No 2 in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) 5 steps to mental wellbeing, is ‘Be Physically Active.’ Cycling, which includes eCycling, or ebikes, or electric bicycles, is named in their list of recommendations to become physically active. (source)
“While virtually all exercise is beneficial for general, ‘whole body’ health, cycling is especially great for positive mental health.” says Mensline Australia. (source)
In the USA, Mental Health America, recommends exercise in their Get Physically Active page, and suggests for your overall health:
“at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity (think walking or a leisurely bike ride) five days a week PLUS strength training twice a week.”
OR
“at least 20 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity (like jogging or a challenging bike ride) three days a week PLUS strength training twice a week.” (source)
It seems to be a universal truth, by respected health authorities the world over, that exercise and mental health go hand-in-hand. And therefore, that cycling, on an ebike, will be good for positive mental health.
We will stress though, before you go out and buy that ebike and jump into an exercise regime, that you do check with a medical professional first to ensure it is safe for you to do so. Everyone’s personal circumstances, whether physical or mental, are different, so it is wise to get the go ahead from an expert.
What Are the Benefits of Ebike Exercise?
Ebike Mental Health Positives
Exercising on an ebike improves your disposition. The action of cycling pumps blood around your body and brain, creating endorphins that lighten your mood. Throughout your ebike exercise stint, you will start to relieve some of the depression, anxiety, and stress, you may be burdened with. Your self-esteem will start to grow. On the physical side, your heart will receive a boost, and your legs a workout, so overall, you are not just helping tackle any mental health issues you have, you are also keeping fit physically.
Positive Outcomes
Improving your mental health by ebike exercise has a range of other positive outcomes. You will sleep better. You will interact better with others, for cycling, especially in a pleasant environment like a park, or along the seashore, or in the countryside, promotes feelings of calm and wellbeing. Stress levels will fall and you will more easily cope with any hurdles that confront you in daily life.
Plus, ebike exercise will not just help those with mental health issues who are physically fit. Because you have assistance to pedal with the aid of an electric motor and battery, then almost anyone, no matter their level of fitness, can partake. Many people with physical injuries or infirmities can benefit also.
See also: A Normal Bike or an Ebike
And: Smart New World of Ebikes
Why Is Mental Health Important?
Because Good Mental Health is Essential
Our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, are an intricate part of our mental health. How we think, feel, and act, can be determined by our mental health. How we deal with stress and everyday problems, and relate to family and colleagues, as well as anyone else we interact with in a social way, can all have a bearing depending on how good or bad our mental health issues are. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and in some ways, more so, for mental health issues are often unseen, unlike a physical disorder, where, for example, a walking stick signals infirmity, or a plaster cast on an arm indicates a broken or fractured bone. And, just as many people will break a bone at one time or another in their life, many people will suffer a mental health disorder.
Mental Illnesses are Common
“Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States.”
“More than 50% will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime.”
“1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year.”
“1 in 5 children, either currently or at some point during their life, have had a seriously debilitating mental illness.”
“1 in 25 Americans lives with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression.” (source)
Anyone Can Suffer from Mental Health Issues
There is no one thing that will cause mental illness. A wide range of factors can cause issues with mental health, and in reality, no one is immune from suffering mental health issues either today, or in the future. We can only do what we can to improve the mental health that we have, and as the experts in the field have all agreed, physical exercise is a good way to assist you in both your mental and physical health.
Ebiking not only gives you the recommended exercise, and this exercise will be as easy or hard as you desire, depending on the level of pedal assist you choose. It will get you out in the fresh air, enjoying the scenery and the journey as you go.
Give Both Your Physical Health and Your Mental Health a Boost
We can agree that exercise is a good idea to combat mental health issues. It is also great for losing weight and keeping you physically fit. Therefore, I would recommend reading our article, ‘Lose Weight, the Ebike Way,’ and set up an ebike exercise regime. You may not have a need to lose weight, but exercise on an ebike will not be too strenuous, and will improve your fitness, and it will give yourself a mental health boost of goodness. In the high stress modern world we live in, that can only be a benefit.
Your Ebike and Your Mental Health
If you have already experienced an improvement in your mental health using your ebike, then please let us know. It is always good for someone with such issues to hear about how others have overcome what they may be going through at the moment.
Apart from the initial outlay of the purchase of an ebike, ebiking is a relatively inexpensive way to combat any mental health issues you may have. Plus, it is one of the more enjoyable ways.
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