During the rainy months, it can be tempting to stay indoors, bake a sweet treat, and watch a comfort movie. This may be because rain is used in literature as a method of pathetic fallacy, conveying calm, but potentially numb feelings, so we assume it is better to stay inside.
Even though staying in underneath a warm blanket is inviting, with the aroma of freshly baked bread effervescing from your oven, imitating your favourite early 2000s coming-of-age movie may be the answer to diminish the winter blues. We’ve all seen the scenes where the main characters dance in the rain and fall in love, all while uttering philosophical revelations about their role on earth. Though I cannot promise you’ll find your life partner amidst an April shower, dancing, or even walking, in the rain to your favourite songs creates lasting memories and can boost your mood.
Though I cannot promise you’ll find your life partner amidst an April shower, dancing, or even walking, in the rain to your favourite songs creates lasting memories and can boost your mood.
This mood-boosting and potentially love-finding experience is due to the feel-good chemicals in the rain. Once released into the air and falling to the ground, the rain molecules become negatively charged, holding the power to relieve stress and boost energy. These are the same molecules in waterfalls, the sea, and mist, which may be why the ethereal experience of walking in the morning dew may be so magical!
When it rains, the air is clearer, leading to better breathing, a commodity in many cities. If you choose to exercise in the rain, it is easier to maintain homeostasis, or in other words, stay in the correct temperature for optimal performance.
It appears that the chemical make-up of rain isn’t the only characteristic beneficial for hour mind, body, and soul. Grimes posted her top song in her 2020 Spotify Wrapped; Ironically, the punk-pop artist’s top track was a night-time rain sounds track. Rain and water sounds are used across sleep and mindfulness apps, such as Headspace and Calm, with the predictable and repetitive melodies serving the same purpose as white noise, but with more auditory stimulation.
This sleep-inducing effect is due to its high frequencies enhancing slow oscillation and memory, especially in older adults. Rain often sparks emotions, so the sound could trigger memories, calming the brain and distracting from the present, which can aid sleep. It can also block out other noises, such as traffic and the upstairs neighbours. This is known as the petrichor effect, where the smell, or perceived smell of rainfall evokes memories and emotions, boosting our mood and calming out mind.
The petrichor effect occurs after rain falls onto earthy soil. When the rain touches the earth, the pores form bubbles, which release aerosols, especially if the rain is slow and light. These aerosols carry the earths sent into the atmosphere, creating a cedar-like aroma.
So, I challenge you to take a walk in the rain, and dance to a song you embarrassingly know all the words to, and take a deep breath. You may feel silly, but hopefully you’ll have a revelation about the floating rock we call home, and all worries will be in the past.
