30 ways bicycling is good for the brain
It's a happy coincidence that May is Bike Month and Mental Health Awareness Month.
May is two awareness months in one: Mental Health and Bikes.
If you’ve spent any time browsing Urbanism Speakeasy, you’ve seen posts connecting bicycling with improved mental health.
Physical activity is a powerful drug that isn't part of a trillion dollar industry
And, like the broken record that I am, I’ll say that the ways infrastructure is designed to keep us unhealthy is the subject of a documentary I’m producing.
From reducing stress to boosting creativity, the side effects of riding a bike are wonderful for your mind and spirit. So, on with the list.
30 ways bicycling is brain medicine
Reduces stress and anxiety.
Improves mood.
Boosts self-esteem.
Enhances cognitive function and reduces the risk of dementia.
Improves sleep quality.
Reduces pain and improves mobility in people with arthritis.
Enhances mental health in individuals with chronic pain.
Improves mental health outcomes in children and adolescents.
Helps reduce stress in the workplace.
Enhances mental health in older adults.
Can help reduce the risk of depression.
Improves mental health in people with mental illness.
Benefits individuals with disabilities by improving mental well-being.
Enhances mental health in people who live in urban areas.
Promotes social interaction and the opportunity to make new friends.
Facilitates exploration of surroundings and promotes a sense of adventure.
Provides physical exercise and contributes to overall health.
Increases life expectancy.
Can help reduce the risk of suicide.
Promotes mental health across the lifespan.
Enhances self-confidence and belief in your abilities.
Promotes positive self-talk and self-esteem.
Reinforces core values and provides a broader perspective of oneself.
Facilitates learning and aids in the retention of information.
Improves message retention and comprehension in communication.
Strengthens memory and facilitates information recall.
Provides consistency and reinforcement of important concepts or ideas.
Builds habits and automates positive behaviors.
Increases focus and attention span.
Supports the formation of new neural connections in the brain.