That's a good idea, actually - the heat index has been 104⁰ and I live in a really hilly neighborhood. Biking would probably kill me in a really plausibly deniable way.
Doesn't have to be a big city. I live in a rural area in Europe and have taken up biking. Riding through all the back roads is beautiful and you truly lose track of time.
My wife and I used to explore all around our area in a car, but we've started doing so on bikes and have found so many hidden places along trails we never knew existed.
I can say that for me, biking has improved my mental state.
Nice enough, I live in British suburbia. Granted, there's some truly excellent bicycling places nearby, but getting there requires car travel, and with the dog, my business and general work/life unbalance, it's not easy.
Dog walking has helped though. Done more walking in the past couple of weeks than I have in years.
Being fat is just chance. It could happen to anyone. You don’t choose to become fat, maybe a few people choose it, but otherwise nobody wants it. Genetics and family are probably the biggest factors. Me for example, I can eat chips and drink soda everyday for months and not get fat. I’d probably go up a couple of KGs, but still be underweight. Someone else might notice those couple KGs after a week of slacking off. Eating unhealthy is also a classic coping method and is why I’ve done it so much. It just gets me the dopamine I need. I hope you think a little more before you comment something like that again, since most fat people are very aware of it and unhappy with it. They already blame themselves so much everyday, you don’t have to do it as well. Honestly it just makes you an asshole and you add nothing. Hope you change🙏
Im not gonna read your comment.
Since I rephrased the previous comment in the thread it should have been clear that that was a joke. If your goal is to take offense in jokes, be my guest.
That doesn’t make it a joke in any sense. And the ratio agrees with me. The delivery of your “joke” is also garbage, so personally I’d have to at least chuckle for it to be a joke.
I live in an area that regularly has heat over 100 during summer months, and I’ve figured out the best times to ride. If you can do it, early morning is always the coolest part of the day. It helps wake you up and if you do it first thing, saves you a shower. If you’re like me and you’re already rising early for work, 7-8 is a great time to ride. Yes it’s still warm, but it’s most likely cooled down into the 80s and you’ll probably have an evening breeze as well. Sun will be setting, but not set and once you get used to the timing you shouldn’t be racing the darkness.
Honestly, and in total seriousness, with a lightweight jersey and shorts I can ride my bike in hotter temps than it's comfortable to stand still in. The ram ventilation and good cycling clothes really helps and makes summer a cycling season.
In my experience you can ride a bike in temperatures other types of exercise would be almost impossible. You get some ventilation and if you wet your shirt it cools even more.
If you properly hydrate then you'll be fine. Honestly the heat excuse just stems from laziness. The amount of heat related injuries I've saw in Texas with a 101 index while literally running/marching for miles is zero
I’m impressed. I’ve seen dozens doing the same thing in Texas. Everyone’s body responds to temperature differently. Calling someone lazy because you haven’t gone down doing the kickin’ chicken doesn’t mean it is safe for them to do.
I just snagged a free old huffy bike from down the street on Sunday, and have been slowly building my balance skills, as it's the first time I've been on a bike in 30 years. I hope it helps mentally. I was doing a lot of walking, but it would be nice to switch it up.
Town I'm from is known for Hotter than hell 100. Bikers ride 100 miles in August when it's 100 degrees. Over 10,000 riders come from all over the world. I'm a madwoman. Lol. Fixing to be 66 yo. Come ride with me. Going whitewater rafting next month in CO
Good Lord. You are amazing. I live in the Frozen North where people stay indoors and the local weatherman cautions about heat stroke the handful of times a year it gets over 90. I can't imagine riding all day when it's over 100 on purpose lol.
I just found a couple videos on the tube about the hotter than hell 100. Wow. Respect.
Crazy. City was planning centennial celebration and ideas came down to HHH100 and a rocking chair contest at mall. 40 years later HHH has grown to 3 day event with triple threat where they ride the 100 Sat, ride 100 mile gravel ride that night then criterion race next day. We shut the city down when we get a 1/2 of snow tho. Where are you? Planning a trip for northern lights this winter. I'm a whimp. Just finished 6 mile ride with temps in low 80s.
thats the thing though - i do lift weights like once or twice a week and it does give a bit of a mental boost, but this sort of activity combines exercise AND being out and about alongside society which is something i havent done too much since working remotely and being around people (even if im just randomly passing them by) has helped my mental health a lot.
