in Health
5 reasons why walking in the rain is good for your health
Sometimes all you want to do when it’s raining is get cosy on the couch with a good book or film. Other times, you may want to move your body and head outside, only to look out the window and convince yourself to stay put. But unless it’s pouring down, taking a walk in the rain can actually be good for your body, mind and soul.
Are you wondering how taking a stroll in the rain can be beneficial? Well, wonder no more as this Pacific Prime UK article covers 5 benefits of walking in the rain and offers tips to do so.
1. You can breathe fresher, cleaner air
MIT’s atmospheric chemists found that the air is cleaner during rainfall and after it. This is because raindrops that fall through the atmosphere absorb tens to hundreds of microscopic aerosol particles before they reach the ground. Sulphates, soot, organic particles and other pollutants are therefore naturally removed from the air.
2. It helps prevent overheating during exercise
Your body temperature increases when you engage in physical activity, thereby affecting your speed. To lower your temperature, your body moves blood flow from your muscles to your skin, which impacts your performance. Rain can stop you from overheating during exercise. You’ll be able to exercise longer and faster as a result.
Further reading: What extreme heat does to the human body
3. You can burn more fat and calories
Japanese scientists researched how energy metabolises while running in cold, rainy weather. Based on their findings, running in cold conditions causes energy demand to increase. So, engaging in physical activity when it’s cold and wet out can help burn more calories and fat than if you were to do the same in a warm setting.
4. The scent of rain is calming
Ask anyone who likes a good storm why rain is good and they’ll likely give you a one-word answer: Petrichor. Petrichor describes the unique smell of rain and occurs when rain hits dry earth. It’s basically a combination of chemicals released from good bacteria that live in the soil, oils released from certain plants, and an ozone mix when lightning is present. Whatever you choose to call it, the pleasing scent of rain helps soothe the mind and body.
5. Rainy day walks help you relax
When the rain comes, the streets clear up. It’s unlikely that you’ll see the same amount of people out and about on a rainy day as you would when the sun is shining. For that reason, a walk in the rain is ideal if you’re longing for some peaceful, quiet time to yourself. It can also help you clear your mind if you feel stressed or can’t stop overthinking. Rain walks make it easier to focus on your thoughts while enjoying time alone, and can lower your stress levels more quickly than if there were lots of people around.
As an added bonus, walking in the rain is good for your skin and hair since high humidity levels help you stay moisturised. Rainwater’s alkaline nature helps maintain your skin’s pH levels and also softens your hair.
How to walk in the rain: Tips to make the most of your stroll
Now that you know the benefits of walking in the rain, you’re probably wondering what’s the best way to do it. It can be exciting to get caught in the rain when you least expect it, but you’ll want to properly prepare for a rain walk. Keep the following tips in mind to make your walk in the rain as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
- Carry an umbrella or wear a hooded raincoat to keep your head dry.
- Wear waterproof footwear to prevent cold, soggy feet – and the blisters that come with them.
- Dry off completely once you’re indoors or, better yet, take a shower as soon as you get home to help stabilise your body temperature.
Worried about catching a cold? Your best options are to wear protective rain gear from top to bottom and avoid staying in the rain for too long. As always, remember to be sensible when choosing what to wear or which route to take.
Take care of your health with Pacific Prime UK
There are so many things you can do to live a healthier, happier life – and securing comprehensive health insurance is high up on that list. With a robust health insurance policy, you can have peace of mind knowing that your medical needs can be met anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re looking for international health insurance in the UK or family health insurance in the UK, you’re in the right place.
Pacific Prime is a leading health insurance brokerage and employee benefits specialist with over 20 years of industry experience. Our knowledge and expertise, exceptional customer support and value-added services are some of the many reasons why we’re the broker of choice for expats across the globe.
Not sure where to start? Contact us and we’ll be happy to offer impartial insurance advice or a free plan comparison today.
Jantra curates and reports on the results of Pacific Prime’s monthly newsletters, as well as manages Pacific Prime’s Deputy Global CEO’s LinkedIn posts. Complemented by her background in business writing, Jantra’s passion for health, insurance, and employee benefits helps her create engaging content - no matter how complex the subject is.
Growing up as a third-culture kid has given her a multicultural perspective that helps her relate to expats and their families while 8 years of working remotely have given her unique insight into hybrid work arrangements and enthusiasm for employee benefits.
- Wellness Wednesday: Boosting Employee Well-being at Work - August 16, 2023
- What Is the Average Cost of Family Health Insurance in the UK? - August 7, 2023
- Why the World Needs More Women in the Workplace - July 21, 2023
Comments
Comments for this post are closed.