How Can Rain Improve Your Mood?
Created By RISC | 3 months ago
Last modified date : 3 months ago
Imagine rain pouring down the window and raindrops beating on the ground with a fresh scent in the air… Ever wondered why you feel great when it rains?
These sensory impressions alter our mood and well-being. You might see rain as an obstacle to your daily routine, creating delays and difficulties. Rain can also cause affect serotonin through overcast skies and lack of sunlight, as mentioned in a previous article (read more at https://www.risc.in.th/knowledge/does-the-rain-make-you-lonely). But studies show that rain also boosts our mental and physical wellness.
Let's look at how rain impacts us, with a focus on the olfactory and auditory sensory experiences.
Let's start with the sense of smell. The fresh fragrance of rain or dirt rising from the soil is known as petrichor and was identified by Australian scientists in 1964. Petrichor contains several key components, including ozone, geosmin, and several plant oils.
Streptomyces, a type of bacterium found in soil, produces geosmin. When rain falls and contacts the ground, it releases bacterial spores and geosmin molecules into the air. This makes us conscious of the fragrance. In addition, plant oils produced during the dry season are discharged into the atmosphere. The study discovered that this rain scent can produce feelings of peace, reduce tension, and enhance relaxation and connection with nature.
The sound of rain also has a positive impact through our auditory sense. Rain typically has a steady rhythm, melody, and frequency. It is classified as pink or white noise. Such sounds help to hide background noise, allowing us to focus on the current moment. According to the study, listening to natural noises such as rain can improve concentration, reduce tension and anxiety, and promote tranquility, relaxation, and better sleep.
Many artists, writers, and musicians have drawn inspiration from the rain. This is because the rain sound stimulates creativity and concentration. Research also shows that listening to rain sounds while completing arithmetic problems reduces calculation time and enhances computation efficiency more than a silent atmosphere. This suggests that the rain sound reduces external distractions, improves attention, and promotes brain function.
Rain not only influences surface senses that increase perception and performance, but also cools temperatures. A study discovered that high temperatures (above 32.22°C) and low temperatures (below 10°C) reduce the brain's ability to process information and make decisions. As a result, colder temperatures generated by rain are ideal for work and can boost creativity and problem-solving abilities.
As we can see, rain influences both our bodies and our emotions. It’s not just a natural occurrence but also provides inspiration and relaxation. Let's enjoy the rainy season and its positive vibes.
Story by Sittha Preedapirat, Senior Researcher, Brain Computer Interface, Happiness Science Hub, RISC
References:
1. https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-44904298
2. Amiri, M. J., Sadeghi, T., & Bonabi, T. N. (2017). The effect of natural sounds on the anxiety of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Perioperative Medicine, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13741-017-0074-3
3. Bentley, P. R., Fisher, J. C., Dallimer, M., Fish, R. D., Austen, G. E., Irvine, K. N., & Davies, Z. G. (2022). Nature, smells, and human wellbeing. Ambio, 52(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-022-01760-w
4. Pilcher, J. J., Nadler, E., & Busch, C. (2002). Effects of hot and cold temperature exposure on performance: a meta-analytic review. Ergonomics, 45(10), 682–698. https://doi.org/10.1080/00140130210158419
5. Proverbio, A. M., De Benedetto, F., Ferrari, M. V., & Ferrarini, G. (2018). When listening to rain sounds boosts arithmetic ability. PloS One, 13(2), e0192296. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0192296
6. Yoon, H., & Baek, H. J. (2022). External Auditory Stimulation as a Non-Pharmacological Sleep Aid. Sensors, 22(3), 1264. https://doi.org/10.3390/s22031264