According to a study published by the BBC and Daily Express, rain can make us feel happier and improve our mental health. Scientists therefore suggest that people shouldn't immediately retreat indoors when it rains heavily, but instead head outside to soak in the rain, relax, and enjoy the weather.
Many people tend to avoid going out when it rains, but there's actually some scientific evidence that suggests we should change our perspective on rainy days. Scientists now believe that taking a walk in or after a rain shower can actually have significant benefits for our body, mind, and spirit.
Rainy Day Moods Are All About Negative Ions
Scientists attribute this to negative ions. This is because when rain falls, molecules are released into the air, some of which become negatively charged ions. When we breathe these ions in, they can effectively relieve stress and even boost our energy levels.
These odorless and invisible negative ions are produced naturally by proximity to flowing water. Besides rain, they can also come from waterfalls, ocean waves, and even morning dew and mist.
Niek Buurma, a chemistry doctor at Cardiff University in Wales, UK, explains that one way negative ions are formed is by causing water (such as raindrops) to hit the ground. When droplets hit a hard surface, they break apart, and in the process, the smaller droplets acquire an electrical charge.
At this time, if the raindrops carry a negative charge, additional electrons will be generated. These extra electrons can be absorbed by molecules in the air (such as oxygen and carbon dioxide), which is how negative ions are formed.
While scientists are still studying the other effects of negative ions, Dr. Boerma said there is considerable research showing that breathing in these ions can have positive effects on people's health. Negative ions have been shown to improve people's mood, relieve stress, and give us more energy.
Dr. Boerma said it's not clear why this happens, but there are clear indications that people experience more positive feelings after breathing in negative ions. This aligns with scientific literature suggesting that exposure to negative ions can improve mood and may be used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Dr. Boerma, from Wales, believes that these rainy days are quite lucky, as the UK has an average of about 159 days of rain per year, while Wales has a whopping 173 days.
What is the calming "scent of first rain"?
Additionally, the air is cleaner during and after rainfall. This is because raindrops wash away pollutants in the air, purifying the air. When heavy rain follows a long period of dry weather, it also brings a noticeable odor.
There's a special English word, "petrichor," specifically coined to describe the distinctive earthy aroma brought by the first rains after a long dry season. Often called "the fragrance of the first rain" in Chinese, or "wet earth oil," petrichor is derived from the Greek words "petra," for stone, and "ichor," for the fluid flowing through the veins of the gods.
Scientifically speaking, Petrichor contains a chemical called geosmin, which is produced by bacteria in the soil. When people inhale geosmin in the air, it can have a calming effect, causing them to feel calm.
Other Benefits of Going Out in the Rain
In fact, going out in the rain has many other benefits. Karen Clarke of the Wales Department of Natural Resources encourages people to go outdoors after or during the rain. She said that whether it is walking, running or cycling in the rain, the sound of rain hitting your face can be very relaxing.
Clark added that rain also washes away all the allergens and dust in the air, which is good for our breathing. People may be able to walk or run faster, so they may burn more calories.
This article is reprinted with permission from Critical Review Network. The original title is "Does going out on a rainy day actually make you happier and healthier? Let science reveal the benefits of rainy days!" It is not subject to the terms of the CC license.
References：
*BBC (May 28, 2024),How rain can make you happier and healthier
*Daily Express (May 29, 2024),Brits told rain is actually good for you and can make you happier
Sources: Environmental Information Center
