You can get many benefits from mountain biking, including for your physical health. But what about your mental health?
The topic of mental health has received increasing attention in recent years. There are many mental health issues that can affect anyone. People will most likely have dealt with one or more of these issues at some point, regardless of whether they discuss them. Modern life has become increasingly stressful, and finding ways to cope with it is becoming more important than ever.
Mountain biking is the answer. Mountain biking is an adrenaline-fueled sport that can help people improve their mental wellbeing and cope with mental health problems. Here are seven reasons mountain biking is so good for you.
1. Feel-good hormones
Mountain biking is essentially exercise. Your body releases endorphins which are the good hormones that elevate your mood and lower stress. Your body learns to manage elevated cortisol levels, which is the stress hormone. You can also reduce stress by exercising. Evidence suggests that exercising can reduce depression risk by as much as 20%.
2. The great outdoors
Being in touch with nature can have significant benefits for your mental and physical health. In recent years, a lot of research was done on the subject. There is even an official name for nature therapy: Ecotherapy. This is a promising area of treatment for mental health problems, especially depression. Mountain bikers get this as part and parcel of their deal. You can connect with nature while on the trails, and you get away from the stress of your day. Don’t get too close to the trees along the trails.
3. Perspective
When you are stuck inside your head and all your thoughts are racing, it can be difficult to see the important things in life. It’s possible to see the vastness of the world and be reminded how much there is to be thankful for by being out in nature, whether in the forest, mountains, or on the moors. Awareness of something bigger than yourself can reduce our egocentricity. It is important to remember that the world does not revolve around us.
4. Meditation
Meditation involves focusing your mind on a single object, thought, or activity in order to achieve a calm and clear state of mind. The practice of meditation does not involve sitting cross-legged or burning incense.
It’s easy to let your body control where you go by riding your good mountain bikes. This is a great way to meditate. This is a great way to reduce the noise in your head. It is important to let your mind rest, not think. This will allow you to return refreshed and with new clarity.
5. Success
Imagine that you are suffering from anxiety. You have a few days or weeks where you feel happy and strong. Then anxiety strikes again and knocks you down. This can make you feel defeated and helpless. You can rebuild your self-belief by working towards something, improving yourself and eventually achieving it.
It’s amazing how great it feels to conquer a difficult trail feature, make a new jump, or climb that mountain. It’s a great achievement that you have worked for and are finally able to achieve. These little victories remind you that you are capable of anything you set your mind to.
6. Community
Even though mental health stigma is being removed, it can be lonely and frightening. This is why it is important to have a strong support network of friends and family. In most cases, the simple fact that you have people to talk to, take your mind off of stress, and laugh with is enough.
Mountain biking is a strong community with strong online presence, numerous social riding groups scattered around the country, and a growing race scene. There are always activities to be involved. There are many groups on social media that allow you to chat with other riders and go for rides together.
7. Excitement
Mental health problems can take the joy out of life. Bike riding is a great way to get your mood back on track. Mountain biking is something you can’t avoid thinking about next time you go. It brings joy back into your life and gives you hope for the future.