When it’s raining, you might feel like curling up on the couch with a good book or film.
Other times, you might want to get outside and move, but a quick glance out the window convinces you to stay indoors.
However, unless it’s pouring, taking a walk in the rain can actually benefit your body, mind, and soul.
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Curious about how a rainy stroll can be good for you?
This article reveals 5 benefits of walking in the rain and provides helpful tips to make the most of it.
1. Enjoy fresher, cleaner air
Research by atmospheric chemists at MIT shows that the air is cleaner during and after rainfall.
This is because raindrops falling through the atmosphere capture tens to hundreds of microscopic aerosol particles before reaching the ground.
As a result, pollutants like sulfates, soot, organic particles, and other impurities are naturally removed from the air.
2. Stay cool while exercising
When you exercise, your body temperature rises, which can slow you down.
To cool down, your body redirects blood flow from your muscles to your skin, impacting performance.
Rain can help regulate your temperature and prevent overheating, allowing you to exercise longer and faster.
3. Burn more fat and calories
Japanese scientists have studied how energy is metabolized while running in cold, rainy weather.
Their findings suggest that running in colder conditions increases the body’s energy demand.
Therefore, exercising in cold, wet weather can help you burn more calories and fat compared to doing the same activity in a warmer environment.
4. Experience the calming scent of rain
If you ask someone who loves a good storm why they enjoy rain, they might simply say, “Petrichor.”
This term refers to the distinct smell of rain, which occurs when raindrops hit dry earth.
It’s a blend of chemicals released by soil-dwelling bacteria, oils from certain plants, and ozone created during lightning.
This soothing scent helps relax the mind and body.
5. Find relaxation on rainy day walks
When it rains, the streets tend to be quieter, with fewer people out and about.
This makes a walk in the rain perfect for those seeking some peaceful, quiet time alone.
It can help clear your mind if you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
Walking in the rain allows you to focus on your thoughts, enjoy solitude, and reduce stress more effectively than in a crowded environment.
As a bonus, walking in the rain can be good for your skin and hair.
The high humidity helps keep your skin moisturized, and rainwater’s alkaline nature can help maintain your skin’s pH balance while softening your hair.
How to Enjoy a Walk in the Rain: Tips for a Great Stroll
Now that you’re aware of the benefits of walking in the rain, you might be curious about the best way to do it. While getting unexpectedly caught in the rain can be thrilling, it’s wise to be properly prepared for a rain walk. Follow these tips to make your experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible:
– Carry an umbrella or wear a hooded raincoat to keep your head dry.
– Opt for waterproof footwear to avoid cold, wet feet—and the blisters that often come with them.
– Once indoors, dry off completely, or better yet, take a warm shower to help stabilize your body temperature.
– Concerned about catching a cold? Wear protective rain gear from head to toe and avoid staying in the rain for extended periods. As always, use good judgment when deciding what to wear and which route to take.
