“Rain, rain, go away. Come again another day!” encapsulates the general perception of rain for millions of people. We are often showered with the idea that rain evokes only sadness, but how did we come to this conclusion? 

Psychology 

We have all slept past our early alarms for either school or work. This is often associated with the sluggishness accompanied by the dark sky, barely visible through the window. Studies suggest this lack of sunlight can lower serotonin levels, transforming our mood. Serotonin is a chemical messenger your body produces for your nervous system, affecting your mood and appetite (wexnermedical.osu.edu). While school is in session, ruining my sleep schedule because of a lack of sunlight is the last thing I need. This basically imitates the natural light that keeps you awake on a normal sunny day (thensf.org).

Culture

This association with sadness does not completely stem from what is visible to the eye. It is taught. Melodramatic movies and main characters walking in the rain during a tragic scene are part of common day life. In storytelling, rain is often used to mirror a character’s emotional state—like a protagonist walking through the rain after a breakup or a dramatic funeral scene with dark clouds overhead. We are exposed to these ideas from a very young age and have grown to accept this fact like that of the tooth fairy’s existence every time you used to lose a tooth.

Student Perspective

For many students, rain means a soaked backpack during the day and having to place a wet umbrella inside classrooms. For some in particular, it becomes somewhat of a fashion emergency. 

Aiza Sheik (10) explains her concern: “I hate when it rains because it ruins my outfits. Having to add a giant jacket over my clothes makes me feel uncomfortable and bulky. The rain also makes my day feel gloomy.”

For others, the rain is more of an olfactory pleasure. Brent Singerton (10) adds, “I just like the smell of the concrete after a heavy rain.”

Positive attributes of rain

Walking in the rain has actually been proven to decrease stress and inflammation and is a way to calm the spirit. The rain on healthy soils may decrease stress and improve your mood by 60% (ocj.com). The sound and smell of rain can have a calming effect on the mind, which can boost mood, promote relaxation, and reduce stress levels. This is called the petrichor effect, which occurs when the smell of rainfall triggers memories or emotions (verywellhealth.com).

Perspective

Rain isn’t always sad. It’s a reminder to take a break from the whirlwinds of life and to breathe in the earth’s fresh air. Although it can become an obstacle in the middle of fun outdoor plans or cause inconvenient congestion on the road, the bright side is filled with opportunity. This can mean snuggling indoors with a hot cup of coffee and a good book or watching a series on TV you haven’t had time for.  At the end of the day, it’s really a matter of perspective.