Breaking the Cycle of Negative Thoughts with Bike Rides
Apr 15, 2023
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If you struggle with mental health, you might often be looking for tips that will help you feel better. As you’ve surely seen how eating a balanced diet can help with your condition, you’ve probably also heard that regular physical activity can be very useful as well. While there are many different types of exercise you can try out, perhaps a low-impact kind would be best for you. In that case, riding a bike will be a great option to consider. Here is how you can break the cycle of negative thoughts with cycling.
What happens in our bodies when we exercise?
Let’s start by going over what happens in your body as you exercise. When you begin working out, your body will stimulate and inhibit different physiological processes. For instance, your cardio-respiratory system will work faster while the digestive one will slow down. There will be an increased blood supply to the brain, meaning that you will be more alert and block pain signals. Once you’re done exercising, the slowed-down processes will speed up and the elevated ones will slow down, as the body tries to return to normal. However, the body often overcompensates. So, instead of your blood pressure going back to normal, you might experience hypotension as a result.
What are the benefits of bike rides?
Before you can experience all the benefits of cycling, it’s important to get the right gear. As not all bikes are the same, finding a bike frame that suits you is crucial. The height, saddle, pedals, and handlebar all need to fit your body. Then, you should also think about safety equipment and invest in a high-quality helmet, gloves, lights, tire pump, and reflective apparel.
With that in mind, here are the good sides to bike rides that you can expect.
Boosted mood
Just 30 minutes of physical activity a day can have a positive impact on your mood. A recent study showed that people rated their overall mood as more content, awake, and calm right after physical activity than after inactivity. Periods of inactivity included watching TV and reading a book. Furthermore, the effect exercise had on the mood was greater when the mood was low to start with. If you’re feeling down, you can hop on your bike and explore your town for half an hour every other day. It’s sure to help.
Lowered stress
If you feel upset or threatened, your body’s way of dealing with it might be a stress response. Stress can make you feel uncomfortable and result in various physical and emotional symptoms. Some signs include sweating, sleeping problems, and loss of appetite.
What is more, your body might have a ‘fight or flight’ response, which triggers stress hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline, increases your heart rate, raises your blood pressure, and makes you perspire more. Stomach activity is also reduced while cortisol releases fat and sugar into your system in order to provide you with more energy. As physical exercise can lower levels of stress, you should consider getting a bike and pedaling around until you feel a bit calmer.
Decreased anxiety and depression levels
Standalone or in combination with medication and therapy, physical activity is a good way of treating mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. There are few side effects and there’s no stigma attached to it like there is for antidepressants, for example. It can help both reduce mild anxiety and treat clinical anxiety. A big benefit is that physical activity is available to everyone as many forms have low costs attached. While there is some investing you must do if you want to cycle, it will surely be empowering and assist you with managing your mental health problems and overall well-being.
Improved self-esteem
Your mental health can also get a boost thanks to an improved sense of self-esteem. Being able to accomplish certain goals will surely make you feel better about yourself and help you see your self-worth. Additionally, physical activity can also help you maintain physical weight, which can lead to feeling more confident in your body.
As you can see, cycling can have many benefits on your psyche. From boosting your mood to lowering anxiety and depression levels, you will surely experience various upsides to getting yourself a quality bike. Just make sure you find a bike that suits you and once it becomes a part of your daily routine, you will feel stronger than ever.
Tags: English