Mental health problems are rampant in the UK – but many of us are dealing with our problems with the help of a handful of effective interventions. These include meditative practices, creative outlets, and exercise.
Cycling is among the most popular and effective ways to meet mental health challenges. Let’s take a look at why.
The mental health ride: how cycling supports emotion and mind
Like any other form of exercise, cycling promotes mental health by increasing the flow of oxygen to the brain, and promoting the release of mood-enhancing hormones like serotonin and dopamine. It reduces your risk of dementia, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes – to name but a few benefits.
The practice also reduces your reliance on other forms of transport. If you’re feeling frustrated about sitting in traffic each morning, or being crammed into a crowded tube carriage, then the switch to a bike might be exactly what’s required. Research in the UK has recently demonstrated a link between cycling and a 15% reduction in prescriptions for antidepressants and anxiolytics.
From trauma to traction: cycling in recovery and rehabilitation
If you’ve recently been through a traumatic experience, then cycling can provide a powerful means of pushing your recovery onwards. You might regain a sense of physical capability and self-sufficiency, which can be pivotal after a major setback or emotional shock.
The community ride: connection, camaraderie and shared journeys
You might think of cycling as a functional, solitary pursuit: something that we do in order to get from home to work and back again, while burning a few calories along the way.
But the truth is that cycling with the right group can provide a social outlet that’s intensely therapeutic. Find a group that fits with your level of experience and fitness, and your schedule, and you might gain exactly the support you need.
Navigating risk and resilience: cycling, safety and what happens when things go wrong
Cycling, statistically speaking, isn’t a dangerous activity. But there still exists a non-zero degree of risk. Commuter cyclists, for example, face a higher risk of injury than motorists.
Seeking compensation after a bicycle accident can be pivotal in kick-starting a recovery, and getting yourself back in the saddle. A better approach, of course, is to take safety seriously, and adopt a few precautions that might help you avoid a collision in the first place.
Integrating cycling into your life as therapy: tips and routines
Getting yourself into the saddle consistently means making a bike ride part of your day. If you have a place to go, like a workplace, then this might be easy. If you don’t, then setting up a schedule and sticking to it can help you get the best from your bike. Cycling through a natural environment, or picking a route that fits your abilities, might make you more likely to stick to the pastime.
