Words by Abi Scaife
So it turns out going out for a walk in the wind and rain might actually be good for your health.
No?
Yep. Walking around in the bad weather has a whole host of benefits that we're only just beginning to find out about. The first is that dirt and germs (like Covid) are instantly blown away, making them far harder to catch, which is especially great for those living in cities – that's what a 2021 study found.
I see …
And if you’re living in the countryside, or walking through somewhere with loads of greenery, you can see a similar benefit. It's thought that the sweet-smelling compounds released by trees and plants during the rain not only improves our mood but can help with respiratory health and immunity.
I’m still not convinced.
Okay, how about this? Mud contains mood-enhancing microbiomes, and also contributes to greater immunity! Not only that, but the cold activates something called ‘brown fat’ which helps prevent that pesky, artery-clogging white fat from taking hold.
But it’s so dark and gross.
Even better! Walking around in the dark helps the production of melanin, our sleep hormone. Add to that the fact that walking around helps your digestive system to get its groove on, and a post-dinner walk this winter might not be the worst thing in the world.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Good Health and Wellbeing.
