The psychological benefits of cycling. (Or any exercise, really.)

[Jon George]

Whilst my primary profession is writing, I've had a little part-time job for a number of years and I'm afraid it is currently inducing a level of how-much-of-this-nonsensical-crap-am-I-prepared-to-take stress that I am uncomfortable with. In fact, I'm wasting so much time thinking about it, I'm occasionally becoming morose.
Until I go cycling, that is.
I went out this morning for my usual Sunday spin - longer and less frenetic than my daily cardio thrashes - and, as expected, fifteen minutes into the ride I was enjoying myself, admiring the countryside, and whistling a Cliff Richard tune that I just couldn't get out of my head. I know it's a natural high, a consequence of exercise, but somehow, being on a bike makes it a little more satisfying. I'm glad to have become addicted.
Even if I'm regularly battered about the face by a stiff breeze.

 

[cosmicbike]

Works the same for me. Long, stressful hours and plenty of on the job grief. All melts away after a couple of miles.

 

[ScotiaLass]

Whilst my primary profession is writing, I've had a little part-time job for a number of years and I'm afraid it is currently inducing a level of how-much-of-this-nonsensical-crap-am-I-prepared-to-take stress that I am uncomfortable with. In fact, I'm wasting so much time thinking about it, I'm occasionally becoming morose.
Until I go cycling, that is.
I went out this morning for my usual Sunday spin - longer and less frenetic than my daily cardio thrashes - and, as expected, fifteen minutes into the ride I was enjoying myself, admiring the countryside, and whistling a Cliff Richard tune that I just couldn't get out of my head. I know it's a natural high, a consequence of exercise, but somehow, being on a bike makes it a little more satisfying. I'm glad to have become addicted.
Even if I'm regularly battered about the face by a stiff breeze.

Here, here.
I am retired now but have enough family grief to keep my stress levels high!
I love de-stressing by cycling...more often than not a problem is solved by not thinking about it!

 

[KneesUp]

This is definitely true. I remember chatting with my dad when I was getting divorced and saying that I felt loads better for having re-joined the gym. And then like an idiot I'd stoppd going again within six months. Exercise is definitely good for the mind, and I would suggest (based on no research) that generally less active lives are the reason that the mental health of us as a nation *seems" to be declining.

 

[Monsieur]

Cycling and/or walking for me - even better if I leave my phone at home so noone can contact me and disturb my ignorant bliss

 

[Saluki]

Same for me too, although if If its going to start cusing me to whistle Cliff Richard tunes I might stop cycling and start running

 

[Jon George]

Same for me too, although if If its going to start cusing me to whistle Cliff Richard tunes I might stop cycling and start running

It was 'In The Country' - seemed appropriate. (The other song I'll occasional whistle the opening bars of is 'Dancing Cheek to Cheek - I'm in Heaven' after a natural break. )

 

[buggi]

. Exercise is definitely good for the mind, and I would suggest (based on no research) that generally less active lives are the reason that the mental health of us as a nation *seems" to be declining.

i agree, we were never meant to spend long stressful hours behind a phone or computer with little natural light. Not only does physical exercise produce endorphins or whatever, its great being out with nature and it calms the soul. No matter what time of year, the seasons always have something to offer. Snow covered verges... Yellow rapeseed fields... Bluebell woods and forests... Beautiful rustic red trees and even storm filled grey and black skies have their own beauty. Best of all, black skies filled with stars. About as close to God as you're gonna get, even if you don't believe in him. Cycling is truly spiritual.

 

[welsh dragon]

Ive started on aerobic exercises again. They are easy to do while your doing the housework. Leg, bum, ab exercises mainly. They really do burn and hopefully they will help with my fitness level on my bike as well.

It's amazing how many more you can do and over a longer period of time when your incorporating them into your housework. And it makes me feel better.......afterwards

 

[summerdays]

Ive started on aerobic exercises again. They are easy to do while your doing the housework. Leg, bum, ab exercises mainly. They really do burn and hopefully they will help with my fitness level on my bike as well.

It's amazing how many more you can do and over a longer period of time when your incorporating them into your housework. And it makes me feel better.......afterwards

And if you don't do housework?

 

[Hip Priest]

I suffered from anxiety and panic attacks for years. Since I took up cycling, they've all but disappeared. I think the effects have been threefold:

1) I'm fitter (resting heart rate of 41) - so my body handles stress better
2) Long solo trips on the bike have given me self-confidence
3) I think about cycling a lot of the time, instead of worrying about anxiety

Buying that BSO from Halford's 3 years ago is by far the best decision I've ever made.

 

[Andrew_P]

Cycling keeps me sane, it is the antidote to so many things. I assume all exercise is the same but to enjoy an hours ride to and from work is great, I feel totally different when I get home to how I felt when I left work.

 

[welsh dragon]

And if you don't do housework?

Doesnt matter. You can still do them. Every half an hour or hour just do a set. It only takes 4 or five minutes at a time. i might look a bit of a pratt doing them while im washing the dishes or making the bed,but no one can see me anyway, so it doesnt matter what i look like. And i know, it works because my legs and bum and abs are killing me.

 

[stuee147]

same for me cycling walking, sitting by the river in the sunshine with my feet in the cool water having a nice cool drink and a picnic then laying back and relaxing listening to the birds signing mmmm heaven

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endorphins