Most people learn to ride a bike at a young age and never forget how to do it, as the saying goes. So many people take part in cycling as its not that hard once you have learned and you can go at whatever pace you like. Incredibly, there is also strong evidence to suggest that cycling is a very effective way of reducing the symptoms of depression and get you back on your feet again. So why is that cycling is so good for your mental health?
Outdoors. To kick things off, most bike riding happens in the great outdoors. Research has proved that people recover much better when they are in open spaces and are meeting other people in the outside world. Further more, you breathe in fresh air and see some wonderful surroundings on bike rides, which all helps to perk you up a bit. Bikes are also a great deal easier to transport than other outdoor equipment for example used kayaks or surfboards.
Feeling better on the outside. Depression can be linked to many things, but it is often a difficult hole to get out of. When you are depressed you tend to care less about your appearance and may put on weight, leading to a further drop in mood. Because cycling is an aerobic activity, it helps to reduce fat in the body very effectively and also improves muscle tone. Often people who start to feel better about their appearance, also start to feel better inside as well as their confidence grows.
Endophines. Exercise, and especially cycling, has been proven to release feel-good hormones into the body called endorphins. These little endorphins work to increase the amount of energy the body has, reduce feelings of anxiety and worry, and generally make you feel good. It really is no surprise that many people turn to exercise first to help them get though difficult times. So if you’re feeling a bit low, find a pair of second hand bikes and go for a ride with a friend or partner.
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