So much rain! We English are known to be good at talking about the weather and this summer is seems that we have had good reason! But rain isn’t all bad.  For some, the sound of rain hitting the roof or the sight of raindrops sliding down the window is comforting and positive. For others, it is depressing, a reminder of gloomy days and wet commutes. It’s not as simple as this, obviously. Sometimes we’ll welcome a cooling shower but other times when we are perhaps a little down due to some other aspect of life, rain can just exacerbate our low mood.  

We can’t live without rain. It’s an essential part of our World. This summer it seems that the rain is literally here to stay.  So, let’s focus on some positive effects that rain can have on our mental and physical wellbeing!  

Rain and Mental Health

•  Mood Regulation

One of the most profound effects of rain on mental health is its ability to influence mood. It is well known that weather changes, including rain, can affect emotional states (Keller et al., 2005). The sound of rain can have a soothing effect, often used in sound machines to promote relaxation and sleep. This auditory stimulation can reduce stress and anxiety levels, as noted by Orga et al. (2017) in their study on natural sounds and stress relief. 

• Sleep Quality

Rain can also enhance sleep quality. The rhythmic sound of rain is often described as white noise. It can mask other disruptive noises, resulting in a more restful sleep. A study by the National Sleep Foundation found that consistent, soothing sounds, such as rainfall, can improve sleep quality and duration (National Sleep Foundation, 2017). This improved sleep can lead to better mental health, as sleep is crucial for emotional regulation and cognitive function. 

• Enhanced Creativity and focus

Interestingly, rain can also boost creativity and focus. A study by Mehta et al. (2012) published in the Journal of Consumer Research, found that moderate ambient noise levels, such as the sound of rain, can enhance creative thinking. The researchers suggest that such background noise provides a level of distraction that can help people think more abstractly and generate creative ideas. This effect is particularly beneficial for tasks requiring innovative thinking and problem-solving. 

The sound of rain is known to reduce stress levels so it may also help by moving the brain into alpha waves that are restorative and great for problem solving and creativity. 

Rain and Physical Health 

•  Air Quality and Respiratory Health 

Rain plays a crucial role in improving air quality, which can have significant benefits for respiratory health. It helps to wash away pollutants and allergens from the air, reducing the risk of respiratory problems. According to a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives the washing effect of rain can decrease the concentration of airborne particulate matter, leading to cleaner air (Krewski et al., 2003). This reduction in pollutants is particularly beneficial for individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions. So, there may be fewer hay fever sufferers this summer!  

•  Skin Hydration and Health 

The increased humidity that accompanies rain can also benefit skin health. Humidity helps to keep the skin hydrated by reducing the rate of water loss from the skin’s surface. According to a study by Hara and Maibach (1995) in the Journal of Dermatological Science, high humidity levels can improve skin barrier function and hydration. This is especially beneficial during colder months when indoor heating can dry out the skin. 

•  Physical Activity and Exercise 

While it might seem counterintuitive, rain can encourage physical activity, particularly running or walking. The cooling effect of rain can make exercise more comfortable by preventing overheating. A study by Tanaka et al. (2009) in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that cooler temperatures, often associated with rainy weather, can improve endurance performance. Moreover, running in the rain can add a fun, challenging element to a workout, making it more engaging and enjoyable. 

Psychological Connection with Nature 

Rain can foster a psychological connection with nature, which has been shown to enhance mental wellbeing. Spending time in natural environments, even during rainy weather, can improve mood and reduce stress. A study by Bratman et al. (2015) in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that walking in natural settings can lower rumination and decrease activity in brain regions associated with mental illness. This connection with nature can promote psychological resilience and overall wellbeing, rain or shine! 

To wrap up!  

Rain, often perceived merely as a weather condition, has profound effects on both mental and physical health. From regulating mood and enhancing sleep quality to improving air quality, the benefits of rain are extensive and multifaceted. Embracing rainy days, rather than shunning them, can lead to a deeper appreciation of their positive impacts on our wellbeing. As research continues to uncover the various ways in which rain influences health, it becomes increasingly clear that this natural phenomenon plays a vital role in sustaining and enhancing life.  Just as well as we seem to be having rather a lot of it this year! 

References 

• Bratman, G. N., Hamilton, J. P., Hahn, K. S., Daily, G. C., & Gross, J. J. (2015). Nature experience reduces rumination and subgenual prefrontal cortex activation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 112(28), 8567-8572. 
• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). (2017). The future of food and agriculture: Trends and challenges.
• Hara, M., & Maibach, H. I. (1995). Water content of the stratum corneum and corneocyte size: The relationship with relative humidity and season. Journal of Dermatological Science, 10(2), 111-118.
• Keller, M. C., Fredrickson, B. L., Ybarra, O., Côté, S., Johnson, K., Mikels, J., … & Wager, T. (2005). A warm heart and a clear head: The contingent effects of weather on mood and cognition. Emotion, 5(2), 176-181.
• Krewski, D., Burnett, R. T., Goldberg, M. S., Hoover, K., Siemiatycki, J., Jerrett, M., … & White, W. H. (2003). Overview of the reanalysis of the Harvard Six Cities Study and American Cancer Society Study of particulate air pollution and mortality. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Part A, 66(16-19), 1507-1551.
• Mehta, R., Zhu, R. J., & Cheema, A. (2012). Is noise always bad? Exploring the effects of ambient noise on creative cognition. Journal of Consumer Research, 39(4), 784-799.
• National Sleep Foundation. (2017). Sleep and environmental conditions.
• Orga, N. T., Bussing, S. J., & Franz, J. (2017). The role of natural sounds in stress reduction. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 53, 135-144.
• Tanaka, K., Nino, Y., Naito, S., & Kawai, M. (2009). Cooling efficiency of different kinds of mist in improving endurance exercise performance in hot conditions. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 41(6), 1367-1373. 

Phoenix Health and Wellbeing is a charitable social enterprise based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. We offer support in the form of counselling, acupuncture and massage therapies to people who are referred to us by medical professionals, due to their chronic health issues and low incomes. By using our services you are helping us to continue with this life enhancing support.  

Find out more about our work here or click these links to find out more about our counselling, massage and workplace wellbeing services. Want a make a booking? Just use this link

Opening times:  

Monday to Thursday: 10.00 to 20.00 

Friday and Saturday: 10.00 to 16.00