Top 9 Reasons Why You Should Start Cycling Now!

There are many health benefits linked to cycling. While the physical health benefits are certainly understood, there are many psychological benefits that are not yet fully understood

The mental and psychological benefits of cycling are incredibly under-publicized. In today’s modern stressful working environment, people are often looking for ways to relax their minds and take a break. From work drama, money, love and relationships, illness and family issues, the list of mental health challenges people have to endure is sometimes daunting.

Cycling, however, is an excellent way to "ride off" all of these challenges.

Whether you choose cycling to get fit, to compete, or for social reasons, riding a bike regularly is an excellent way to keep your mind and body really happy.

Top 9 Reasons You Should Start Cycling Now!

Top 8 Mental and Emotional Benefits of Riding a Bike

1. Reduce Stress

Let’s face it, life can be really demanding sometimes. Getting out on your bicycle every day helps to reduce these stresses. Not only has it been proven that cardiovascular exercise helps to reduce stress and ease anxiety, but cycling, in particular, has been said to benefit the rider’s overall state of mind.

2. Reduce the Risk of Depression

The sheer enjoyment of riding a bike can be enough to ease the mind of some of its demons and reduce the risk of depression and mental illness.

3. Sleep Better

Riders are able to get their circadian rhythm in sync by riding regularly. In addition, cycling can help to reduce levels of cortisol in the body which is a stress hormone that may block regenerative, deep sleep. It also can positively affect brain serotonin which can improve your sleep cycles.

4. Improve your Memory

As aging sets it, it is often difficult to maintain a sharp memory. Riding a bike helps to build new brain cells in the hippocampus, this is the region of the brain responsible for a person’s memory.

5. Feel Better

People who choose to cycle instead of drive gain a sense of pride by helping save the environment. Reducing your carbon footprint and avoiding adding to the world’s pollution does a wonder for making you feel good about yourself. Cyclists enjoy the benefits of a “cycling high”. Similar to a “runner’s high”, cyclists often note that the endorphins that come from the physical exercise of riding a bike make them feel happy.

6. Improves your Creative Thinking

All kinds of artists and musicians take a bike ride when they are suffering a mental block. The ability to exercise while getting fresh air helps to sharpen problem-solving skills as well as creativity. Avid cyclists note that they have an addiction to riding. This positive addiction is a great way to refocus your mind’s energy into a positive place.

7. Improves your Focus

All types of business people, artists and musicians have explained how after cycling, they have incredible focus, further fuelling their creative thinking.

8. Stay Forever Young

Research sugest that fit cyclists can have the fitness age of someone 10 years younger than them - you could live longer.

9. Boost your Productivity

Recent studies have suggested that employees who bike to work are more productive. In addition, a quick afternoon bike ride can boost your energy levels and help you have a more productive evening.

Cycling is a great sport for many reasons. Giving your mind that extra boost of positivity is important for your overall happiness. The psychological and mental advantages of riding a bike regularly are something that really helps maintain cheerfulness in our daily lives.

Top 9 Reasons You Should Start Cycling Now!