You won't regret it! Image: iStockSource:BodyAndSoul

Thanks to La Nina we’ve all be dealing with the effects of wet weather more than we’d like; umbrellas, sodden shoes, and probably cancelling more than a few of your regular ‘mental health walks’ or runs. Shona Hendley explains why the latter should never come at the expense of a bit of harmless precipitation.

For decades, musicians like Gene Kelly, the Ronettes and even Rihanna have been merrily singing and dancing in the rain; while over the past couple of months many Sydneysiders have probably inadvertently and maybe not so happily found themselves walking in it.

No, perhaps not ideal for the unprepared but for those who are equipped with an umbrella or raincoat, there are actually some pretty impressive benefits of walking or running in the rain which may have even the most reluctant soon singing along too.

Dr Vivienne Lewis, a clinical psychologist at the University of Canberra says walking in the rain is actually great for our mental health for “a range of reasons.”

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“Human beings need touch. It is an essential need and rain can provide this,” she tells Body+Soul.

“When we walk (or run) in the rain it provides a sensory experience completely different to non-rain. We can feel it on our face and body and this sensory experience can feel lovely on our skin and fresh on our face.”

“Have you ever run in the rain and just felt so free? It gets our adrenalin pumping, and this releases stress,” Lewis says.

She also says that when we walk endorphins, the feel-good chemicals are released, and this also makes us feel good.

“In the rain, the release of endorphins can be enhanced especially if we are raising our heart rate to get out of the rain!”

“A walk in the rain can give us time to think. To be alone with our thoughts. To feel connected to nature. It can clear our head,” explains Lewis.

Because rain is a type of white noise, it can be soothing, meaning you can get your steps up, while taking in natures calming soundtrack at the same time.

Sydneysider and regular rain walker, Leanne Lusher agrees and identifies this as one of her favourite things about walking in the rain.

“I find walking in the rain so refreshing! I love the sounds and smell it creates,” she says.

The distinctive smell that soothes your mind and body even has its own name– Petrichor which was coined in the 1960s by two Australian scientists.

Provided you have the right gear to keep you dry, walking in the rain isn’t so bad. Image: iStockSource:BodyAndSoul

Lusher says another great benefit to walking in the rain, especially for those who don’t like crowds is that there are usually less people which can make it a more relaxing experience.

“I like that hardly anyone else is out walking as they are hiding from the rain,” she explains.

Rain can also be a metaphor for washing the day away or washing our troubles away says Lewis.

“Think of the rain running down your body as a way to release negative emotions. A bit like we might do in the shower after a hard day. It’s that sense of just letting go. Just enjoying what nature has provided. Letting go of all your cares. Allowing yourself to just be in the moment and get soaked.”

An MIT study published in the journal of Atmospheric Chemistry and Physicsshowed that the air is actually cleaner during and after heavy rainfall.

Dr Lewis adds that this freshness can make the “smell and touch of fresh water feel exhilarating.”

If the mental health benefits aren’t enough to sell the experience to you, there are also some pretty impressive physical health benefit that may just get it across the line.

A 2016 study found that the rain plays a pivotal role in skin health driving humidity which helps freshen and moisturise our skin and hair. Ah, yes please.

And if burning fat is your goal, walking or running in the rain maybe exactly what you need to do.

Japanese scientists have carried out research on the effects of rain on energy metabolism while running in cold weather which showed that “energy demand increases when running in cold conditions.”

In other words, you burn more calories walking or running in the wet and cold than in a dry and warm environment.

So, if you haven’t already, it’s time to invest in a good set of water-resistant shoes, quality raincoat and start walking around those muddy puddles.

Dr Vivienne Lewis is a clinical psychologist at the University of Canberra. She treats people with anxiety and depression.

Shona Hendley is a freelance writer and ex-secondary school teacher. You can follow her on Instagram here.

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