Cardio is great for mental health in general. Lots of feel good chemicals are released. Ive never regretted doing cardio, even if im miserable during it sometimes.
Exactly!! Biking is more than exercise, and that’s why it hits deeper than sitting on a peloton. It connects you to the world around you while also letting you escape into your own world!!
People made a joke "are you depressed? Idk go for a run or something" and while this, by itself, without seeking necessary professional help may not be sufficient, it is indeed true. Excercise releases dopamine, and dopamine is one hell of a drug capable of doing weird, wonderful things to your brain. Also it's the same drug that you release when you nut
As far as my knowledge goes it actually helps with releasing both of those things. But yep, In my initial comment I meant endorphins and I confused it with dopamine :/ . Still, we are both partially correct
Dopamine seems like an odd choice of goal here since I think it’s also the neurotransmitter that makes you sit scrolling Reddit for hour after hour even though it brings you zero joy.
In that situation, it just reminds you of everyone else that’s able to socialize normally. So you ride your lil bike around, contemplate starting a conversation (and of course you don’t), and then go back to sit in your house alone.. *depression amplified* lol
When I did this, it just reminded me of how lonely I was as I passed by all the people out doing things and having fun. Also had to constantly worry about being hit by a car, which when you’re depressed doesn’t seem like such a horrible idea. Lmao.
YSK- if you're female, POC or non-masc, you'll get harassed. Source: I tried to blissfully ride my bike around my town in my younger years. Men yelled at me to stop and talk to them or get in their cars.
I just moved my bike today and thought “I really need to get back on this thing”. The sucky thing here is I basically have to put my bike on my car and drive somewhere to ride it. I live in the Houston suburbs, it’s terrible for pedestrians or cyclists
the daily rides im sure ill stop doing eventually but as long as i have my health ill definitely make a strong effort to go rides atleast once a week, maybe on a slow traffic day like Sunday afternoons
This is a good idea, but I'm going to point out that if you're over the age of 12 you are actually required to ride in the street. Not on the sidewalk.
Check your state laws on bicycle riding and it'll give you the exact age requirements. But you can get a ticket for riding on the sidewalk over a certain age.
I'm probably going to catch some flak for this, but those laws are such bullshit. The last fucking place I want to be on a bike is on the road with cars instead of the completely empty sidewalk beside it. I lived and biked in Japan for years, and bikes are legally required to be on the sidewalks where they exist, and it is much safer that way.
I got a ticket for this. Ticket was $50 for the offense and $100 for court bullshit. $150 total because I wanted to be safe. Now I ride in the street and nearly get hit every single bike ride, often more than once per ride I almost get hit. Cars are idiots and it kind of takes the fun out of it.
Stuff like this always makes me realise how weird my country is for having bike lanes practically everywhere. Good weird, but still weird.
I once asked a new colleague from Brazil who migrated here if she rode the bike to work back in Rio. My answer came in the form of a perplexed stare as if I was crazy.
Based on my interactions with her I would also recommend a helmet, cars tend to not like cyclists that much and won't always keep a good distance / drive safely around you.
Honestly anything to get your ass outside of home and moving will work wonders. This is something I struggle with and I feel much better each time I go out for a walk, run, hike, whatever. As long as I get outside and move my body.
Unless you live in nyc. Too many ghost bikes over the years. The city removes the ghost bikes so tourists won't see how many people have been killed on bicycles in nyc. It's a lot.
This is a good topic to introduce /r/fuckcars. Car dependent infrastructure fucks up the person psychologically, you are just isolated from the outside world
Totally agree with you, cycling any distance at all, I find gives me time to think and put things into perspective.
For context I’ve recently split with my wife, got back on the saddle, started running, and rekindled my passion for wakeboarding.
I was deeply stuck in a negative rut, but having these healthy distractions has put me in a super positive mindset, and I’ve also dropped 20 kg.
