Cycling is an excellent exercise, and it is often easy to practice daily. However, beyond the physical health benefits, researchers suggest that riding a bike can also boost your mood and improve your overall mental health. The mere act of riding, whether on traditional bicycles or newer men or women’s hybrid bikes, the act of cycling can alter the emotional state of the rider and encourage a healthier and happier lifestyle.
1. Reduces Stress and Risk of Depression
Scientists have proven that cardiovascular exercise eases anxiety and reduces stress. However, some studies point to the positive affects cycling, specifically, has over a rider’s state of mind. In fact, cycling has shown signs of reducing the risk of depression and other mental illnesses. While the ability of an exercise to limit adverse outcomes seems odd, truthfully, exercise, especially cycling, leads to improved heart health, which contributes to the overall health of the brain and body. Therefore, if you’re feeling anxious, grab your men or women’s bike and go for a ride.
2. Improves Sleep
Regular riding on bikes for men or women can enhance the quantity and quality of your sleep. Cortisol is a hormone in the body that disrupts healthy sleep patterns, but cycling reduces the level of cortisol in your body. Riding also improves the serotonin levels in your system, which contribute to healthier sleep. If you stick to a riding routine and a sleep schedule, you may even find that cycling is improving your body’s natural circadian rhythm.
3. Improves Memory
Have you forgotten your keys lately, or left your phone in the fridge? If so, don’t worry. Some memory loss is a natural part of aging, but bike riding can help sharpen your former memory skills. While it sounds odd, aerobic exercise, like cycling, helps produce more brain cells in the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory storage. While bike riding may not stop you from storing your phone in the cupboard, it may help you remember why you needed your phone to begin with.
4. Boost Productivity
How often do you drag yourself into work, chugging coffee and hoping for the day to be over? For many people, that’s an average Monday, but did you know that biking to work can change your perspective and give you more energy. Studies suggest that biking to work actually makes you more productive and feel more alert. If you get a second ride in during the afternoon, your energy levels may continue to ride high into the evening, allowing you to be productive throughout your day.
