Before I found cycling it seemed I was always frustrated with everyone and everything in life. If you are struggling with feelings of loneliness, frustration, or irritability, here is how cycling has helped me and it can help you
Cycling helped me alleviate negative thoughts.....my spinal cord injury made me experience intrusive thoughts all the time. These thoughts would cloud my judgment, make my heart race, and I would shut down to everyone...including my wife. These thoughts have stopped since I picked up cycling. Cycling helps me concentrate on new impulses, which then suppresses fear and anxiety.
Cycling and the cycling community helped me feel alive again, I felt like I was a part of society again. Being able to interact with nature gives me a sense of purpose and a reason to enjoy life. The smiles I get and the waves of approval as I ride my bike around my neighborhood give me the reassurance I needed that life is worthy.
Cycling forces me to stay alert and focused on many things...road conditions, on traffic, and obviously stay focused on my bike. In other words, cycling forces me to stay focused on the present instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. This kind of dynamic meditation helps me clear my mind so that I don't start the spiral downward trend that I felt before.
And cycling helps me stay in shape. Weight gain has always been a battle since my accident and it was likely because of stress hormones interfering with my body's metabolism.
There is no reason to be shy to talk about mental health. There is no shame in being vulnerable and asking for help when you need it.
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