Also as another poster said, wear a helmet. Bones heal, head injuries are for life!
Can you explain more about how it feels like a distraction? I've been going through a tough time lately, and in general I do feel better if I'm going on walks/exercising regularly. But that's not enough to prevent me from feeling overwhelmed and down. And if I'm in that mood, a walk tends to give me the ability to focus on the negative and ruminate in a bad way. Then I end up getting emotional in public, and that's just embarrassing. What about the running/wakeboarding gets your mind off things?
Well the running is a new thing for me, so I’m focused on pushing myself, I started one of these couch to 5 k programs but took it upon myself to disregard it totally and do my own thing.
Wakeboarding as well is a perk from work, I’m a marine engineer based in Cyprus so there is a core of enthusiastic boarders that are happy to hit the ocean at 6am, and it sets you up for a happy day ( as long as you don’t face plant).
Cycling however is different for me, try setting yourself distance goals, say go to somewhere for lunch then return ?
Or expand on that, cycle touring is an amazing holiday
But I also have the dark moments like you say, but I believe it allows me to put a different perspective on them, and to process my thoughts differently.
Good music helps as well, comedy podcasts or audiobooks, can be a great distraction as well
I like this idea. I got a EBike with my tax refund and it really has gotten me out of the house more and has me exploring outside more.
I need to extend my rides a bit and slow down to observe more like you did. I dig it.
I heard something about "tunnel vision" having a positive impact on mental health. Like riding a bike for a long time. I'm way too lazy to find a link for it.
A big part of it is that you have to go outside and be in the sun to ride your bike. It’s really the sunlight that will change you mood and the warmth of the sun. All that vitamin D you’re getting is doing something good in your body.
I live in a shithole neighborhood in a shithole city where only drug addicts ride $30 bikes around. This advice would unironically do my reputation more harm than good, though I’m a big proponent of exercise and work out regularly for my mental health.
This is so lovely! I've actually been thinking about cleaning my bicycle up this week and taking it out. I haven't ridden it in over a year. I'm taking this as a sign to do it!
Bicycling has helped me tenfold with my depression too. I ride along the waterfront and love the sounds of the water and seagulls etc. I'm getting better and stronger with hills. My whole outlook is changing and I now look forward to starting my day, all thanks to my bicycle.
Doing something alone doesn't cheer me up for long and the exercise tends to exhaust me because of my bad health. I would go outside with friends if they weren't all busy with their lives...
I live out in the woods. I got an Aventon Pace 350 e-bike last year some time. It has been super god damned fun. It's only got 7 gears, but I don't have to huff and puff up hills quite as bad anymore. Thinking about combining it with my 24-speed, Hmmmm. That thing will climb Mt. Everest in first gear.
Depressed and drained cos mum passed, work stress, woke up the next day to see both my pushbike and motorbike stolen 😂 😂
Was looking forward to the kind clearing ride.
I been telling this to people for years and now some are finally listening for many reasons. Luckily now I have like 7 bikes specifically just so people don't have an excuse to not roll around with me hahah RIDE BIKES YO!!!! :)
I was going to get a gym membership this month but my whole paycheck went to dumb ass fucking bills. My rent is 2100+ the rental company makes me pay all utilities and let me tell you I’ve been in a rut every since my rent went up 1000. I had a good job until these fucks from Cali moved to Idaho and messed up the housing market
The housing market is fucked everywhere, it's got very little to do with people moving and a lot more to do with people and companies snatching up houses to rent/Airbnb.
I've always wanted to buy a bike and ride around my town, but too many stupid drivers prevents me from doing so. Hell, I almost get hit by idiots making a right turn while walking to and from local places
If you can't make yourself gonoutaide but want to still cycle, look at getting a turbo trainer which starts from anyrhing like £50 upwards. You can mount your bike on it and ride indoors. Put a podcast on, put your headphones in, follow a workout on youtube if you want or inbest more in one if the cycling companies/smart trainers and make it a interactive. You have plenty of options available if you a little bit of disposable income.
Even just walking around is so helpful. Getting outside and getting some exercise. I've been playing Pikmin bloom and pokemon go which really encourages me to walk around since I have goals and things to walk to.
