On dreary rainy days, many of us have an impulse to stay inside, warm and dry, but it turns out that a stroll through the rain actually has some hidden health benefits!
First off, rain water is high in alkaline which is good for our hair and skin and it doesn’t contain harmful minerals. Secondly, the air is actually less contaminated with pollutants when it rains, so it’s a great time to enjoy some real fresh air, especially for us city inhabitants. While many believe that getting rained on can get us sick, exposing ourselves to various temperatures actually helps build our immune systems. Many times people tend to catch colds in the winter more so because they keep themselves all cooped up indoors, rather than because of outdoor exposure. And then there is what is called the Petrichor Effect. Petrichor is a scientific term for the chemical reaction that takes place when rain hits the ground, but in essence it refers to the smell of rain. Essentially we are talking about “a pleasant smell that frequently accompanies the first rain after a long period of warm, dry weather.” It has been found that the smell of rain has a very soothing and calming effect on the mind and body. Of course, make sure to keep yourself warm enough - but don’t be afraid to step out when it’s drizzling next time for a stroll or even dance in the rain.