] the brain is stimulated into releasing feelgood hormones that make us calm, happy and responsive. So to trigger a dose of happy hormones on a Monday morning, you should, in theory, choose Black Sabbath over chamber music.

This weekend, turn off the TV and let your ears take control. Whether it’s raining, snowing, or sunny (HA, I’m SUUURE), music can be a great way to fend off the blues. Enjoy your weekend, Weekend Warriors, and we’ll see you on TUESDAY. Let the THREE-DAYER BEGIN!