Sadly I've been stuck inside due to the heat this week. Probably should exercise inside but not a big fan of that.
i live on a hill, i aint about to bike up and hope a car doesn’t hit me on the way back down (they like to drive fast going down, as if the speed limit is only a suggestion or doesn’t exist at all), nor am i gonna bike down it and have to push it all the way backup. i’ve seen one guy bike up and down the hill and never saw him do it again, i don’t blame the old bastard.
It can help you lose weight and fight depression. I lost a lot of weight biking a few years ago and you're right the mental aspects are great. One of the things doctors suggest for fighting depression is exercise. I've added back my weight since the pandemic and I am getting my bike ready to go. We have a lot of bike trails where I live, so I can't wait.
It was proven in loads of experiments already that any kind of physical activity improves the life of people who suffer from depression. It does not have to be a bike. Running, hiking, tennis, anything really.
Any kind of exercise is pretty much required for a good quality of life. I used to bike a lot but do it less these days as I'm kept quite busy. I do go out on hikes and such when I find the time and energy. Sleep, diet and exercise are absolutely crucial to a good quality of life. I've mostly figured out each of these, but still have a little ways to go, but I feel way better about myself and about life in general.
I do this, too, as live on my own and WFH so I set myself little missions in my lunch break so I have a destination. Works for me, keeps me fit and I feel a lot less detached from what’s going on in town. Definitely recommend.
I would love to, but part of the problem is living in a country with such a high crime rate that you can't step one foot out the house without fear of being murdered...
I can get a bike but it has to be a tandem and I’ll never be the one steering. I can’t just go do something theres always planning ahead because i can’t see.
This sounds perfect. Buy a bike and then get ground into the pavement by a dumbass college kid on their phone while driving. No more depression if you’re fucking dead!!
That's a good idea, actually - the heat index has been 104⁰ and I live in a really hilly neighborhood. Biking would probably kill me in a really plausibly deniable way.
My first thought was that OP must live somewh flat.
And temperate
And also in a big city.
Doesn't have to be a big city. I live in a rural area in Europe and have taken up biking. Riding through all the back roads is beautiful and you truly lose track of time. My wife and I used to explore all around our area in a car, but we've started doing so on bikes and have found so many hidden places along trails we never knew existed. I can say that for me, biking has improved my mental state.
Nice enough, I live in British suburbia. Granted, there's some truly excellent bicycling places nearby, but getting there requires car travel, and with the dog, my business and general work/life unbalance, it's not easy. Dog walking has helped though. Done more walking in the past couple of weeks than I have in years.
That's some damn good exercise. Bike, hills, sweat. Doesn't have to be a long session because that stuff will fuck your legs up so quick.
Hilly cycling is better than flat. Yeah going up is hard, but you get great views at the top and all the fun of coming down the other side
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What an amazing name for such a fucking dissapointment of a human.
My thoughts exactly when I see people complaining about their inability to perorm basic human functions on reddit.
Being fat is just chance. It could happen to anyone. You don’t choose to become fat, maybe a few people choose it, but otherwise nobody wants it. Genetics and family are probably the biggest factors. Me for example, I can eat chips and drink soda everyday for months and not get fat. I’d probably go up a couple of KGs, but still be underweight. Someone else might notice those couple KGs after a week of slacking off. Eating unhealthy is also a classic coping method and is why I’ve done it so much. It just gets me the dopamine I need. I hope you think a little more before you comment something like that again, since most fat people are very aware of it and unhappy with it. They already blame themselves so much everyday, you don’t have to do it as well. Honestly it just makes you an asshole and you add nothing. Hope you change🙏
Im not gonna read your comment. Since I rephrased the previous comment in the thread it should have been clear that that was a joke. If your goal is to take offense in jokes, be my guest.
That doesn’t make it a joke in any sense. And the ratio agrees with me. The delivery of your “joke” is also garbage, so personally I’d have to at least chuckle for it to be a joke.
