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Probably the nicest surprise for me in the results of the Cycling UK/OpenMTB survey was that [b]two thirds[/b] of respondents said riding was "very important" for their mental wellbeing.
I didn't think I was the only one who uses riding to keep on an even keel, but I genuinely didn't expect such a big majority to think the same.
As a kind of follow-up, I've done a blog about a project in the Highlands using cycling to boost well-being and combat social isolation & mental health issues.
Some of you will already be aware of it I'm sure. I really hope there will be lots more similar schemes in future...
http://unduro.co.uk/thoughts/cycle-to-health/
Anyone know of anything similar?
don't know about much, but I know riding my bike keeps me happy and sane.
Judging from the miserable buggers I ride with (self included) it's not surprising that there is a high correlation between cyclists and mental health
Major influence on conditions like anxiety and depression is exercise, and riding bikes is plenty of exercise, combined with getting out in fresh air, countryside, and just away from it all (assuming you're not doing city commutes).
Additional thing I find is both a social and solo aspect to it. I love riding with like minded friends and having a laugh. I also love just bogging off on my own and getting lost with my thoughts (if not literally lost). Though I particularly like just exploring. Discovering new places and stuff.
I find any for of physical activity makes me feel better. Swimming, hiking, running, circuit training, yoga, just getting out and doing something.
I've always thought that doctors should be able to loan out bikes as an alternative to anti-depressants. It could save the NHS a fortune?
I'd definitely like to see GPs referring people to schemes like this more widely.
Might or might not be relevant... Cycling and exercise in general has a catch-22 effect on me. I love it at the time, it makes me feel great, can erase my troubles and really put me at ease.
The day after exercise, I can be a complete grumpy wunker at my lowest ebb. It can really put me under big style which I've only been able to attribute to low energy levels and post-exercise toxins in my blood (like lactic acid?) but it often results in a feeling of complete despair.
I've eventually learned to manage it, basically by focussing on a good recovery (eat and drink plenty, preferably stretch well).
Partly why I end up riding so much. The low is not riding, the high is riding, and it's addictive. Not riding days I have to try to fill the time with something enjoyable or something to look forward to (riding bikes or getting bike stuff 😀 ).
chakaping - Member
I'd definitely like to see GPs referring people to schemes like this more widely.
Was disappointed with my GP jumping straight to SSRIs within a minute of talking to them. No mention of exercise, though I'd already twigged the benefits.
As long as it does not become an obsession
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/100-tours-100-tales/2014/jan/23/cycling-relationship-depression-doping
Hopefully GPs won't be prescribing EPO and HGH along with bike rides.
😉
I find it bizarre that I spent ~7 weeks not riding besides a few ~5 minute rides around the block, due to winter making commutes to work being in pitch black; pants weather; busier in a physically demanding job; a chainring that I thought had some chipped teeth and needed replacing; a cold that hung around for weeks etc., but it didn't bother me that much that I wasn't riding.
I sorted out the bike and my cold finally goes, but since Xmas, I've beaten myself up mentally everyday I havent at least done a ~3.7 mile sprint circuit on days off.
I find going out just for the sake of going out very difficult, I have done for years and it's become harder since my accident. But it's as if the recent little rides have given me a taste of cocaine in the form of endorphins which my body craves and punishes me if I don't give it a fix.
I'm another that has to get out in the woods/fields/hills regularly to keep my sanity. Run/walk/bike ... it matters not which.
Biking I can do with others. Walking too. Running - meh, me and my thoughts is all I can manage.
Feel downbeat when I go too far between sessions.
Snowboarding and a proper riding session (uplift normally) is about the only thing that keeps me mentally happy.
I sleep much better after an uplift and am much more chilled out and less reactive to negative things.
So yeah i can see that i just have an issue with having an 18 month old and only getting on an uplift about once a month. Normal riding just doesn't do it
A couple of the guys I ride with from time to time are part of a non-profit dedicated to getting people away from addictions. One of them does generally 100km or more per weekend on a MTB, so I suspect he's just addicted to something a lot better for him. He's lost about 40kgs and has a [b]very, very[/b] impressive ability to give 100%, the other guy was addicted to being addicted, and has tried (and by all accounts enjoyed) all sorts of things at one time or another.
Great guys, and I can certainly see how a) it's helped them b) they've turned it into a really useful way of helping others. They don't half natter on when we're out riding though 😀
I certainly feel a lot more "balanced" when I've sweated a bit (MTB or down the gym)
only getting on an uplift about once a month. Normal riding just doesn't do it
I'm the other way round. I enjoy a nice uplift day but all that sitting in minibuses gets tiresome after a while.
Find a big pedally ride in the mountains much more satisfying.
The uplift is a means to an end.
Only when riding dh do i get the total focus that lets me clear my mind. Normal riding doesn't for some reason less potential consequence maybe.
White water paddling and snowboarding gets me that too but little else sadly
"I'm the other way round. I enjoy a nice uplift day but all that sitting in minibuses gets tiresome after a while."
Went Antor, loved the trails but nearly up chucked on the up lift.
On the MH issue, I don't know how I would cope with out riding now.
Only when riding dh do i get the total focus that lets me clear my mind. Normal riding doesn't for some reason less potential consequence maybe.
That's interesting, do you think it's more about getting "in the zone" or the rush from taking risks?
I feel like I need the pedalling combined with the fun descending for maximum satisfaction / endorphin production.
I actually find the stop-starty nature of uplifts make it harder for me to ride confidently and get in the zone.
works for me too. I think I filled in the survey.. problem does occur when (through weather, injury or time / energy constraints) you can't get out.
MTB to fill my head with activity to shut out / flush out stuff, road or CX stuff to just take time out.
'This is my church, this is where I heal my hurts.'
Cycling works for me. 😀
Cycling to work is the best thing most folk could do for their health. You get your daily exercise without it costing you much time ( most commutes are as quick by bike) Exercise burns up the stress ( fight or flight) hormones so you destress on your way home. spending time outdoors ( a car don't count) releases happy hormones
works for me too. I think I filled in the survey.. problem does occur when (through weather, injury or time / energy constraints) you can't get out.MTB to fill my head with activity to shut out / flush out stuff, road or CX stuff to just take time out.
We had quite a lot of interesting comments like this in the survey. I'm sure we'll use some of them when we do future interpretation of the results.
I'm getting increasingly tempted to start cycle commuting long before the clocks go forward for the first time in over three years, even though my ride in will be in pitch black for the next ~8 weeks.
Recently , we have had some gloriously bright but a little chilly afternoons, which I could cycle home in less than 25 minutes instead of the bus commute (including waiting) taking the best part of an hour. Or take alternative routes home that take more time.
This last week I'm managed two ~7 mile mixed terrain rides after work, which I've really enjoyed, but after travelling home by bus I'm racing against time. By the time I've had a coffee or two, unwound a little and got changed, I'm lucky if I'm ready to head out by ~1515.
This currently only gives me ~1 hour before sunset, when I'd rather not be on the roads out of choice, plus the later light is not as intense and consequently not as beneficial to combat the SAD woolly head feeling.