Rainfall Reflections : The Role of Water in Mental Health

In the previous blog, I discussed gardening as therapy in this series. This time, let’s take a look at water as a part of nature and its effect on our mental health. As we all know, water plays a very crucial role in our lives. But the question that arises here is, does water really play a role in shaping our mental health? Well, studies say that it definitely does!

Have you noticed how our shoulders just drop at the sound of rain? Or how our body feels instantly relaxed after a warm bath, or a walk by a lake? Water does something to us, something ancient, instinctive, and deeply therapeutic. With the rainy season around the corner, this might be the perfect time to pay attention to how water, especially rain, can ground, soothe, and even provide emotional release.

In our daily lives, where we are often so busy, the presence of water can offer calm. It can be in any form; lakes, rivers, showers, rains or even a glass of water. In this piece, we’ll explore how water interacts with our mental health, particularly through the sensory and symbolic lens of rain. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or just longing for a pause, you can find comfort in the rhythm of raindrops.

Before we delve into this, let’s understand the psychology of water. Why is it so special, and what makes it so calming?

Water isn’t just visually beautiful. It impacts our brain and nervous system in measurable ways. We, as humans, are evolutionarily drawn towards the natural elements, especially water. Our bodies are 60% water, and we have always depended on its presence for survival. This biological tie translates into emotional comfort. Being near water often tells our subconscious brain that it is safe and abundant. This phenomenon is called the Biophilia Hypothesis. The hypothesis states that humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life. One of the most familiar water experiences which we have is rain. It's the most accessible water experience we have, and its mental health benefits are surprising.

• Rain sounds are used in white noise machines and mindfulness apps for a reason. They often mimic the patterns which our brains associate with safety as well as sleep.
• Rain engages soft fascination, which is a term which suggests that natural elements like flowing water gently capture our attention. Unlike scrolling through the phone or dealing with deadlines, observing water restores our mental focus without overstimulating or draining us. It is an engagement which makes our mind feel at rest. 

Therapy often teaches us how to ground ourselves using the five senses. Water can be one of the most versatile tools, which can activate different senses at the same time.  A warm shower or bath can help relieve muscle tension and release oxytocin (the bonding hormone). Cold water exposure can activate alertness and emotional reset because it stimulates the vagus nerve. Swimming as an activity is a combination of movement, deep breathing, and sensory immersion, which is an ideal recipe for mindfulness. 

And water doesn’t just soothe the senses. It also soothes our emotional world. Oftentimes, rain is associated with the cleansing of emotions. Just like our tears express the emotions that we feel on the inside, rain expresses the sky’s emotional overflow. Crying itself has its therapeutic effects, as it releases tension from our body and helps us to process emotions like grief and trauma. For many people, the sound or sight of rain may bring out hidden feelings - grief, nostalgia, longing or quiet comfort.

Have you noticed how often we say "it feels like the sky is crying.” Rain becomes that gentle external factor which reminds us of letting go of the emotions which we hold for a long period of time. It is as if the world pauses, slows down and gives us that space to finally feel. For those who find difficulty in being vulnerable, the privacy of rain can act as a safe space, which seems protective and accepting.

For a country where much of our population is connected to agriculture, the first rains are a deeply emotional connection. The season of monsoon brings hope, joy and celebration in rural and urban areas alike.

• Farmers wait for the rains with prayers because it signals the beginning of the sowing season, especially for crops like rice, millets, and pulses.
• Folk songs and poetry often capture the essence of the rains beautifully, which include verses that romanticise the smell of wet earth and the sound of rain.

Rain often becomes a metaphor for prosperity, abundance and new beginnings, which draws parallels to how we as individuals grow through our inner monsoons. Not only that, but Indian music, cinema, and dance also link monsoon to longing and romance. In Bollywood, rain scenes are often depicted accompanied by some emotional turning points. This also symbolises vulnerability and emotional intensity. In many Indian spiritual philosophies, rain is equated with cleansing the mind and soul, washing away the dust of ego, attachment, or past burdens. The Ayurveda recommends rituals during the monsoon to rebalance the body and mind, as this season is seen as one of deep internal flux. 

Just as the rain nourishes the soil for a richer harvest, understanding our emotions in the form of downpours- be it sadness, grief or tears- makes a space for healing and insight. In this way, Indian culture gently reminds us: don’t shy away from the rain, embrace it, dance with it.

Rain offers a natural opportunity to slow down and ground yourself. Here’s how to use this season in a way that promotes better mental health:

• Drink water slowly and mindfully, and feel it nourish your body. Even mild dehydration can increase symptoms of anxiety and depression. With cooler weather, we often forget to hydrate, so let the sound of rain be your reminder to replenish from within.
• Step outside into the rain, safely and intentionally. Letting a few drops fall on your skin can be refreshing. Feel the temperature, hear the sounds, and take a deep breath.
• Rain walk meditation: A stroll with an umbrella, observing how rain touches leaves, puddles form, and the air smells.
• Watch rain from a window: A mindful practice in stillness and sensory anchoring.
• Create a cosy space: Make tea, listen to rain sounds, wrap yourself in a blanket, and journal.

Rain doesn’t just cool the earth, it also soothes the nervous system. Studies have shown that being near water, or even listening to water sounds, can lower cortisol and stabilise mood. And in many people's lived experience, rain brings calm. Whether you step into the rain or simply watch it fall, the monsoon becomes an emotional regulator, slowing racing thoughts, softening anxieties, and bringing inner quiet.

Rain often bookmarks our most tender memories. Perhaps it reminds you of walking to school under a shared umbrella, or crying silently while it poured outside. And so, water becomes not only a grounding element but a bridge to stories, emotions, and personal meaning.

Take a moment to reflect:

Can you recall a time when you were caught in the rain, or stood still, just watching it fall?

What season of your life were you in?

What did that moment make you feel? What did it wash away? What did it leave behind?

As the rains arrive, let them be more than just weather—let them be medicine. Let them remind you to pause, breathe, hydrate, feel, and release.

In many cultures, rain is a symbol of cleansing and renewal. It blurs the noise of the world, giving you a moment to return inward. Just like emotions, rain can come in waves—unexpected, overwhelming, and yet, always passing.

Let the rain soften you, not drown you. Let it teach you to flow.

And hey, this series isn’t over yet. We’ll keep deep diving into nature therapy. Stay tuned!