My mental health struggles intensified during my teenage years. Although I was always a sensitive child, I first noticed signs of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) around the age of 11. I would repeatedly check the front door multiple times each night, silently apologise to strangers in case I had offended them, and perform all these actions in sets of three. Episodes of depression, severe anxiety, and occasional panic attacks have recurred throughout my life. By the time I pursued postgraduate psychology research at Cambridge University, I experienced prolonged bouts of severe depression that left me completely incapacitated. I persevered in an era when discussing emotions was uncommon, but I have since been formally diagnosed with major depressive disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, and OCD.
Seasonal Affective Disorder and the Power of Weather
I also suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression linked to reduced sunlight and lower dopamine levels during darker winter months. For me, SAD begins in July as soon as the perpetual twilight vanishes from my home in the Sidlaw Hills of eastern Scotland. Given these challenges, it may be surprising that I have experienced significant mental and physical benefits from so-called ‘bad weather’—rain, hail, wind, and snow. Research supports this notion, showing that such conditions can enhance cognition, immunity, cardiovascular health, and optimism. These insights inspired me to write a book on the subject, drawing on my dual expertise as a psychology professor and a weather enthusiast who has meticulously recorded local weather patterns for 30 years.
Rain: A Natural Stress Reliever
Rain is a comprehensive health booster, particularly for stress. Its predictable sound pattern resembles ‘pink noise’, which promotes relaxation and healthy sleep. Studies indicate that pink noise shifts brain waves toward relaxation patterns, and hearing rain reduces pain and stress. Rain also boosts immunity: when raindrops hit dry soil, they release compounds like geosmin, which enhance immune function, reduce inflammation, and increase serotonin levels. Additionally, a 2014 study of Japanese bank workers found that productivity rose significantly on rainy days, with a one-inch increase in rainfall correlating to 1.3% less time per transaction. The researchers suggested that sunny weather distracts workers with thoughts of outdoor activities.
Thunderstorms: Invigorating and Ionising
I find thunderstorms exhilarating due to nature’s raw power. They also generate negative ions in the air, which accumulate near the ground after lightning. Negative ions can kill airborne mould, bacteria, and viruses, remove particulate matter, and alleviate allergies. Research, including a 2018 study in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, shows that negative ions improve nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory function by reducing inflammation. A 2013 review linked high negative ion levels to reduced depression, particularly SAD, possibly by boosting serotonin and promoting relaxation.
Wind: Clearing the Mind
I vividly recall birdwatching in North Wales during 60mph winds—both frightening and awe-inspiring, it truly cleared my mind. A 2024 paper in NeuroLaunch suggested that wind on the skin increases serotonin and dopamine, enhancing mood.
Snow: A Reframing Experience
In the winter of 2010, I was overwhelmed by work, research, supervision, and writing a book. Then it snowed intermittently for 11 days. Despite the snow reaching above my Wellington boots, my spirits lifted with each snowfall. I felt rejuvenated and ready to face the world again. This was a classic ‘reframing’—changing one’s perspective through nature. Snow is especially powerful: fresh snow reflects over 80% of light, compared to 25% for grass. While light boxes for SAD emit 10,000 lux, a snowy landscape on a bright day measures around 20,000 lux, nearly matching a summer day. Snow also muffles sound, reducing sensory input and inducing serenity. Additionally, friction between ice crystals increases negative ion concentration near the ground, further benefiting mood and health.
Professor Trevor Harley is Emeritus Professor of Psychology at the University of Dundee. Adapted from Head In The Clouds (DK Red, £16.99), published May 21. To order a copy for £15.29 (offer valid to 30/05/26; UK P&P free on orders over £25) visit mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937.
