Lifting the mood

[Mark_Robson]

In a word..... Yes

 

[Moodyman]

However, I think the endorphin case is overstated. My understanding is that they are only produced at extreme levels of exertion; that they're essentially the body's natural painkiller, released in marathon runners when they hit 'the wall', for example.

You're right...kinda. Runner's high is driven by a high level of endorphin. In tests runner's high started after an hour of continuous high exertion.

But, as Fiona says, lower level of endorphins kick in a lot earlier - but you really need to push yourself - e.g an intense 20-30-minute run.

But it's not just endorphins that make us feel good. Exercise via sweat and the internal boost to metabolism gets rid of a lot of the toxins in our bodies, hence why we often feel lighter and fresher after a good workout.

 

[Sarah79]

As someone who is no stranger to Black Dogs of the real and virtual variety I'd be interested in other Cycle Chatter's experiences.

Another Black Dog sufferer over here. Yes, when I cycle, I feel better. I did 30 minutes yesterday, just on my fixie, and the physicality involved, the glow that rose to my face, the sweat beating down all over me, took away some of what I was feeling. And I sleep better. And feel I'm doing something for myself. However crap my reality may be, when I cycle, I somehow move away from it. When it comes to the great outdoors, that too, yes, helps me. All over, I've not found anything else - apart from rock-climbing which is a lot more 'fits and starts' than cycling - that has that 'wipeout' effect on my mind. I love it!

 

[ColinJ]

When I actually manage to get out cycling, it really helps me but I'm struggling to find the motivation to do it.

That is one reason why I organise so many forum rides. We have a good one coming up on Sunday in the Yorkshire Dales and I'm looking forward to it, but I know that I'm not really fit enough for it. It will probably half kill me but at least I'll be out in some beautiful countryside with some nice people, and I know I'll sleep well on Sunday night!

 

[Mac66]

Today it was raining heavily like a rainy thing and blowing like a blowy thing.

With my waterproofs on for the commute, I thought I'd take it more slowly than usual, not fight the wind, spin slowly in a low gear and I really enjpyed it.

The air having that wet soil type of smell, watching the clouds, listening to the rain, it was just great to be outdoors in nature.

I don't always feel that way in the rain, but today there was just acceptance.

 

[Andrew_P]

Cycling has become the antedote for so many things. Stress defintely reduces on cycling days, diet for some really strange reason I do not desire crappy food on cycling days. General mood elevation a sense of achivement.

I cycle to commute for fitness but the side benefits are huge, it should be put on prescription.

The only downside is the guilt on non cycling days and gorging on all those foods I didn't really fancy when cycling. If I could cure the latter I think I have cracked it!

 

[Michiel]

When I actually manage to get out cycling, it really helps me but I'm struggling to find the motivation to do it.

That sounds so familiar.I as well, feel a lot better when I have been out and about cycling, but finding the energy and motivation to get ready and just get out there sometimes feels greatly lacking. I easily spend an hour or so doing the "shall I, shan't I, should really but ..." game before usually the missus decides to kick me out of the house

And then she complains when I go on a three hour trip! Can't win