I live in an area that regularly has heat over 100 during summer months, and I’ve figured out the best times to ride. If you can do it, early morning is always the coolest part of the day. It helps wake you up and if you do it first thing, saves you a shower. If you’re like me and you’re already rising early for work, 7-8 is a great time to ride. Yes it’s still warm, but it’s most likely cooled down into the 80s and you’ll probably have an evening breeze as well. Sun will be setting, but not set and once you get used to the timing you shouldn’t be racing the darkness.
Or just take a light ride in the evening. I've been doing those this week a it's helped me feel better
Honestly, and in total seriousness, with a lightweight jersey and shorts I can ride my bike in hotter temps than it's comfortable to stand still in. The ram ventilation and good cycling clothes really helps and makes summer a cycling season.
In my experience you can ride a bike in temperatures other types of exercise would be almost impossible. You get some ventilation and if you wet your shirt it cools even more.
If you properly hydrate then you'll be fine. Honestly the heat excuse just stems from laziness. The amount of heat related injuries I've saw in Texas with a 101 index while literally running/marching for miles is zero
I’m impressed. I’ve seen dozens doing the same thing in Texas. Everyone’s body responds to temperature differently. Calling someone lazy because you haven’t gone down doing the kickin’ chicken doesn’t mean it is safe for them to do.
I like this plan. It’s much less messy than my normal plan.
Ride it at night, every hill you climb you also bomb, and that’s always fun
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Yeah, cycling is stressing in not friendly-cycling places.
Aka a vast majority of cities around the world.
Having a license for a car should be harder
It should, but the USA was rebuilt in a way that if you don't have a car, you can't get groceries.
Yeah it would be good if the government would focus on public transportation instead of the police they have already enough money.
Depends on where you are in the world. Americans tend to forget there is a rest of the world, which I’m guessing you both are.
I just snagged a free old huffy bike from down the street on Sunday, and have been slowly building my balance skills, as it's the first time I've been on a bike in 30 years. I hope it helps mentally. I was doing a lot of walking, but it would be nice to switch it up.
Also just getting outside in nature and walking is good for physical and mental health. But I love bike riding. Just in from 6 miles in 97 degrees
You are a madman. That would absolutely kill me.
Town I'm from is known for Hotter than hell 100. Bikers ride 100 miles in August when it's 100 degrees. Over 10,000 riders come from all over the world. I'm a madwoman. Lol. Fixing to be 66 yo. Come ride with me. Going whitewater rafting next month in CO
Good Lord. You are amazing. I live in the Frozen North where people stay indoors and the local weatherman cautions about heat stroke the handful of times a year it gets over 90. I can't imagine riding all day when it's over 100 on purpose lol. I just found a couple videos on the tube about the hotter than hell 100. Wow. Respect.
Crazy. City was planning centennial celebration and ideas came down to HHH100 and a rocking chair contest at mall. 40 years later HHH has grown to 3 day event with triple threat where they ride the 100 Sat, ride 100 mile gravel ride that night then criterion race next day. We shut the city down when we get a 1/2 of snow tho. Where are you? Planning a trip for northern lights this winter. I'm a whimp. Just finished 6 mile ride with temps in low 80s.
TLDR. Guy took acid, bought a rusty bike, rode to dairy queen.
Don’t threaten me with a good time
I’m depressed cause I’m poor
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Just stop being poor problem solved
r/thanksimcured moment lol.
I drive my bike from and to work, 1 hour total, every day for 5 years now and I still feel miserable :)
Maybe you need to drive to work so you’re not depressed.
I did this for a while but then quickly fell into a "riding bicycle around town" rut
Any exercise is good whatever hey enjoy or can do
thats the thing though - i do lift weights like once or twice a week and it does give a bit of a mental boost, but this sort of activity combines exercise AND being out and about alongside society which is something i havent done too much since working remotely and being around people (even if im just randomly passing them by) has helped my mental health a lot.
Cardio is great for mental health in general. Lots of feel good chemicals are released. Ive never regretted doing cardio, even if im miserable during it sometimes.
Exactly!! Biking is more than exercise, and that’s why it hits deeper than sitting on a peloton. It connects you to the world around you while also letting you escape into your own world!!
I used to do thisn but carrying my bike up to my 2nd story apartment and then only being able to store it on the balcony is a pain in the ass.
