If you’ve ever snuggled up in bed on a Sunday morning listening to the pouring rain and felt calmer than a sleeping baby, then you might be curious to find that you were in fact practicing the latest wellness trend.
The trend in question, Thunder Therapy, is part of a broader up-and-coming mindfulness practice that aims to reduce stress and anxiety.
According to a 2016 study by researchers at the Brighton and Sussex Medical School, natural sounds like rainfall, rustling leaves and babbling streams physically alter neural pathways in our brains, helping us to reach a calmer state of mind.
The study showed that those who listened to artificial sounds had patterns of inward-focused attention, linked to conditions such as depression, anxiety and PTSD.
But those who listened to nature sounds encouraged more external-focused attention, indicating higher levels of relaxation.
Just like any other natural elements such as the rain or wind, listening to the simulated sounds of thunder can have a calming effect on those suffering from anxiety-related conditions.
Luckily, you don’t have to sit and wait for the next thunderstorm to test out the soothing properties of thunder, as there are a range of apps available to download from the comfort of your own bed, such as RainyMood.
You can also head to YouTube to find videos of real or simulated storms at a range of intensities, whether you fancy soft rainfall or deep rumbling thunder.
Finally, a reason to celebrate the unpredictable British weather.