The surprising ways weather can influence our bodies, mindset, and health and wellness routines
It’s officially April, and every year I find myself repeating that classic saying, “April showers bring May flowers.” You too? I know you’re nodding. I have to admit, rain can make me cranky. That is, unless I’m home, cozy with a cup of tea, and able to watch the rain from the window. If I have to walk around outside in it? No thank you!
Yet here’s the shift. I’ve learned a few things about rain that have changed the way I look at it, and I want to share them with you because, as I always say, the difference between knowing what to do and doing it often comes down to understanding why.
So, let’s talk about rain, and not only from the perspective of “it helps the earth” because yes, it absolutely does. That fact alone does not make me feel better when I’m standing outside with soaked shoes. What has helped me is learning more about what rain can do for us, including our bodies, our health, our minds, and even our mood.
For starters, rain can help clean the air. MIT atmospheric chemists found that when raindrops fall, they absorb microscopic aerosol particles, including sulfates, soot, pollutants, and organic matter, before reaching the ground. Essentially, rain acts like a natural filter for the air around us. One of the scientists involved shared that this could have a positive impact on human health. Pretty interesting, right?
And if you deal with seasonal allergies, you may have noticed that right after it rains, your symptoms can feel less intense. That is not necessarily a coincidence. Rain can help reduce airborne allergens for a short period of time. Cleaner air may also support easier breathing. Austrian scientists studied people walking in rain-heavy, ionized air in the Alps and found participants had increased levels of immunoglobulin A, or IgA, which are proteins in the mucosal lining of the nose, mouth, and gut that support immune function. It’s like your immune system may get a little boost from simply spending time outside in the rain.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. Rain also brings humidity, which is part of what makes me grumpy. Frizzy hair, anyone? I feel you. Interestingly, rainwater has a low mineral content, which can make it feel gentle on skin and hair, and humidity adds moisture to the air. Some companies bottle rainwater for drinking because it is naturally alkaline. Although, I’m still not convinced alkaline water is worth the higher cost compared to regular bottled water.
Another thing many of us notice about rain is that it can cool temperatures. We feel this during the dog days of summer when the temperature drops after a storm. The same idea applies to your body temperature. Think about exercise raising your body temperature and rain helping lower it. Research from Japan explored how working out in cold, rainy conditions may increase energy demands on the body, which could support calorie use. Even something as simple as walking on slippery or muddy ground requires us to use more muscles to stay balanced. Is it a major fitness breakthrough? Probably not. But if you need a little motivation to get yourself moving when the weather is rainy, it can help.
And that brings us to the connection between rain, mood, and mental health. You know that fresh, earthy smell after a storm? That scent is called petrichor, and it comes from raindrops hitting plants, trees, and soil, releasing oils and bacteria. When lightning is present, ozone can also mix into the air. This scent may create a calming effect on the nervous system. Some researchers suggest this response may connect back to our evolutionary history when rain meant food and water could become more available. That feeling of comfort may still be part of us today.
Rain can also create moments of solitude. People often describe rainy days as peaceful, quiet time alone, which may support stress management and focus. Fewer people tend to be outside, which means if you choose to walk in the rain, the quieter streets combined with movement may help you feel more relaxed. Walking in the rain can also encourage us to be more present. We pay attention to our steps, adjust our umbrella, and notice changes in the wind. It brings our awareness into the moment. In that way, it can feel similar to meditation, just in a more natural setting.
Even when we are indoors, rain can influence our state of mind. Watching rainfall, hearing the steady drops, and noticing the way light and colors soften can create a calming experience. Perhaps most importantly, rain can remind us to practice acceptance. We cannot control the weather, just like we cannot control many other things in life. Learning to accept the rain and move through it instead of fighting against it may help us build that same mindset in other areas of our lives.
So, the next time it rains, join me. Grab your raincoat, maybe an umbrella, and head outside if you can. Look for nature around you, trees, mountains, or a park. The negative ions in those spaces may be stronger and last longer. Then, when you come back inside, change into dry clothes, maybe take a shower to help regulate your temperature, and notice the shift. Take a moment to breathe, appreciate the weather, and let the rain do what it does.