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Michael uncovers why going for a walk on a rainy day could improve your mood and even give your immune system a boost!

Get that brolly out! It may feel deeply counter-intuitive - but rainy days could offer a host of health and mood-lifting benefits. Rain improves air quality, literally washing fine particulate pollution away, and rainfall also releases Geosmin, a fragrant compound which is linked with relaxation and increased serotonin levels. What鈥檚 more, Professor Michael Terman, from Columbia University in New York, introduces Michael to negative air ions created after rainfall. He is researching how high levels of negative ions could potentially reduce stress, stave off depression and maybe even boost your immune system. Meanwhile, our volunteer Dennis steps outside and embraces the rain.

New episodes will be released on Wednesdays, but if you鈥檙e in the UK, listen to new episodes, a week early, first on 大象传媒 Sounds: bbc.in/3zqa6BB

Producer: Nija Dalal-Small
Science Producer: Catherine Wyler
Assistant Producer: Gulnar Mimaroglu
Trainee Assistant Producer: Toni Arenyeka
Executive Producer:: Zoe Heron
A 大象传媒 Studios production for 大象传媒 Sounds / 大象传媒 Radio 4.

Available now

14 minutes

On radio

Sunday 19:45

Broadcasts

  • Wed 1 Nov 2023 09:30
  • Sunday 19:45

My five tips to improve your sleep

My five tips to improve your sleep

Struggling with sleep? Try Michael Mosley's suggestions for relaxing and dropping off.

Podcast