Mental Health Benefits of Motorcycle Riding

“You will never see a motorcycle parked outside a psychiatrist’s office.” This is a popular saying among motorcycle enthusiasts who claim that motorcycle riding is good for your mental health. Nowadays, many people suffer from mental health issues. Various health-related organisations and mental health professionals are studying different ways to reduce stress, depression, and anxiety.

Originally, there were only claims about the positive impact of motorcycle riding on mental health since there were no experimental studies conducted to prove or disprove these claims. Recent studies conducted by reputed health organisations and institutes have tested these claims and have confirmed that motorcycle riding does positively affect mental health. This article explains how riding a motorcycle can benefit your mental health.

A recent experimental study published by Brain Research has supported the claim that motorcycle riding benefits your mental health. The major findings of this study included the following:

• Riding a motorcycle increases the rush of adrenaline
• Adrenaline increases by 27%
• Cortisol decreases by over 25%
• Heart rate increases by 11%
• Provides a positive outlook
• Enhances cognitive ability
• Makes you more attentive
• Makes you more responsive

Cortisol is a stress hormone responsible for causing stress, anxiety, and depression. If the cortisol level in your blood increases, it can cause mental disorders. According to research by Brain Research, it has been discovered that motorcycle riding can help decrease cortisol levels by 25%. When you are riding a motorbike, your focus is diverted and your mind becomes less preoccupied with thinking about the cause of your anxiety and depression.

The study led by Brain Research also found that motorcycle riding can help increase adrenaline by 27%. Adrenaline is a hormone that helps increase blood flow to the brain and muscles, hence making a person more alert and responsive. Adrenaline also helps the lungs operate effectively and make the heart beat faster. It also increases the sugar level in your blood, providing you with energy.

While riding a motorcycle, riders have to keep their eyes open and stay alert at all times to avoid hazards. There are various instances when you have to make fast decisions, either to shift gears or apply the brakes. This keeps your brain active at all times while riding a motorcycle, ensuring improved cognitive functions.

People often have much to be worried about, including their work, finances, health issues, and other personal problems. They often cannot find solutions to these problems because they keep thinking about the issues and become depressed.

Motorcycle riding helps clear your mind. When you are riding a motorbike, your mind is actively looking out for dangers and making sure you are safe. This is a mental exercise that helps keep your mind off issues and encourages you to focus on enjoying the ride.

Motorcycle riding can make you feel happy and brighten your mood. This is due to the fact that riding a motorcycle releases endorphins and dopamine, commonly known as “happy hormones.” Motorcycle riding can help you socialise and make new friends. You can discuss with other motorcycle riders how and why a motorcycle ride makes him/her happy.

One of the major reasons why people suffer mental health problems is the excessive use of the internet and social media. Spending too much time in front of screens promotes a sedentary lifestyle. Motorcycle riding can help you go outside, get some fresh air, and connect with the environment while improving your mental well-being.

You can become a part of the motorcyclist community. It is important for your mental health that you socialise and spend quality time with people rather than isolating yourself. Joining a motorcycle or riding club can provide a place where you can socialise, make new friends, and enjoy motorcycle riding together.

Your mental health also depends on your physical health. Being physically fit gives you a positive outlook on exercise and your self-image. Motorcycle riding can help you strengthen your neck, knees, thighs, and back by sitting in an upright riding position. If you love going on adventure rides on your adventure or dirt bike, you can burn calories during these trips. Motorcycle riding is a form of light exercise and a good way to put your mind at ease.

Living in the 21st century and dealing with stress can be challenging. There are so many things that cause anxiety and depression, including your future, expenses, work, career, and personal life. People should take some time out of their day to socialise and cherish nature. Motorcycle riding is a healthy activity that provides a breath of fresh air and keeps your mind active. Riding a motorcycle can make you happy, instils confidence, and improves your decision-making skills.

Going on a tour or a long trip can help you achieve the mental health benefits of motorcycle riding. However, to have a better touring experience, you can carry the luggage using saddlebags and sissy bars available at Viking Bags. Other modification parts include crash bars, handlebars, fairings, and seats that can make your riding experience safe and comfortable.