Can Riding a Motorcycle Help Reduce Stress?

Did you know that riding a Motorcycle can help reduce stress? When you jump on that bike and tear down the road, you may actually be helping your mind deal with more than just local traffic. The feel of the motor once the pull on that throttle, the wind on your face when it is just you and the road going nowhere and going there fast. It feels good just thinking about it doesn't it?

But why does riding feel so freeing and balance us out when we need it the most? Let's have a quick look at the science behind destress and motorcycles and find out why being a rebel could be better for everyone.

How Stress Affects the Body and Mind

Stress is normal in all of us, it is how much and how we handle it that makes it either dealable or could turn into a major health issue. When we are stressed, our bodies react with a bunch of hormones which leads us into ‘survival mode’. This mode is good in emergencies but when this mode is always switched on due to high stress levels, health issues such as high blood pressure, muscle tension plus more will really start affecting your wellbeing.

Stress will also affect you mentally if it is not dealt with. We can feel overwhelmed depressed and lose focus on our lives. This can be challenging not only on the individual, but on people around them also.

The Science of Riding and Stress Reduction

Here is the proof that riding actually does work for stress- Researches grabbed a bunch of riders like you and me and found that riding lowers the heart rate, improves focus and can lower cortisol levels (also known as the Stress Hormone)

They found that as riding needs focus, it calmed an overactive mind. When riding, as the road and other drivers need our full focus, it takes away other stressful thoughts and worries we may have at the time.

20 minutes of riding was the equivalent to light exercise. What a great and legit excuse to jump on that bike!

Riding as a Form of Mindfulness

Mindfulness is being fully aware and engaged in the current moment. What is happening around you right now. With feelings, with thoughts and aware of your surroundings. Not thinking or worrying about the past or future. When you are on that bike, you are in the present moment. Your surroundings, the feel of the vibration of your bike and how the bike makes you feel.

You don't have time to worry about off bike situations, this is why riding is a great escape for any stress and worries.

Physical Activity and Stress Relief

Riding is basically a workout without the gym and expensive memberships. You need balance, coordination and a lot of physical interaction. The leaning into bends, the braking and maneuvering all uses core strength. Feel good endorphins are released when we have this physical activity which leads to naturally relieving stress.

So, a bonus that comes along with stress relief while riding is the fact that you can do some exercise without getting your butt off the seat.

Connection with Nature and Open Roads

Many of our lives are filled with constant noise, outside and in our minds. But roads can take us out of this cycle, and if we hit the road on two wheels, it is even better.

If you choose to ride around the mountains or on a road passing the ocean, each kilometer you do is closer to peacefulness. When you are on a bike, you can smell the flowers, the clean air and feel the tar take you away.

This is all part of stress relief. Smelling nature on two wheels has a lot more value than smelling air freshener in a therapist's office.

Social Connection and Emotional Support

There are many Motorcycle Community's that all have one thing in common, their bikes, which means they don't judge, they just love to ride. Weekly meetups and group rides are a few of the activities Motorcycle Clubs do which make even the Blackest of Sheep feel welcome. Joining a bike group is a great distraction for stress and can take away feelings of isolation. Apart from all the serious stuff, group meets give you plenty of great laughs and make memories that override feeling low.

Conclusion

We have been through the mental, the physical and the emotional sides of riding. Riding absolutely helps in relieving stress.

The world and its demands seem to be getting harder and more demanding but let us bikers try to stick to our guns and never change for anybody.

Bikers love freedom, don't let stress take it away from you.