It’s Raining, It’s Pouring

With the rain battering down and thunderstorm warnings given, the weather isn’t playing the summer vibe we thought it would this weekend. We are away for the weekend to a lovely wee place, with lots of access to country walks and beautiful scenery. Away from the usual.

Just because it is raining, doesn’t mean our weekend is ruined, far from it. We have waterproof jackets so it isn’t like we can’t get out and about. It is all about having the appropriate clothes so you can stay out as long as you want to enjoy the walking.

Don’t forget your feet. Depending on where you are walking, you must make sure you have the appropriate footwear as you don’t want soggy feet.

Whilst walking in the rain may not be ideal for everyone, however, it is great for a number of reasons:

Quieter routes – If like us, you are away for the weekend and it is an area which is popular with tourists, the walking routes can become clogged with people. When the rain hits, many people want to take cover and get indoors to get out of the rain. However, this is your time to get out and enjoy the walk with less people around, so you can enjoy the peace and quiet. You could always choose a route you know is very popular when it’s dry, so you know as it’s raining there will be much less foot traffic.

Refreshing & cooling – Whilst I can really only comment on Scottish rain, despite it being warm this weekend, walking in the rain is refreshing. There is a coolness in the air as the rain falls and bounces off the ground. So whether you have an umbrella or hood up or if you like to feel the rain on your head, take a few deep breathes and enjoy.

Sound – listening to the rain and hearing it as it falls on the trees, leaves, ground etc, can be soothing and calming. Whilst you may be looking to do your walk and get back home as quickly as possible, instead if you can, and have the time, find somewhere you can shelter. Then take a few minutes to be still (sitting or standing) close your eyes and just listen to the rain. Focus on how it sounds, really listen. Breathe slow and deeply, try to make your outbreath longer than your inbreath. Does it make you feel calm?

Reduces Stress – We all know walking is good for you and being outdoors is even better in helping you to reduce stress. Walking in the rain can certainly help you to feel good for a number of reasons. When the rain drops disturbs soil, plants and/or trees it releases a compound into the air which when we breathe in can have a calming effect. You can smell it in the air – an earthy sweet scent., so take lots of deep breaths. After a rain shower there are a lot of negative air ions and they have the same affect – boosting mood and helping to reduce stress. So if this isn’t making you grab your boots and get your waterproof jacket on, then I’m not sure anything will!

Puddles – Ok so you HAVE to make sure you have waterproof footwear on before you go jumping in puddles, unless you are happy with soggy feet. But relive your childhood and jump in and out of puddles, watching the water go everywhere. Feel how satisfying and childish it is to do. Enjoy it! Why should we let the kids have all the fun? Whilst on a walk today, we passed a family with a small child wearing an all in one waterproof onesie outfit that was a dinosaur. Makes you realise children get all the fun outfits! The little boy was having the time of his life splashing in the puddles with his wellies, not a care in the world. I wonder if they make those waterproof onesies for adults?

Refreshing shower – There is nothing more satisfying after a walk in the rain. Whether you are bone dry thanks to all the waterproof gear you are wearing or you are soaked through, stripping off and jumping into a warm shower feels so good. Drying off afterwards and getting into dry clothes is always a good feeling.

The next time it is raining with you, instead of taking cover and staying inside, grab your waterproof clothing and get out there and enjoy all the benefits of walking in the rain.

Thank you for reading, have a lovely week. Take care and look after you!

Love Emma xx