Is Cycling the Ultimate Mind Booster?

Original article published by Ridmi Dewage.

Everyone of us are aware that any form of exercise help improve our
mental health. Science behind physical activity contributing to emotional
& mental wellbeing is when your body becomes active, at cellular level
blood flow increases & supply enough nutrients & oxygen to your brain
making your brain more functional with enhanced chemical reactions
under a minute. It’s been established how a simple bike ride help not only
old adults but also youngsters – and how being active improves our ability
to make better judgement, and increase our cognitive skills.
Situations that lead to poor mental wellbeing are increasing in day-to-day
scenarios all around the world – According to a research conducted by the
University of Oxford reveals that 1 out of 10 people would experience
emotional stress leading to substandard mental health at least once in their
lifetime. In Sri Lanka, depression stands at the top affecting 37% of the
total population of the country among others (www.statistics.gov.lk/
page.asp).

AS cyclists we know how much of a difference a bike ride can
make in our day to day life and also in a long term perspective. Riding a
bike indoors or out comes close second to playing a team sport as an
activity that boost bodily energy & most beneficial to emotional wellness.
Cycling improves our subjective mood allowing us to handle stress more
effectively. When you cycle there is a significant increase in release of
endorphins in our brain making us euphoric while suppressing negative
impulses in our brain. Cycling also stimulates function of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, & dopamine; all of which are implicated with alleviating depression. But these aren’t the only chemical reactions that are taking a spike at the cellular level when you cycle – there’s plenty more!

Benefits of cycling extend beyond these chemical reactions in your brain.
Cycling pushes us to give up bad habits, gain self control, be disciplined &
lastly appreciate sense of achievement. Sticking to a routined cycling session will open you to number of positive attributes. Self control is one of the main variables linked to diet management, positive decision making life, & time efficiency. You learn how to become resilient & self-sufficient.
‘Simply sticking to a time table, wanting to set personal goals, & the need
to socialize to share knowledge are few things to look forward to when
you are in cycling’ says Ilhan, Cycling Coach & Technician at Cyclalogy. “With time you will discover a different & positive version of yourself regardless of what you are in it for.”

Note that is is best to get advice from your healthcare professional before making drastic changes to your lifestyle; and it is best to remind yourself not to push yourself too much in the sport for instance chasing a high-intensity training when you actually require an endurance focused training plan. Brainstorm your goals when you reach to a place where you realize you’ve ridden way past your expectation. Cycling life is simple – ride it & you will love every bit of it at the end of your destination.

Tell us what you know about EQ and how it has changed your cycling
experience! Mail: [email protected].