4 Reasons Why People Who Walk in the Wind and Rain Are Healthier and Happier

Sunny days are coming to an end as winter is just right around the corner.

Drizzly days are on the rise as we are to expect cozy nights and a lot of festive activities. Nothing could be further away from our thoughts than (gasp!) going out and having a walk in the cold – or worse, the rain.

Even determined people who’ve managed to keep exercising months after summer can be guilty of postponing their daily workouts at the mere sign of a hefty cloud.

No one is saying to go out while it’s pouring à la Singing in The Rain. However, those little droplets are actually good for you, with or without an umbrella.

All you need is caution and the right tools to reap all the benefits that a little wind and rain can offer.

Here are 4 ways in which walking or jogging in “bad weather” is actually beneficial to you.

#1 Fresher Air: The air is cleaner. Take a deep breath!

If getting some fresh air is one of your priorities, a rainy stroll is just the thing for you.

The sweet smell of rain hitting the soil and mingling with plants and trees is called petrichor. ¹ It’s not only good for the soul but our well-being as well.

A 2017 study suggests that frequently smelling this scent can improve our breathing, our immune system, and overall health. ²

So take a deep breath! It’s already a known fact that the air after rain is clean and fresh. ³ The wind helps disperse pollution, and every single drop of rain attracts harmful particles. 

Improved air quality and improved health. We have a lot to thank for!

A study conducted by BMC in 2021 analyzed COVID-19 transmissions during windy days. The results are clear as day: the stronger the wind, the less chance of catching it. ⁴

And we know a little breeze already has people emptying the streets. You’ll have nothing to worry about.

#2 Weight Loss: How the cold helps burn off calories

Why run on the gym’s treadmill when a feeling a little chilly outdoors can do just as much?

We have heat-producing cells called “brown fat” in our bodies. They eat up “white fat” (the kind that’s really bad for you), and the best part is that they’re activated by cold temperatures. 

A month-long study exposed men to low temperatures every day for 8 hours. While they were shivering in the beginning, soon their bodies found different ways to produce heat: by producing brown fat and burning calories. ⁵

Not only that, but the wind offers more resistance, and the cold is more demanding of both your muscles and your cardiopulmonary system.

Your body needs to work even more, even harder, to stay warm. ⁶

You’ll use more energy, improve digestion, and control your blood sugar. And all it takes is a little chilly day.

On the other end of the cold spectrum – when the air is cold and dry, we sweat more than we realize. This can lead to dehydration, so be sure to drink plenty of water while you’re out.

Also, opt for a workout program to leap your progress forward. A fully personalized workout combined with a daily meal plan is the best tool to put those cold-weather walks to good use!

#3 Sleep Quality: Saving your sleep for a rainy day

Ever wonder why so many use rain sounds to sleep better?

Sleeping is a delicate matter. Everything in your routine and environment can affect it and keep you up at night.

Rain sounds are one example of pink noise ⁷, which cancels out those annoying sounds in the background that can make sleeping difficult.

And walking by itself already has ties to sounder nights. The more steps you take, the more likely you are to have better sleep quality. ⁸

Now imagine what walking in the actual rain can do to your well-being.

Humidity is high, air pressure decreases, and the air is teeming with vapor. ⁹ All ingredients for an ultra-relaxing post-workout time.

And a guarantee to a deep and snug slumber!

#4 Mental Health: Don’t leave your emotions out in the cold

A city in the rain looks quite different than in other lights.

The cold weather is the best moment to reinvent our perception of our surroundings, especially if you’re more of a walker than a jogger.

Consider your strolls the perfect time to relax. Listen to the sounds of people and rain hitting the pavement. The already mentioned petrichor is just the cherry on top.

Reducing stress can also play a big part when you want to regulate your weight. Coupled with other emotional benefits, walking is already a great tool to reduce stress.

That sense of freedom and rebelliousness when walking or running in the rain? It’s a big release of endorphins and positive hormones ready to make you feel good!

Just remember to take a warm shower and have a hot meal or cup of tea after being in the cold for extended periods. Your body will thank you!

Reaping all the benefits of getting your feet wet

Unexpected precipitation can be fun, but for working out purposes, you better go prepared.

An insulated coat and a winter hat are always welcome to keep you warm, with a nice addition of waterproof shoes to help you avoid blisters.

And, like we mentioned before, a workout and meal plan to keep you motivated throughout the nippy nights are key to taking advantage of the weather.

But you shouldn’t follow the one-size-fits-all diets and programs we always see online. Keep reading to see why.

Calculating macros, counting calories, meal prepping, finding the most adequate exercises and a program you want to follow every day are even more complicated.

No matter if you’re a seasoned runner or a beginner, following a personalized diet and workout plan tailored just for you is the golden ticket to success.

Our best recommendation for a personalized plan is called Walking.Diet.

Everything is done for you by experts. All you need to do is fill out quick answers in a quiz and wait for your plan!

No need to worry about what to eat, how to exercise, or what to do to boost your fitness level.

Starting out a new wellness routine may give you cold feet, but a personalized program is a perfect way to make your experience much easier. 

And Walking.Diet is assured to make your journey a breeze.

Click the button below to take the Walking.Diet’s quiz. Even if you don’t want to follow through with the program, you’ll get a free health report!

Trust us! Using the right tools and walking just a few minutes regularly in bad weather can make you right as rain!