By Dr. Gbonjubola Abiri

Last week, after an almost 5 year hiatus, I went cycling with a friend. That moment, brought back a lot of memories which had been suppressed over the years as I didn’t make time to engage in the activity. Beyond bringing back memories, it was a form of exercise that came rather naturally for me. We clocked 5km in about 30 minutes, promising to continue to engage in cycling in addition to the very busy schedule of our lives.

Our world is an overwhelming and engaging one, with many things jostling for our time and attention. One simple way which is science backed and recommended by many professionals to keep our minds and body active, is cycling. While cycling can be seen as a means of transportation for many, it also offers not just physical but numerous mental health benefits.

Some of the mental health benefits of cycling include:
★Encourages social connection: cycling can help you confront loneliness and anxiety as it helps you make new friends and become a member of a community especially when you join biking clubs, charity rides or even casual rides.
★Explores the power of nature: Cycling outdoors in streets, parks, along scenic routes or riding trails allows for mindfulness, the healing power of the outdoor, improves mood, lowers anxiety and gives an improved sense of wellbeing
★Enhances sleep: Through the enhancement of the sleep-wake cycle, cycling makes it easier to fall and stay asleep.
★Boosts brain function: With increased blood flow to the brain, cycling enhances memory, attention, concentration, and prevents cognitive decline.
★Reduces stress and anxiety: The release of the feel-good hormones such as endorphins, dopamine and serotonin often accompanies the thrill of riding. This helps keep the mind in a restful state.
★Increases vitamin D levels: Cycling outdoors especially in the early mornings can help with sunlight exposure, increasing vitamin D levels and our mood.
★Improves self esteem and confidence: Being able to ride a bike, go for a short spin, or a long ride as well as being able to try new moves and goals provides a sense of accomplishment and improves self-worth.

Beyond physical benefits, cycling has benefits for our minds too. So if you are like me and you haven’t ridden that bicycle in a while, dust it off, pump the tires, take the ride of your life and watch those two wheels give your mind the boost that it deserves.

Remember, there is no health without mental health.