Ah, rain — so we meet again. There’s nothing like hearing raindrops on your roof or window when you’re all tucked up in your cozy home while the weather rages outside. On these gloriously gloomy days, your mind begins to wander, and the chaotic thoughts steadily cool down and then disappear altogether. Suddenly, you feel at ease — and hope it continues forever. If scrolling through this list conveys this sense of calmness and safety into your hectic life, you’re not alone in feeling this way.

"All things related to rain are welcome," the moderators state in the description. "Want to post a weather forecast? A puddle? A raindrop on a window? Does it look like it might rain soon? Or it just finished? We love the rain, and we welcome it all." And clearly, the members share the same passion.

At the time of writing, more than 413k people unite the 'Raining' community with a few dozen rain-dancing in their feed at any given moment. This refreshing outlet is the perfect place for people to express their love for rainy weather. Members share some of the most beautiful and comforting rain-related pictures ever found online, looking for refuge in this overstimulated world.

The community itself has been around for quite some time now. Ever since the first drizzling post graced the forum in 2013, it has been steadily growing and attracting rain lovers from far and wide. This unique tribe of lovely people has set out to spread the message that when things in your life seem a tad much, you have a place of solace to unwind.

Unfortunately, rain is a word that is frequently used pejoratively. After all, when people complain about bad weather, they are often referring to rain. "It’s raining again," they mumble while crawling out of bed, feeling how everything suddenly became far more demanding than it should. Weather forecasts look gloomy and show there is absolutely no good news on the horizon. And what about the days-on-end deluges that flood the yard and the streets? Let's be honest, rain isn’t something many of us celebrate.

According to a blog post on WebMD, rainy days can impact our moods. Feeling down during a downpour is not just your imagination, as bad weather can affect your emotions. "When it gets dark and dreary out, some people definitely have more susceptibility to feeling lonely or down. It’s pretty common to see a change in mood — such as feeling sadness or lower self-esteem — when it’s rainy outside," clinical psychologist Tecsia Evans, Ph.D. explained.

If you can relate, it’s best to avoid shutting off the lights and crawling back into bed during a rainstorm. Evans suggested turning the lights on instead: "There has been research that light can boost serotonin, which elevates the mood."

Another thing that could lift your spirits is to engage in pleasant activities that generally make you feel better, like watching your favorite movie or playing a game. Most importantly, if the rain gets you down, don’t isolate yourself in rainy weather, Evans warned. "When people are by themselves, it can feel like things are worse than they really are." Reach out to friends and family instead of hiding from the drizzle alone indoors. This way, your spirit is bound to get brighter — no matter how dark and bleak the weather may be.

However, for people who combat anxiety and depression, the soothing sound of the rainy static can serve as an antidote and allow their busy minds to find calm. "Rain has a regular, predictable pattern," Emily Mendez, MS, EdS, told Healthline. "Our brain processes it as a calming, non-threatening noise. Which is why there are so many relaxation and meditation videos that feature the sound of rain."

The pitter-patter of falling rain is a universally adored sound. Marianne Rizkallah, a music psychotherapist and director of North London Music Therapy, explained it has a lot to do with rain’s rhythmic qualities. It’s nature’s version of a white noise machine. It is quite consistent, predictable, and non-threatening — qualities that allow us to experience full relaxation.

"Like how music affects both the autonomic and limbic parts of our nervous system (that look after our heartbeat and emotions respectively), rainfall’s consistent, predictable sound can help regulate our nervous system’s responses," Rizkallah said. "Our minds become accustomed to the rhythmic pitter-patter quickly. It’s not too loud and doesn’t come with any big aural surprises — both things we know our brains are sympathetic to."

It appears that stepping outside the comfort of your home during rainfall can also lead to a huge change in your mood — and a positive one. This might be due to negative ions, otherwise known as the odorless, tasteless, and invisible molecules floating around in the air in certain environments. Think of finding yourself in the mountains, waterfalls, beaches, or in a thunderstorm.

According to an article on Healthline, research supports that exposure to negative ions can reduce symptoms of depression for some people, have an activating influence on some body systems and cognitive performance, and promote antimicrobial activity. A 2018 review even found that negative ionization has positive effects on different facets of human health, such as regulating sleep patterns and mood, reducing stress, and boosting immune system function.

There are many ways that rainfall affects human behavior, but there's no denying its calming effect. We would love to hear what thoughts went through your head as you scrolled through these beautiful pictures. Do you share this enthusiasm for rainy weather? Feel free to share your takes in the comments, we'd love to hear them!