As well as keeping you physically fit, cycling does a great job of keeping your mind in tip top condition. First and foremost cycling’s a great way of keeping you smiling. Exercise releases endorphins, the feel-good chemicals that help make you happy. It also increases your confidence and self-esteem, and reduces levels of depression.
And exercise helps your body to fight stress hormones, and the negative impacts of stress. It lowers your blood pressure, increases your immunity and even can help you to sleep better at night!
Exercise can even help when you’re seeing red. It can help to release tension and ease frustration, leaving you feeling better without upsetting your nearest and dearest. Exercise improves the circulation of blood through the body, meaning more food and oxygen will go to your brain, boosting your brain cells and helping you think more clearly. If nothing else getting out and doing some exercise will provide a distraction from whatever’s making your blood boil, helping you to feel calmer and more relaxed.
Ok, so any form of exercise will help you gain all these benefits, but if you get out on your bike you’ll also get to enjoy the great outdoors. Fresh air (yes, even in a city, you won’t be breathing in as many fumes as car drivers remember?) and natural sunlight both have a positive impact on your mood. If you’re feeling really stressed it may feel like you don’t have the time to exercise and swapping to cycling for your regular commute lets you get the exercise you need without eating up your precious time – so no more worrying about making time for the gym!
So what are you waiting for? Get on your bike and feel your troubles melt away!
