Perhaps the idea of walking in the rain sounds crazy to you, but trust me, it shouldn’t, and in what follows I’m going to explain the reasons for it.
A lot of people love rainy days. Some enjoy listening to the sound of rain because they find it soothing and others like the coziness and sense of peacefulness they feel when they are sitting by the window and watching the rain pouring down.
Well, it turns out that rain can reduce your stress levels and help you relax. The pleasant smell of rain, you know – that of wet earth and clean air you experience when raindrops hit the ground, can calm your mind. This scent is known as Petrichor and is produced by bacteria.
Despite reducing your stress levels, studies have shown that walking in the rain has the following benefits too:
1. Walking in the rain helps you relax.
The brain recognizes the sound of rain as non-threatening and this makes it soothing. The sound of rain is calming and can help you relieve stress.
2. Exercising in wet, cold conditions burns more calories and fats than exercising in hot weather.
One study that aimed to determine the effects of rain on energy metabolism while running in cold weather has shown that “energy demand increases when running in cold conditions.” This helps increase your metabolism.
3. Walking in the rain helps you exercise faster and longer.
When you do physical exercises, your body temperature increases. This may decrease your speed. So, in order to cool you down, your body redirects the blood flow from your working muscles to your skin, thereby reducing your performance.
Rainwater can cool you down and keep you from overheating during physical exercise. As a result, you’ll be able to exercise faster and longer.
4. The air is cleaner and fresher after it rains.
Atmospheric chemists at MIT have found that rain is very effective in cleaning the atmosphere. Namely, as raindrops fall through the atmosphere, they can absorb tiny aerosol particles before they hit the ground. When droplets and aerosols attract or coagulate, this process clears the air of sulfates, soot, and organic particles.
5. Walking in the rain can do wonders for your hair and skin.
Walking in the rain keeps your hair and skin moisturized. Rainwater is alkaline in nature, which means that it helps maintain the pH level of your skin. It also keeps your hair moisturized and makes it softer.
6. Walking in the rain teaches your body to adapt.
It teaches your body to adjust and react to different conditions.
Sources:
1. Ritsuko, Ito, et al. “Effects of rain on energy metabolism while running in a cold environment.” Retrieved from PubMed.
2. Stevens, CJ, et al. “Running performance in the heat is improved by similar magnitude with pre-exercise cold-water immersion and mid-exercise facial water spray.” Retrieved from PubMed.
3. Chu, Jennifer. “Study explains how rain droplets attract aerosols out of the atmosphere.” Retrieved from MIT News.
4. Halton, Mary. “Petrichor: why does rain smell so good?” Retrieved from BBC.
Riley Cooper is a professional writer who writes informative and creative articles on topics related to various fields of study. Written with love and enthusiasm, her articles inspire readers to broaden their knowledge of the world, think and get ready to act. If you have a general question or comment please fill out the form and we will get back to you as soon as possible https://curiousmindmagazine.com/contact-us/
