Whether you’re singing in the rain, dancing in the rain or just walking in the rain, here are ten benefits of rain you might not have known.
There are so many benefits of rain, and not just for crops and gardens, but for people and animals, too.
You might live in a country or a part of the world where it rains all the time, like Ireland or Vancouver. In this case, when it rains, it’s just another day.
Perhaps you live somewhere where it never rains, so you’re glad for a small bit of respite when the heavens open up.
Whatever your circumstances, next time you find yourself pondering a rainy walk, consider these ten reasons to do it instead of staying inside and sheltering.
10. Calming scent – rainy day aromatherapy
Don’t you just love the smell of rain? Well, it turns out that this blissful scent, known as petrichor, can have a calming effect on your body and mind.
That wonderfully nostalgic smell is created when compounds from plant oils are mixed into moisture droplets and released into the air.
Next time you find yourself outside in the rain, take in a big deep breath and take in that soothing scent; it’ll do you a world of good.
9. A new perspective – look up
When it rains, you will, more often than not, find people running to avoid it with their heads down. However, next time, lift your head, take your time, and take in your surroundings; you might just get an entirely different perspective from what you were expecting.
The world looks different when it rains. It doesn’t always have to be grey and miserable. The sounds and sights come alive in a totally different way.
8. Cleaner air – the best time for a walk
When it rains, a natural phenomenon occurs. The rain droplets attract tens to hundreds of air pollution particles caused by the likes of traffic.
In turn, this means the air you breathe in when it’s raining is cleaner and clearer than any other time. Studies have shown that rain is super effective in reducing air pollution.
7. Relieve anxiety – a wonderful distraction
More often than not, when we find ourselves caught in the rain, it’s all we can think about. Our minds shift and forget anything that was our focus beforehand.
In turn, walking in the rain is a beautiful way to relieve any stress or anxiety you are feeling. Even if it is a short-term method, most of the time, what you were worried about won’t feel so significant after you’ve embraced a walk in the rain.
6. Survival of plants and animals – an essential part of our eco-systems
Rain is crucial to the survival of certain plant and animal species. Bringing fresh water to the Earth’s surface, it can be essential for their food supply.
Furthermore, it can also affect foraging behaviour and reproduction amongst certain species, particularly tropical animals.
5. Rainwater harvesting – key in developing countries
Rainwater harvesting is essential, especially for developing countries. The issue of water scarcity affects certain countries in horrible ways. As humans, we need access to safe water to survive.
Thus, rainwater harvesting, or rainwater recycling, is an integral part of providing water for domestic, gardening, regeneration of nature, and agricultural use.
4. Benefits for children – there are many
There are some incredible benefits of rain for children. For one, it can actually enhance their physical skills as they have to work harder to maintain a good balance in the rain.
Furthermore, it can help develop their critical thinking with something as simple as choosing where to stand when it’s raining to avoid wet conditions and heavy rain.
3. Energy – it makes you feel alive
Going for a run or a walk in the rain, while you have to be careful, can give you much more energy than a regular dry or sunny day.
Just take a look at Drew Barrymore’s TikTok; she reaps the benefits of rain just by standing it and letting it fall down around her with a smile on her face.
2. Replenishes reservoirs – it is essential
When it doesn’t rain and reservoirs aren’t replenished, countries face hosepipe bans and rationing throughout the country.
This is why the fear of climate change is so real, as with less rainfall than usual, reservoirs are replenishing at a much slower, lower rate.
1. Health benefits – promotes healthy digestion
The alkaline pH of rainwater can actually be beneficial for our health. It has an overall detoxifying effect, and it also speeds up your metabolism.
Since our bodies absorb toxins every day, this is one of the best benefits of rain that we can really capitalise on next time the heavens open up!
Other notable mentions
Burn calories: Walking or running in wet weather can actually burn calories faster and more of them than if you were walking on a dry day.
Rain gardens: Some of the benefits of rain gardens are as follows; they reduce mosquito breeding, recharge local groundwaters and improve water quality. They also reduce the potential of home flooding.
Rain barrels: You can save water, money, and energy when you use rain barrels. There are so many advantages of rain barrels, like capturing the rain and saving it for a later date.
FAQs about the benefits of rain
How do you take a mindful rain walk?
To take a mindful rain walk, embrace the rain around you by listening to the sound of the rain, whether it’s heavy rainfall or light rain; lift your head high and take in the sights and sounds this natural resource creates around you.
How does walking in the rain benefit me?
Walking in the rain can be a great escape. Plus, the air you breathe is cleaner and safer.
What are rain gardens?
A rain garden is a shallow area or dip that collects rain from roofs and driveways and allows it to soak into the Earth.