The Importance of Rain – Love it or loathe it, we would not exist without rain.
Water is vital for sustaining life. Humans require water to survive, as water is needed for us to stay hydrated. Plants and animals are also heavily dependent on rain to thrive and survive.
Rain and snow are key elements in the Earth’s water cycle. Rainfall is the main way that the water in the skies comes down to Earth, where it fills our lakes and rivers and recharges the underground aquifers.
If you are one of the lucky ones who loves the rain and finds joy and peace of mind during rainy days, you are part of a special group of people known as pluviophiles.
If you’re a pluviophile, not only are you joyful when it rains, the chances are that you’re a more pleasant person the rest of the time as well. Here are a few reasons why people who enjoy the rain may be happier in life:
They Tune into their Senses
People who love rain bask in their experiences. They can describe the rain in vivid detail, from the mesmerizing pitter-patter sound to the hypnotic way each drop magnifies and changes the scenery on the other side of the windowpane.
Petrichor is the smell of rain. The word comes from the Greek words ‘petra’, meaning stone, and ‘ichor’, which in Greek mythology refers to the golden fluid that flows in the veins of the immortals. This is something pluviophile’s highly appreciated – the scent of a fresh storm.
With the sense of touch, pluviophiles appreciated the delicious feel of water dripping down their skin and even knew the taste of fresh drops of rain as they fell from the sky.
Happiness and Health
Some psychologists argue that because our brain craves sensory input. The sound of rain or a thunderstorm can appease the brain’s demands, which then calms us down.
For a more scientific approach, waterfalls, ocean waves and rainstorms all make negative ions. You cannot see, smell, or touch these microscopic particles but we can inhale them. Some believe that when negative ions reach our bloodstream they create a chemical reaction, thereby alleviating feelings of stress and anxiety. These ions can significantly improve the nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems, helping people feel more comfortable and relaxed.
Is it in our DNA?
Some scientists believe that we inherited our affection for the scent of rain from our distant ancestors who relied on rainy weather for their survival. Whatever the reason, the scent of rain just after a hot or dry spell is something many of us look forward to.
Pink Noise for a Better Night’s Sleep
Pink noise is a sonic hue or colour noise, it is a constant sound in the background that filters out things that distract you, like people talking or cars going by, so they don’t interrupt your sleep. You may also hear it called ambient noise. When you hear steady rain, waves on a beach or rustling leaves, you’re listening to pink noise it may help people relax for sleep by masking bothersome sounds.
Studies are limited, but pink noise may also boost your memory!
From our drizzly April showers to the severe downpours that follow rumblings of thunder, rain is a lifeline for supporting crop growth across the world. It is associated with the phenomena of atmospheric cleaning, targeting pollution build-ups found in our towns and cities and many people take comfort from the sound and appearance of rain.
So, now that we’ve learnt the value of a downpour, it’s time to seize the day — whatever the weather!
Lilly Light