. . . anything good for your mental health is vital. Mountain biking is an adrenaline-infused sport perfect for boosting your mental health and overall sense of wellbeing.

1. Spending Time in Nature

Getting out into nature has numerous benefits for your mental health, like reducing anxiety and depression and making you feel happier overall. Spending some time riding through trails and stopping for a break among the trees or alongside a river can also help you get better sleep at night, increase your vitamin D, and lower your cortisol levels.

2. It Helps You be Mindful

It is hard to have your mind wander or entertain negative thoughts while flying down a mountain or trying to stay upright on a rocky path. Mountain biking can help to get you out of your head and be present in the moment. It is an excellent way to learn how to be present in other parts of your life and to tune out any negative self-talk you may have.

3. You Become More Connected to Your Body

Taking up mountain biking as a hobby or becoming a serious cyclist requires you to become very attuned to your body while you ride and on your off days. You need to learn what the sensation in your body is telling you, how to fuel your body properly, and when to push harder or pull back. This mind-body connection is invaluable regarding your self-confidence and how you view yourself.

4. It is a Rush

There is no denying that speeding through rough terrain, flying down a hill, or overcoming an advanced trail is a real rush. Your body will pump out those endorphins, and you will feel elated. This is excellent short-term and long-term to help boost your mood. Taking to the trails to battle some of your demons is a sure-fire way to win every time.

5. It Helps You to Prioritize Yourself

Making a commitment to any type of physical activity and then sticking to your commitment and improving over time is a great way to practice self-care. You will find that this commitment to becoming the best version of yourself will flow into other parts of your life. Whether that means cleaning up your diet, creating a solid sleep schedule, or seeking out a therapist. You will find that taking care of yourself is rewarding, and you will begin to love and trust yourself again.

6. Increase in Cardio

Exercise, in general, is known for boosting mental health, so it’s no surprise that mountain biking will also. Riding regularly is a great cardio workout. Biking will get your heart rate up and your blood pumping. This will help strengthen your heart, bones, lungs, and muscles and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

7. Increases Stamina

If you have been dealing with mental health issues, taking up mountain biking is a great way to boost your endurance and feel good about yourself. Learning that you can push through tough situations and do hard things will do wonders for your mental health.

8. It Makes You Take a Step Back

Standing atop a mountain you just biked up or on a ridge overlooking some breathtaking panoramic views, is a great way to put your life into perspective. Taking this time to step back from your problems and just breath, especially if you have been struggling with your mental health, will help you to gain a new perspective and maybe even a new appreciation for your life.
These are perfect moments to get out of your head and just be.

9. A Sense of Accomplishment

There is real satisfaction in conquering a trail you thought was too advanced for you. Using your accomplishments in mountain biking to push forward in other parts of your life and understand that you can have great achievements when you commit can be great for your mental health and your opinion of yourself.

10. Community

Joining a mountain biking community is excellent for connecting with others with a common interest and giving you a feeling of belonging. Many mountain biking communities welcome new members with open arms and create a safe space to ask questions, connect with others, and offer advice when needed.

Conclusion

Mountain biking is fantastic for improving your physical health and is just as beneficial to your mental health.
From being part of a community to helping reduce stress, improve sleep, and teaching you how to step back and be present, there is no denying the benefits of mountain biking on your mental health.

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This article was originally published by Everything Mountain Bikes, July 18, 2022