While traditional mental health support, such as therapy, medication, and mindfulness, can significantly improve emotional well-being, you may want to try a different approach in addition to your self-care routine that can promote community, enrichment, and stress relief. One of the most recommended activities to improve mental health, physical health, and community is bike riding. While cycling offers many physical health benefits from regular rides, you’ll also see a surprising amount of extra perks for your mental health. It’s a unique activity that can serve as a combination of exercise, socialization, mental health relief, exposure to nature, and a fun hobby all in one. If you’re looking for some beneficial habits to add to your self-care or wellness routine, you may just find that cycling is the solution you’ve been needing.
Exercise and Movement
Cycling is one of the most accessible forms of exercise, as it’s easier on your joints than high-impact options, such as running. It’s also a rhythmic exercise that helps naturally reduce stress hormones in the body, including cortisol and adrenaline. Exercise in general helps release feel-good hormones, from serotonin to dopamine. As your body works hard to exercise on your bike, you’ll have a good outlet for anger, stress, and sadness. Tiring yourself out through a workout like biking allows your mind to focus on the ride and recovery instead of lingering thoughts that affect your stress. As you take care of your physical health, you’re less likely to feel stressed about it. Biking can help reduce inflammation throughout the body, easing some symptoms of chronic pain or autoimmune conditions that lead to excessive mental stress.
Exposure to Nature
Cycling outside through bike trails or city streets exposes you to the mental health benefits of nature. Good air quality and natural light benefit your body, including easier breathing, lower blood pressure, improved circadian rhythm, and better immunity, all of which can help decrease stress levels. The sights and sounds of nature are immersive and can help you focus on the present moment, grounding you from lingering thoughts of anxiety. Spotting beautiful scenery in nature or around the city is a natural mood-booster as well.
“Cycling High”
Just like a “runner’s high,” cycling can give you a natural feeling of euphoria. Physical activity combined with the sense of accomplishment from your ride can naturally boost hormones that make you feel great. A continuous exposure to these hormones can help you more easily manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. A better balance of chemicals in your brain is the key to excellent mental health.
Better Sleep
As cycling is a form of physical activity, it can leave you feeling tired after each ride. A healthy dose of fatigue after physical activity can help you fall asleep faster, giving your body more much-needed sleep and recovery after your bike ride. Cycling outside promotes your body’s natural circadian rhythm from exposure to sunlight, which can help you fall asleep and stay asleep at night. You’re more likely to sleep more deeply, which can help you feel more refreshed when you wake up in the morning. There’s a reason sleep deprivation is a form of torture; it plays a large role in worsening mental health. Sleeping well is a natural treatment for your mind.
Mindfulness and Meditation
During a good bike ride, you’re focused on pedaling, steering, and the world around you, which provides an excellent environment to practice mindfulness or meditation. Mindfulness involves focusing on the current moment to allow lingering negative thoughts to pass. Cycling creates a natural meditative state by giving you something to focus on (pedaling) in a calming environment. States of mindfulness can be rare during busy or distracting moments, but they can provide an excellent outlet for tough emotions and help you relieve daily stress.
Recognizing emotions and your reactions to them is a fundamental lesson in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), often used by therapists to help manage symptoms of mental health conditions like anxiety. For those who have trouble with the stillness of traditional meditation settings, cycling provides a form of active meditation, where the repetition of exercise allows you to calm your mind.
Potential Social Connection
Cycling often comes with some excellent socialization opportunities. Many cyclists are passionate about the sport, forming biking clubs in their local communities that promote connection and belonging. Group rides or races are also very common in the sport, fostering healthy competition and community. It’s easy to feel lonely or isolated in the “real world” when we’re so attached to screens and independence. Joining a biking community can help you practice social ties that offer many mental health benefits. There is even evidence that socializing improves cognitive function in the brain, decreasing the chances of memory problems later in life. Social community can help mitigate the effects of mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, as well.
Sustainability
Bike riding promotes a sustainable, long-term habit. It is an accessible activity, as bikes range from a variety of price points that are affordable for those at all income levels. You can ride a bike practically anywhere, making it travel-friendly. It’s also beginner-friendly, as it doesn’t require a lot of physical strength or endurance for quick rides on flatter terrain. Bike clubs are also widespread, making it easier to find community even during a move. Additionally, it can provide an affordable and accessible method of transportation. For these reasons, it’s easy to fall into a consistent and sustainable cycling routine, promoting long-term physical and mental benefits of its use.
Things to Consider
There are some cities where bicycle accidents are common, so you’ll need to exercise caution in these urban areas. In New York, motorists often strike cyclists due to a blind spot while making a left turn. The city of Chicago sees a lot of accidents due to dooring, or opening car doors into a cyclist’s riding path, according to prominent Chicago bike injury lawyers. While you’ll still reap plenty of the mental health benefits of cycling in these busy streets, be sure to wear safety gear such as helmets and look out for other drivers at all times. If you end up in any type of biking accident, seek medical attention immediately. For those with mobility problems, cycling may not be the best option. Explore what works best for your mobility level and comfort if cycling proves inaccessible.
Conclusion
Bike riding is a sustainable way to get around, enjoy more nature, and meet local cyclists in your community. It’s also excellent for both your physical and mental health. Biking promotes active meditation, natural feel-good hormones, and reduced pain and inflammation in the body. You’re more likely to get better sleep at night, and you can enjoy the mental health benefits that exercise brings. If you’re looking for an affordable and fun way to improve your mental and physical health, you may want to give bike-riding a try. It’s low-impact and less intimidating for people of many different mobility levels. Keep in mind that cycling, like anything else, isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution; if you find it too difficult, unrewarding, or unsafe for your location, there are many options out there to keep your body and mind strong.
