Visited the insurance agent yesterday morning and then spent 438km with my therapist yesterday and today.
Rider + Motorcycle + Highway = Freedom, peace, stress melting away…..
Riding a motorcycle is a bit of an escape from the stresses of everyday life. The feeling of the wind, the unimpeded smells of the world as you pass through it, the sense of freedom, and the thrill of the ride can be exhilarating.
And according to studies, motorcycling can also have a positive impact on mental health. Riding a motorcycle requires focus and concentration, which can be an effective way to clear the mind and reduce stress levels. Apparently studies have shown that the physical act of riding a motorcycle can activate the brain’s “flow state”, which is characterized by a sense of complete focus and immersion in the present moment. The heightened state of awareness can help riders let go of worries and negative thoughts, promoting a more positive outlook on life.
I knew riding the thing was good for me 😊
I did an idle search and came up with a few psychology sites that link riding a motorcycle with mental health…and although I’d never really thought about it, it lends a little understanding to why I am so happy when the bikes can finally come out of the garage again.
Five months has just felt like a lifetime.
The physical activity of riding a motorcycle helps work out stress and tension, while the mental focus required to navigate unfamiliar roads and changing conditions helps a rider stay focused. Cognitive function is improved due to the intellectual challenges of dealing with road hazards such as traffic, construction, and weather. Riding can benefit emotional health by encouraging more mindful engagement with the environment, allowing for moments of relaxation and peace. Studies have shown that riding can reduce stress on the brain and enhance mental clarity and has been linked to improved life satisfaction and feelings of joy. It increases serotonin levels in the brain, increasing happiness and decreasing depressive symptoms as well as stimulating the areas of the brain linked to higher-level thinking processes involving spatial awareness and problem-solving abilities. It can also help people become more attuned to the surrounding environment; while out on the road, riders must constantly be aware of their surroundings, scanning for obstacles or potential hazards such as animals or sudden changes in weather conditions. This heightened awareness allows riders to develop risk-assessment skills, which can transfer over into other areas of life, like decision-making at work or home. Riding a motorcycle combines risk with freedom and fun; the adrenaline rush associated with riding a machine at high speeds increases the body’s heart rate, breathing rate, and alertness. Unlike other exercise or sports activities, such as running or lifting weights, motorcycling offers a low-impact exercise, providing physical benefits like improved muscle tone and circulation. Depending on the form of riding, it can strengthens the legs, arms, neck muscles, and core as riders twist to lean into turns and shift their body weight while maneuvering around curves. The constant flexion of these muscle groups helps improve posture by increasing mobility in tight joints and strengthening weak muscles that are often neglected during traditional exercise routines.
- New Neurobiological Study Finds Riding a Motorcycle Can Decrease Stress and Improve Mental Focus
- Modulation of attention and stress with arousal: The mental and physical effects of riding a motorcycle
- The Psychology of Motorcycle Riding: Why We Ride
- The Psychology of Motorcycle Riding What Makes it so Addictive and Therapeutic?
