what you need to know about the relationship between cycling and health

Posted by tan xiao yan on

One in four of us will go through a mantle health problem in any year. Being active is an important problem for both our physical and mental health. Mind research shows that "ecotherapy", or outdoor exercise, like cycling, can have many advantages and huge benefits for people's wellbeing; there is a good evidence to begin a trend towards lower rates of depression for both men and women of all ages. One study found that by increasing your activity levels from staying at home to exercising at least three times a week, you can reduce your risk of depression by almost 20%.

Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental health problems in the UK. It's said that around one in ten people will experience both mixed anxiety and depression each year. The reasons for this vary from individual to individual but can include low self-esteem, traumatic past/childhood experiences, current events like losing a job and a lover.

Research has shown that for some people, cycling can regard as antidepressants because they are effective in treating mild or moderate anxiety and depression. Cycling helps us release everyday pressures and give us time to clear our heads. When you exercise, your brain releases "feel-good" hormones called endorphins, which some people call a "cycling's high" and can help reduce negative feelings and cheer you up. Cycling is a good way to reduce levels of cortisol, which is often known as the "stress hormone". It has been relative to a range of mental health problems.



Cycling can also play a key role recovering from a mental health problem and, in turn, help people to stay in good condition for years. However, everyone has different levels of mental health and sometimes what works for one person does not work for another. For example, mental ill health in itself can create blocks that prevent people from joining in outdoor activities and exercise, like cycling.

At mind, we want people who have mental health problems to enjoy exercise and see the benefits for their own recovery. A sports program, Get Set to go, supported by Sports England and the National Lottery, can help people overcome their obstacles to exercise, by choosing an activity suitable for them, like cycling. It enables them to get active to improve their physical and mental health.

Here is a case. Nick Palmer,28, has depression and anxiety. He has been living with anxiety since his secondary school years and was later diagnosed with depression. Finally, he sought some help from his GP and since then he has been taking medicine to manage his mental health. Later, he resorted to self-management techniques, and cycling was a large part of it. Even now, Nick goes to work in central London by bike every day; he loves road racing but also enjoys getting out into the open area and riding a mountain bike on holidays with his friends. Cycling has become an intrinsic part of his everyday life. To him, cycling is not only a workout or a method of getting to work-it's one of his tools to cope with his anxiety and depression. Instead of ruminating at home, he rides a bike as a positive behavior to get through the day.

"My depression is caused by a desire to achieve perfection; with my black-and-white take on the world, the answer seems to be nothing. Until I have achieved perfection, nothing becomes good enough. My main belief is damaging and it causes low self-esteem, emptiness and a lack of motivation. It impedes me to enjoy life.



“Along with my therapist, I replace it with a new core belief. Although there is no magic wand though. I change my core belief with a healthier one is an ongoing process that needs constant moving and my love for cycling has helped a lot. Cycling has taught me that I am guilty of over complicating." The mind can help you do with all the barriers that prevent you from being active so you can have fun and enjoy all the benefits that an active body brings to you.

A cycling group was set up last autumn. Many people regard cycling as a good way to get around and so riding with a group helps to build up social contact which is so necessary for our mental health. Moreover, the cycling group is surrounded by scenic cycle paths, enabling cycling to enjoy the benefits of ecotherapy.

Nick added:" As someone who's experienced years of damaging anxiety, I understand how helpful cycling can be for anyone, especially those of us who are suffering a lot. The hardest thing and also the first thing is getting out, but once you put your feet on the pedals, it might change your life significantly. Cycling can also create its own feelings of anxiety; cycling along busy roads, uncertainty about what to do if you need to leave your bike; unattended about what to do if you get a flat tire and broken bike chain. These can again cause depressed thoughts, which can ultimately put people off cycling. The best thing you can do is find and join a local friendly club. For me, cycling is an infinite source of friendship, support, and advice.



The great impact cycling has on the mental health of cyclists. While you are riding, you have long conversations with other participants and it is surprising to see how open riders are about their mental health; several have talked about the important role cycling has in helping them keep their own mental health.

Riding in a group is a social activity which is highly beneficial to people. By the way, an unfortunate consequence of poor mental health can be annoying weight gain; regular cycling can help to reduce weight and has a potential positive impact uprelationship between cycling and healthon self-esteem.



I hope this passage will make you understand the relationship between the cycling and the mental health. So put on your shoes and go outside to cycling!