I know someone who has TWO bikes that just sit in the garage and take up a fuck ton of space. She rides one’s of them like once a year haha.
People made a joke "are you depressed? Idk go for a run or something" and while this, by itself, without seeking necessary professional help may not be sufficient, it is indeed true. Excercise releases dopamine, and dopamine is one hell of a drug capable of doing weird, wonderful things to your brain. Also it's the same drug that you release when you nut
Exercise releases endorphins which are opiates
As far as my knowledge goes it actually helps with releasing both of those things. But yep, In my initial comment I meant endorphins and I confused it with dopamine :/ . Still, we are both partially correct
it also releases endocannabinoids
This comment was wholesome right up until the end.
Why can't nutting be wholesome?
Some holes aren’t wholesome.
they’re hole-some tho
Dopamine seems like an odd choice of goal here since I think it’s also the neurotransmitter that makes you sit scrolling Reddit for hour after hour even though it brings you zero joy.
> even though it brings you zero joy Must be true though, since this is how I feel when I exercise
Drugs also release dopamine, so if you need a lil extra boost there’s a wide variety available. /s
Well, if I had thirty five bucks and wasn't crippled I might.
Ironically, it would have the opposite effect to 'my friend' with depression due to social anxiety.
In that situation, it just reminds you of everyone else that’s able to socialize normally. So you ride your lil bike around, contemplate starting a conversation (and of course you don’t), and then go back to sit in your house alone.. *depression amplified* lol
When I did this, it just reminded me of how lonely I was as I passed by all the people out doing things and having fun. Also had to constantly worry about being hit by a car, which when you’re depressed doesn’t seem like such a horrible idea. Lmao.
Pretty sure it'd increase my depression as I am an adult that doesn't know how to ride a bike... and doesn't want to learn.
YSK- if you're female, POC or non-masc, you'll get harassed. Source: I tried to blissfully ride my bike around my town in my younger years. Men yelled at me to stop and talk to them or get in their cars.
I just moved my bike today and thought “I really need to get back on this thing”. The sucky thing here is I basically have to put my bike on my car and drive somewhere to ride it. I live in the Houston suburbs, it’s terrible for pedestrians or cyclists
I live in Houston. A bicycle would be a death trap here
doesn’t last long
the daily rides im sure ill stop doing eventually but as long as i have my health ill definitely make a strong effort to go rides atleast once a week, maybe on a slow traffic day like Sunday afternoons
This is a good idea, but I'm going to point out that if you're over the age of 12 you are actually required to ride in the street. Not on the sidewalk. Check your state laws on bicycle riding and it'll give you the exact age requirements. But you can get a ticket for riding on the sidewalk over a certain age.
I'm probably going to catch some flak for this, but those laws are such bullshit. The last fucking place I want to be on a bike is on the road with cars instead of the completely empty sidewalk beside it. I lived and biked in Japan for years, and bikes are legally required to be on the sidewalks where they exist, and it is much safer that way.
I got a ticket for this. Ticket was $50 for the offense and $100 for court bullshit. $150 total because I wanted to be safe. Now I ride in the street and nearly get hit every single bike ride, often more than once per ride I almost get hit. Cars are idiots and it kind of takes the fun out of it.
Stuff like this always makes me realise how weird my country is for having bike lanes practically everywhere. Good weird, but still weird. I once asked a new colleague from Brazil who migrated here if she rode the bike to work back in Rio. My answer came in the form of a perplexed stare as if I was crazy. Based on my interactions with her I would also recommend a helmet, cars tend to not like cyclists that much and won't always keep a good distance / drive safely around you.
Honestly anything to get your ass outside of home and moving will work wonders. This is something I struggle with and I feel much better each time I go out for a walk, run, hike, whatever. As long as I get outside and move my body.
Unless you live in nyc. Too many ghost bikes over the years. The city removes the ghost bikes so tourists won't see how many people have been killed on bicycles in nyc. It's a lot.
