A little tip for lifting your spirits (and you might be surprised)
Well, what a lovely Summer we are having! Most days I go out for a walk, come rain or shine. Today I went for a walk and might as well not have put a coat on - I got soaked. But I didn't mind - I enjoy being out in nature, even when it’s wet.
And research suggests it’s good for our health.
Have you ever noticed the earthy smell when it rains? It’s known as petrichor and was named by two Australian researchers in the 1960s. It is caused by rainwater falling on dry soil, along with certain compounds being released like ozone, geosmin, and plant oils.
And research conducted by the University of Arizona suggests that this pleasant aroma has positive health benefits for humans. They identified a large number of volatile compounds that are released from plants before, during and after rain. Studies found that 15 of these compounds are beneficial to humans, including improving sleep patterns and reducing depression.
So next time it rains, step outside and take a good sniff. The natural ‘scent of the rain’ not only smells wonderful, but is likely to lift your spirits as well.
Here's some things to try ....
If you want to join a guided Forest Bathing session where we use our senses to 'bathe' in nature, check out the Forest Bathing and Nature Therapy page