Most people can predict a thunderstorm without looking at the sky. All they have to do is sniff the air. But the smell they smell is not really that of rain, which is odorless. They smell of petrichor, a combination of chemicals that is released when raindrops first hit the ground. The wind carries them to neighboring areas and warns the noses of the arrival of rain. (1, 2)
Some people describe the smell of rain as a stress reliever. This may be because smell is directly related to the hippocampus and amygdala. These two parts of the brain are involved in emotions and memory. The smell of petrichor can bring back pleasant memories like wading through puddles in childhood. This feeling of nostalgia can relieve stress. (1, 3)
Besides reducing the stress that the smell of rain can cause, the presence of rain has many benefits. Here are seven you can enjoy the next time you’re out in the pouring rain.
7 Benefits of Rain
1. The sound of rain is relaxing
The sound of rain and the lapping of the waves is not threatening. This makes them relaxing and explains why they calm people down. (4)
Some people even listen to rain sounds on audio to help them fall asleep. The rain produces a constant noise that gradually rises and falls in volume. It lulls listeners to sleep and does not interrupt their sleep cycle. It can also act as white noise that drowns out other sounds that might wake you up. (4)
2. It reduces air pollution
When a drop of rain falls, it collects the particles present in the air. Raindrops attract soot and pollution to the ground. (5)
Having cleaner air to breathe is a benefit for everyone. But it’s especially useful for those who are more sensitive to air pollution. These include people who have asthma or who are young, sick, old or pregnant. When the air quality index becomes too high, they are advised to stay indoors. A good storm allows them to go outside once more safely. (5)
3. You’ll probably find solitude in the outdoors.
When it rains or snows, people are less likely to get out and exercise. A Canadian study showed that 4 mm of rain reduced the daily steps of adults by 5.2%. With 14 mm of rain, their steps decreased by 8.3%. (6)
If you enjoy exercising without other people around, this may be an advantage for you. Sometimes it’s nice to race without an audience. And if you like strolling through a usually crowded park, having the path to your place of residence can be a welcome change.
4. Anchoring for patients with post-traumatic stress
For patients with post-traumatic stress, walking in the rain can help ground them. This is a technique that uses the five senses to help people deal with flashbacks and dissociation. (7) The walker can smell petrichor and feel the sensation of rain on their skin. He can hear the rain falling on the earth and watch the drops fall from the sky. He can even use his sense of taste by collecting a few raindrops on his tongue. (7)
5. You can exercise longer and faster
Exercising causes your muscles to produce heat. To cool you down, your body must redirect blood flow to produce sweat, which lowers your performance. Rainwater cools you down and allows you to use energy more efficiently. When you exercise in the rain, you can train longer and go faster. (8)
6. Exercising in the rain increases your metabolism
A Japanese study had healthy men run on a treadmill for 30 minutes in a room that simulated rainy conditions. They discovered that energy demand increases when running in cold and rainy conditions, which increases metabolism. (9)
7. Your body learns to adapt
Doing your usual exercises in the rain teaches your body to react to different conditions. Your body will need to adapt to walking or running on a slippery sidewalk. This adds an element of challenge and improves your training ability. (8)
Thank the rain
Whether you’re exercising or looking for a good night’s sleep, rain is full of benefits. The next time you’re in the rain, take a moment to appreciate all the good things it brings.