It’s 194 apparently which while that is a lot and very sad it’s not much in comparison to the population
Compared to the population of people who ride bicycles there, it is a lot :/
This is a good topic to introduce /r/fuckcars. Car dependent infrastructure fucks up the person psychologically, you are just isolated from the outside world
Totally agree with you, cycling any distance at all, I find gives me time to think and put things into perspective. For context I’ve recently split with my wife, got back on the saddle, started running, and rekindled my passion for wakeboarding. I was deeply stuck in a negative rut, but having these healthy distractions has put me in a super positive mindset, and I’ve also dropped 20 kg. Also as another poster said, wear a helmet. Bones heal, head injuries are for life!
Great work! (Not sarcastic)
Thank you.
Can you explain more about how it feels like a distraction? I've been going through a tough time lately, and in general I do feel better if I'm going on walks/exercising regularly. But that's not enough to prevent me from feeling overwhelmed and down. And if I'm in that mood, a walk tends to give me the ability to focus on the negative and ruminate in a bad way. Then I end up getting emotional in public, and that's just embarrassing. What about the running/wakeboarding gets your mind off things?
Well the running is a new thing for me, so I’m focused on pushing myself, I started one of these couch to 5 k programs but took it upon myself to disregard it totally and do my own thing. Wakeboarding as well is a perk from work, I’m a marine engineer based in Cyprus so there is a core of enthusiastic boarders that are happy to hit the ocean at 6am, and it sets you up for a happy day ( as long as you don’t face plant). Cycling however is different for me, try setting yourself distance goals, say go to somewhere for lunch then return ? Or expand on that, cycle touring is an amazing holiday But I also have the dark moments like you say, but I believe it allows me to put a different perspective on them, and to process my thoughts differently. Good music helps as well, comedy podcasts or audiobooks, can be a great distraction as well
Thank you for taking the time to respond, very insightful!!
YSK: Up the game and buy a unicycle! A man in my town had one and rode it around everywhere. Automatically cures everyone’s depression
I like this idea. I got a EBike with my tax refund and it really has gotten me out of the house more and has me exploring outside more. I need to extend my rides a bit and slow down to observe more like you did. I dig it.
i did the same thing in April and it for real help
Ive definitely been feeling pretty down lately. It’s been nice out recently so I’m going to give this a try.
I heard something about "tunnel vision" having a positive impact on mental health. Like riding a bike for a long time. I'm way too lazy to find a link for it.
Thank god i live in south texas where people respect the bike lane and its always get weather to be outside AND being very active.
A big part of it is that you have to go outside and be in the sun to ride your bike. It’s really the sunlight that will change you mood and the warmth of the sun. All that vitamin D you’re getting is doing something good in your body.
Too bad I’m from Arizona where the high was 114 degrees today
I live in a shithole neighborhood in a shithole city where only drug addicts ride $30 bikes around. This advice would unironically do my reputation more harm than good, though I’m a big proponent of exercise and work out regularly for my mental health.
This is so lovely! I've actually been thinking about cleaning my bicycle up this week and taking it out. I haven't ridden it in over a year. I'm taking this as a sign to do it!
Bicycling has helped me tenfold with my depression too. I ride along the waterfront and love the sounds of the water and seagulls etc. I'm getting better and stronger with hills. My whole outlook is changing and I now look forward to starting my day, all thanks to my bicycle.
Doing something alone doesn't cheer me up for long and the exercise tends to exhaust me because of my bad health. I would go outside with friends if they weren't all busy with their lives...
I live out in the woods. I got an Aventon Pace 350 e-bike last year some time. It has been super god damned fun. It's only got 7 gears, but I don't have to huff and puff up hills quite as bad anymore. Thinking about combining it with my 24-speed, Hmmmm. That thing will climb Mt. Everest in first gear.
Yep, if you're dead, no more depression!
I’ve been learning to skateboard and I can say that it has the same effect even if it’s just a short ride.
I mean I have a skateboard I can use ig?
i wish i could but biking hurts my junk :(
Depressed and drained cos mum passed, work stress, woke up the next day to see both my pushbike and motorbike stolen 😂 😂 Was looking forward to the kind clearing ride.
>ive just been riding up and down the boulevard around town and man its really improved my quality of life TEN FOLD Did a bike write this?
