Got the blues? Hop on your bike and get going! Whether you ride a mountain bike, an electric beach cruiser, or a touring bike, your body and brain will both benefit. It’s not just the fresh air that’s good for you. The physical activity of riding a bike also positively affects your mental health.
Get Out There And Smell The Fresh Air
The great outdoors is a true mood booster. Part of the credit goes to the sun. Sunlight can increase your levels of serotonin and vitamin D, natural brain pick-me-ups. Higher serotonin levels can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression while vitamin D can increase feelings of well-being.
If you’re going to be biking outdoors, make sure you have all the right gear. It will make your trip more enjoyable and relaxing. In addition to a bike fitted to your size, you should invest in accessories such as rear racks, saddlebags, and the best bicycle baskets including:
- Nantucket Cliff Road Collection Front Wicker Baskets
- Topeak MTX Rear Rack Top Baskets
- Topeak TrolleyTote Folding MTX Rear Baskets
- SunLite Lift-Off Mesh Bottom Wire Basket
Also read: How effective is biking for weight loss
The right basket or bag makes your day outdoors more versatile. Load it up with a picnic lunch, hiking gear, or a swimsuit. The more time you spend outdoors, the better it is for your brain.
Daily Workouts To Boost Your Endorphins
Endorphins are chemicals released by your body that trigger a positive feeling. Ever heard the term “runners high?” That feeling comes from the endorphins released by exercise. Many physical activities stimulate the release of endorphins, including dancing, weight training, and swimming.
Biking is another exercise that encourages the release of endorphins. There are several daily bike workouts you can do to keep your spirits high. Try any of the following on a new cruiser bike 2022 or another bike of your choice:
- Ride for one hour with three to eight faster sprint efforts evenly spaced throughout the ride.
- Ride for one hour with 20 minutes of hard effort, such as hill climbing.
- Ride for one hour at a steady pace that is moderately challenging.
- Ride for three hours with a variety of paces and challenges. This is a good ride to do with a group.
Be sure to plan rest days to give your body a chance to regroup. Also work in resistance or strength training twice a week, either on rest days or on days when you do a shorter ride.
If your primary goal is to reduce stress and feel better, consistency is key. The intensity of the workout doesn’t matter as much as the frequency. Make time in your schedule for regular exercise. The following tips may help you find more time:
- Find a workout buddy.
- Get outside on your lunch break.
- Make exercise part of your daily commute.
- Actually pencil exercise into your schedule.
With a nice bicycle, a helmet, and a water bottle, you’re all set. Now get out there and feel better.
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