The Benefits of Cycling: Stress Relief, Better Mental Clarity and a Youthful Feeling.

They say you never forget how to ride a bicycle. I found this to be true as I saddled up for the first time in many years four months ago. I My goal was to ride a 2.5 mile stretch down a country rode near home. Riding out of the drive and turning to aproach the road, my balance was a little shakey. It was all slowly coming back to me. Climbing the first hill my legs tightened and sweat dripped down my face. No pain, no gain.

I was riding to get in better shape, hoping to lose a few pounds. As the months passed, 2.5 miles has turned into 25 miles. I've lost some weight and shapen up. Bicycle riding is a great way to burn fat. You can burn about 600 calories per hour. You could say I'm reaping the benefits of those little pains felt in the beginning. And to my surprise, enjoying some lesser known benefits as well. As an added bonus riding my bicycle has helped me manage stress better, it's sharpened my thoughts and left me feeling younger too.

I find life to be challenging and stressful at times. Working long hours to meet impossible deadlines and trying to keep up at home is tough. These challenges leave me feeling tense and my thoughts wary. Too much stress and that 'waryness' feeling can lead to burnout and depression. Next it's off to the counselor's office to spend hours upon hours and endless amounts of money trying to figure out how to better manage stress.

To my surprise bicycle riding really helps with managing stress, not to mention calming my frustrations. In recent years many studies have been released by the medical and psychological community citing the benefits of exercise on mental health. Basically, when riding a bicycle endorphins, a brain chemical that improves our overall mood, are released. In addition, the endorphin release can also improve our sleep patterns. Over time, a happy disposition and a good night's rest can lead to better stress management. After a long day at the office I hop on my bicycle and ride the tension out. Relaxed, my mind is at ease and I can enjoy the rest of my evening.

Ever think about a problem while driving and come up with a solution by the time you reach your destination? For me, thinking while riding a bicycle is the same thing, but better. The motion of riding enhances my thoughts. I find it easy to focus my attention on a subject since there are less distractions. I've lost count of the number of life's little obstacles I've conquered this way.

In addition to problem solving, bicycle riding has opened the door for me to explore more creative and critical thinking abilities I have as well. Recent scientific studies are just starting to reveal how regular exercise, such as bicycle riding can improve our thinking and overall thought processes. Since I'm able to solve daily problems that I encounter more quickly and easily I have more time and energy to think about creative projects I want to engage in.

For all of us, growing older is impossible to escape. The years stack up quickly and the best we can do is find ways to slow the aging process. Many look to the latest wrinkle cream or buy a sports car to feel young again and stop aging in it's tracts. I say start riding and the years will vanish . Recent scientific studies show that it's more than just a youthful feeling. As we know, endorphins, a chemical in the brain is released when we ride a bicycle. Endorphins have been linked to slowing the aging process. So just remember every time you ride your bicycle, you are physically riding yourself young.

There is no better way to feel young again than to remember when we were young. A few months into my daily rides memories of childhood bicycling sparked. What good times I had bicycle riding all summer long without a care in the world. For me, connecting to my past with good memories helps in the present. Remember bicycle riding with 'no hands' and 'standing up' while riding? I was delighted to find that I still have those youthful abilities. Bicycling has improved my balance. And to physically be able to ride again like I used to is a great accomplishment.

Not only do I feel younger, but I believe I look younger too. It's helped to tightened up and shape my body. To me, bicycle riding is like finding the fountain of youth. It gives me a youthful, wity, energetic and positive outlook on the future as I look forward to many, many more years of bicycle riding and the joy it brings.