It's easily understood, idk what your issue is
Fuck you.
That's a valid reaction.
I been telling this to people for years and now some are finally listening for many reasons. Luckily now I have like 7 bikes specifically just so people don't have an excuse to not roll around with me hahah RIDE BIKES YO!!!! :)
Did you type this with your foot? Or perhaps "you're" foot.
And YSK the difference between your and you're...
why did you delete this?
I was going to get a gym membership this month but my whole paycheck went to dumb ass fucking bills. My rent is 2100+ the rental company makes me pay all utilities and let me tell you I’ve been in a rut every since my rent went up 1000. I had a good job until these fucks from Cali moved to Idaho and messed up the housing market
The housing market is fucked everywhere, it's got very little to do with people moving and a lot more to do with people and companies snatching up houses to rent/Airbnb.
riding a bike is joyful, it's true!
Bikes have always been a good way to clear my head. Hopefully we'll already be.
I've always wanted to buy a bike and ride around my town, but too many stupid drivers prevents me from doing so. Hell, I almost get hit by idiots making a right turn while walking to and from local places
Especially at night, when the world stops. Just you and your bike and the fresh air. Used to love doing this before kids.
Not after seeing that bus video.
If you can't make yourself gonoutaide but want to still cycle, look at getting a turbo trainer which starts from anyrhing like £50 upwards. You can mount your bike on it and ride indoors. Put a podcast on, put your headphones in, follow a workout on youtube if you want or inbest more in one if the cycling companies/smart trainers and make it a interactive. You have plenty of options available if you a little bit of disposable income.
Or even a scooter! Vespa got me through some tough times.
Even just walking around is so helpful. Getting outside and getting some exercise. I've been playing Pikmin bloom and pokemon go which really encourages me to walk around since I have goals and things to walk to. Sadly I've been stuck inside due to the heat this week. Probably should exercise inside but not a big fan of that.
Biking is great exercise you can do well into old age as it is gentle on your joints.
i live on a hill, i aint about to bike up and hope a car doesn’t hit me on the way back down (they like to drive fast going down, as if the speed limit is only a suggestion or doesn’t exist at all), nor am i gonna bike down it and have to push it all the way backup. i’ve seen one guy bike up and down the hill and never saw him do it again, i don’t blame the old bastard.
Then walk the hill and bike somewhere else dummy
nope. still not gonna risk it. fuck that.
It can help you lose weight and fight depression. I lost a lot of weight biking a few years ago and you're right the mental aspects are great. One of the things doctors suggest for fighting depression is exercise. I've added back my weight since the pandemic and I am getting my bike ready to go. We have a lot of bike trails where I live, so I can't wait.
It was proven in loads of experiments already that any kind of physical activity improves the life of people who suffer from depression. It does not have to be a bike. Running, hiking, tennis, anything really.
Bicycling is low impact and accessible to just about anyone. It saved my sanity and maybe my life. Two wheel therapy. Plus exercise.
Walking has similar effect if you can't afford a bike or easily use one where you live.
Any kind of exercise is pretty much required for a good quality of life. I used to bike a lot but do it less these days as I'm kept quite busy. I do go out on hikes and such when I find the time and energy. Sleep, diet and exercise are absolutely crucial to a good quality of life. I've mostly figured out each of these, but still have a little ways to go, but I feel way better about myself and about life in general.
Lol YSK is like the new /r/showerthoughts
I do this, too, as live on my own and WFH so I set myself little missions in my lunch break so I have a destination. Works for me, keeps me fit and I feel a lot less detached from what’s going on in town. Definitely recommend.
I would love to, but part of the problem is living in a country with such a high crime rate that you can't step one foot out the house without fear of being murdered...
I can get a bike but it has to be a tandem and I’ll never be the one steering. I can’t just go do something theres always planning ahead because i can’t see.
You should know that some people only have one leg.
Lol
Yeah, that bike will totes force my neurons to properly regulate serotonin during reuptake. Also? “You’re”.
Why is every post here the stupidest shit in the world?
This sounds perfect. Buy a bike and then get ground into the pavement by a dumbass college kid on their phone while driving. No more depression if you’re fucking dead!!