The rainy season is one of the most relaxing natural events because its aroma and slight sound are capable of stimulating our nervous system, providing a calming effect. However, as soon as we see that the day is cloudy, we run to close doors and windows. Big mistake! Discover why you should open the windows when it rains.
Why is the smell of wet earth relaxing?
The smell of wet soil because of the rain has a calming effect due to its ability to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for controlling the body’s relaxation response. According to an article published by the magazine Scientific Research an Academic Publisher, listening to the sound of rain lowers cortisol levels as it is a constant and soft noise.
Although the rain favors our mood, the truth is that most of the time we run to close the windows of our home to protect furniture, appliances, or even the floor from rainwater, without knowing that we miss out on great benefits. Just as you read it! When it rains, it is recommended to open the windows even for a couple of minutes.
Why not close the windows when it rains?
Forget about closing the windows when it rains. There are several reasons why it is advisable to allow a little humidity into your home. For example, the rain has a purifying effect, therefore, it is capable of oxygenating an indoor space in minutes to renew the air in your home, but it also provides the following benefits:
– You reduce the use of air conditioning because the rain decreases the ambient temperature, as well as the humidity of the air. Therefore, by leaving the window open for a few minutes, you lower your energy consumption at home.
– It increases indoor oxygen levels and helps clean the air of polluting particles such as dust, pollen, among others, making the air healthier to breathe.
– The smell of rain relaxes the nervous system because it has a sensory stimulus to promote calm and well-being in general.
– It regulates the temperature inside your home by reducing cortisol levels, the stress hormone, preventing discomforts such as headaches, anxiety, or exhaustion in general.
When there is humidity, is it better to open or close the windows?
Whether to open or close windows totally depends on the weather conditions. For example, when the weather is humid and hot, it is better to keep the windows closed to control the indoor humidity. It would be best to use a dehumidifier.
On the other hand, during the rain or after being in dry climates, the ideal would be to open the windows to promote the circulation of fresh air inside the home.
Now that you know why you should open the windows when it rains, do not wait any longer to do it next time for a few minutes. I assure you that you will not want to miss this natural experience.