If I don’t get out for a walk every day, I start feeling unwell, but this rain doesn’t stop feels like it’s lasted weeks

[Pinkspottyumbrella]

It must have only been days but it’s so heavy and goes in all day

I’ve found since lockdown I’ve got a bit hooked on a daily walk

Wind and rain doesn't cause flu.... Only the flu virus does that. Probably your visitor that's passed it on to you in that case.

Walking in the rain is even more pleasurable than a normal-weather walk, imo! You’ve really EARNED it. Waterproof trousers, decent cagoule, waterproof cover for rucksack, flask of tea, stout boots. It’s a glorious thing and I’m furious I’m currently too housebound with SPD to properly enjoy this month-long soaking.

No such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. Get some waterproofs and get out there.

@Cornishmarketingtithead and we're on Cornwall too. Just go out in the rain! Not the short apocalyptic showers we've had obv, but there's plenty of time in between those.

Download a rain radar app and you can see if there is a massive outbreak imminent.

Waterproof trousers are really cheap, although I hardly ever wear them - just change when I get home. Have a dog so 2 walks a day regardless of weather

Good waterproofs are key - look at the hydrostatic head rating when buying them - eg mine is 10,000 from mountain warehouse, 4 years old are still completely waterproof. My trousers are 5000. I use an umbrella often in addition, I have a waterproof inner liner for my day pack.

Avoid fashion brands, even those who started with technical gear are selling jackets that aren't waterproof... north face for instance!

I’m struggling a bit as well. Even with the best waterproofs it’s unpleasant when it is actually raining and icy wet water is blasting into your face! Then it’s very slippy underfoot too.

Can anyone recommend any waterproof trousers that are actually waterproof and don't cost the earth please?

As everyone has said before. A good long waterproof coat and waterproof shoes/boots are a good investment.
Buy a coat with a decent hood and decent fastenings so its big enough to keep you covered and can fasten securely so it doesnt keep blowing off when/if its windy ( I speak from experience)

Then you only have to remove your outerwear when you get in and stay nice and dry underneath.

I have dogs so spend around 3 hours a day outside regardless of weather. What happens if it rains on you? Once home you just hang up your wet clothes to dry and then put on dry ones. It's a lovely and rewarding feeling coming home after a particularly unpleasant walk. Just get appropriate clothing. I couldn't stay indoors for a whole day regardless of having dogs, I think I would feel quite sluggish.

Actually there is evidence that respiratory viruses are more prevalent in cold weather.

www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/coronavirus-why-cold-winter-weather-makes-it-harder-to-fight-respiratory-infections

look at cycling stuff or hiking stuff.
simple 'overtrousers' you can get for around 20£.

Gosh obviously fresh air aficionados aplenty - in my defence I have always opened window when on treadmill and have glorious views 😉 … well for Liverpool at least 👍🏿☘️

Here in Melbourne it's been cold and rainy since June. No lie. Bloody awful. Getting warmer and rainy though, which is an advance. I walk my dog twice a day, one short, 20-30 minutes, one long, an hour. He loves the rain, so I never have an excuse to stay in. Properly waterproof outer layers are essential otherwise it's miserable.

Agree about the rain radar, the BoM is excellent and I can nip out between bouts of rain.

A longer waterproof makes a big difference. Wet thighs are the worst bit.

There are often gaps where it's not as bad... And often if you just step outside your front door it's not nearly as bad as it looks from inside.

Lots of good advice for waterproofs at all price points, I just thought I'd mention sealskinz do waterproof hats, though they're not pretty...
Or taking out a few fleece hats and switching once they get waterlogged (they withstand a lot) would be another option.

Any recommendations for good shoes or boots that won’t cut my heels to ribbons but won’t see me going arse over tit on leaves?

A daily walk is great but if you really can’t go out for some reason then a SAD light might help too in the winter months when we have little sunshine. This can lift the mood.

I'm out every day with the dog rain or shine. Get an umbrella and you'll be fine.

Just echoing what others said: get head to toe in waterproofs & wellies, I recently started wearing a faux leather baseball cap under my hood so the rain usually avoids dripping onto my face too. Unless the rain is horizontal I can now go for my daily walk, and it's mostly still enjoyable!

Put on wind-proof and rain-proof clothing and celebrate standing up to the elements.

Take your imaginary dog :)

Dogs (noteably happy and optimistic creatures) go out in all weathers for their daily walks. Few need help with their mental health.

Wellies and raincoat and you'll be fine!

That article that was shared refers to low sunlight and low humidity and temperature being factors.
Getting out into the light is one of the best things we can do. Being in the UK, we don't have low humidity. I love a dry, crisp day.

I have hiking boots (and used 'gel-heel' socks while breaking in my tender feet) but actually wear good quality wellies with thick socks for most of my dog-walks.

(Having wet or sore feet is a miserable sensation and counters the good effects of walking.)

greenacrylicpaint thanksI'll have a look. I've got Regatta over trousers but judging by how wet my thighs and bottom were after this morning, they obviously aren't waterproof after all.