Today I would like to share with you how regular road cycling has improved my mood and my life and has thus played a central part in my recovery from depression. (Click on the image or link to watch a short video on how cycling has transformed my mood.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fzz2qiIL5g
In my video recently the body-mood connection, I stated how heard the quickest way to change your mood is to change your physiology. This includes getting exercise, eating a healthy diet, getting proper sleep, etc.
These main way that I change my physiology to change my mood is through cycling. I belong to a group of eight friends who live in my neighborhood in Northeast Portland. We call ourselves the Northeast Cruisers, and as you see I am wearing our team jersey. (On the back is my cat Bruce who some of you met in my video on pets and healing from depression.
Anyway, about 3-5 times a week I go on a 15 to 25 mile cycling trip with one or more cruisers. Doing this routine helps me in a number of way.s
First, the aerobic exercise benefits my overall health through bringing oxygen and blood flow to all part of my body, including my brain.
As a result of the latter, I experience a definite increase in my mood–called the runner’s high. I guess we can call this the cyclist’s high.
Third, by riding with other people, I benefit from the human contact and connection that are so important to good mental health.
One of my favorite and most frequent rides takes place here, on Rocky Butte, which is an extinct volcano in NE Portland. Getting to the top is a challenge, but once I reach the destination, I rewarded with a clear mind and beautiful views of Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens. Click on the link or the image below to watch a short video of me at the top of Rocky Butte talking about the antidepressant effects of exercise.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fzz2qiIL5g
