Everybody knows that regular cycling is a healthy habit. It can prove to be highly beneficial for your physical health. But what about your mental wellbeing?
In this article we’re going to discuss how cycling affects your brain and understand it’s nitty-gritties. So, let’s get started!
Cycling Improves Your Mood
Have you ever heard of cycling being referred to as a drug? Well, that is exactly the case. However, needless to say, cycling is a way better habit than indulging in intoxication of any kind that could harm your body.
Our bodies contain cannabinoid receptors. These are usually designed to detect tetrahydrocannabinol in certain cannabis-based items like marijuana. They’re connected to a lipid mediator compound called Anandamide.
Regular aerobic exercise via swimming, running, or cycling is shown to increase Anandamide in our system. This causes something called “cycling high.” This basically means that you’re in a better mood. Plus, it improves your cardiovascular health, which is great for your long-term well-being
Cycling Repels Depression and Anxiety and Improves Self-Esteem
Do you suffer from depression or anxiety? Have you sometimes experienced short bursts of sadness and melancholy wash over you from time to time? Well, whenever you do feel this way, consider hopping on your bike.
Cycling is known to increase the levels of serotonin and dopamine in your body which can surely lift your spirits. These are neurotransmitters that determine how we deal with stress in our day to day lives.
Cycling also increases and catalyzes the production of hormones called endorphins. This makes us feel happier and more fulfilled which contributes to the cycling high we discussed earlier. You can finally bid farewell to your depression and anxiety and start embracing positivity.
Cycling Boosts Your Brain Health
Like everything else in your body, your brain isn’t eternal. It has a limited lifespan which keeps decreasing as you grow older. Thankfully, cycling helps to decelerate this process and prolong it’s life.
When you pedal your bike, you’re letting blood flow to your brain, giving it a healthy dose of oxygen and nutrients. This helps your brain regrow neurons and create connections between them.
Additionally, your body’s ability to produce protein is stimulated, which causes the growth of new brain cells to be three to four times faster and more efficient than that of an inert person.
This can have a tremendous effect on people with Parkinson’s, a disease that affects the hippocampus, a part of your brain that is responsible for memory and emotions.
This is also great news for those who get easily distracted. Biking has also been shown to improve focus and concentration, the likes of which you could never receive from any medication out there.
Biking Allows You an Opportunity to Socialize and Bond With Others
When you’re all geared up and ready to set off on a cycling adventure, why not make it a social activity. Sometimes your sadness can be accredited to loneliness and lack of socialization. Cycling acts as an excuse to bond with strangers, friends or families.
Invite friends or family members to join you on your bike rides. Not only will you be getting exercise, but you’ll also have the chance to connect with others, which is another great way to improve your mood. Sharing the experience can make it more enjoyable and give you the motivation to keep going.
So, the next time you’re looking for a way to turn a bad day around, consider bicycling. It’s a simple, fun, and effective way to help you feel happier. Give it a try and see how it can make a difference in your life!
Tips to Maximize the Positive Effects of Cycling
Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of cycling on your emotional and mental health and well-being, it’s time to proceed to a few things you should remember the next time you wish to ride your bike.
Connect with Nature and the Outdoor World
Many people believe that indoor cycling suffices to help us grasp the true idea of what it means to cycle. But that isn’t the case.
Apart from it’s invaluable role of bettering ones physical and mental health, cycling allows cyclists an opportunity to connect with nature and realize it’s boundless beauty. Plus, spending time in nature is known to lower stress levels and promote happiness and positivity.
Pick and Maintain the Flow
Every person is different, with varying needs, preferences, and physical and mental thresholds. This is why it’s important for you to find your own flow.
When you’re on the road, make sure to release the right number of hormones for your body. Making cycling too challenging might be counterintuitive as it causes an overproduction of adrenaline. This results in anxiety, making the body less likely to absorb essential neurochemicals.
Research suggests that 30-60 minutes of steady riding is ideal to maximize the benefits of the sport. When we hit this sweet spot, our prefrontal cortex gets turned off. This causes us to focus on riding, which melts away any worries, troubles, or distractions.
Your Physical Health and Mental Well-Being Matters
So there you go! A complete guide to understand how cycling can affect a person’s brain. Like many aerobic exercises, cycling can get your blood pumping, make you feel more content and excited, and elevate your brain function.
Soon enough, your cycling pursuits will earn you a healthier brain, a better physique, and a happier countenance. Just wait and see!
