Looking after your mental health is as important as looking after your physical health according to the Mental Health Foundation. Cycling in the Sun recognises the benefits of combining physical activity with sunshine; hence, cycling for mental health and overall well-being.
Health in the Mind, Body and Soul
“A sound mind in a sound body”, has been used in many a sporting context and is still as important today as it was when John Hulley used it for his Liverpool Athletics Club in 1861. The original phrase, “Mens sana in corpore sano,” written by Roman poet Juvenal suggests the need for holistic health in the body and the mind. Cycling for mental health incorporates the body and the mind and therefore can support overall well-being.
The Mental Health Foundation recommends 150 minutes of physical activity per week to enhance mental well-being and also suggests that participation in outdoor activities has greater positive effects on well-being than indoor activities. Cycling in the Sun offers guided riding on the Costa Blanca combined with sunshine, good food and great company. For more information on how to use exercise to support your mental health, please visit their website.
During the global pandemic, a lot of people found themselves isolated at home and with limited social contact. This situation has negatively impacted the mental health of so many, who are therefore finding it more difficult to lift their mood, regain their confidence in social settings and feel positive about life.
The Benefits of Cycling
Joining a local cycling club is one of the many ways to regain confidence, meet likeminded people and support your mental health. Riding outside with friends, chatting about life in general and enjoying a post-ride coffee and cake boost not only your self-esteem and self-confidence but also contribute to your daily purpose and routine. British Cycling has dedicated ride leaders and social cycling groups to encourage people to get outside and ride in a safe and friendly environment. For more information on social groups click on this link https://www.letsride.co.uk/social.
Connecting with nature whilst cycling is a fantastic way to escape from a busy city life and indoor work life. An early morning ride whilst the sun rises is an amazing start to your day, lifting your mood and giving you positive vibes throughout the day. Equally, riding later in the afternoon and feeling the sun on your face can leave you feeling happy, vibrant and with positive thoughts. Cycling in Sun is fortunate to be located in a stunning environment on the Costa Blanca, close to Calpe and Moraira. The sea views, mountains, blue skies, warm sun and friendly atmosphere all lend themselves to enhancing physical and mental well-being.
Pre-pandemic, many cyclists thought about nothing but the sound of their wheel purring along a perfectly smooth, tarmac road, the next climb, the next cafe stop, the next trip abroad. All of these were enough to lift their mood and get them through a stressful day. Building cycling into your daily routine can help to reduce stress. Being outside on your bike and feeling the warmth of the sun on your face can easily chase away the negative feelings a stressful lifestyle can bring. Booking a yearly cycling trip was for many cyclists ‘the norm’ however the pandemic has created a shift in behaviour for many.
How Cycling in the Sun Can Help
Travel restrictions and fear of the unknown have lessened the desire to plan and book a cycling holiday in the sun. Cycling in the Sun can take the stress out of the planning by having everything in place. From first contact until touch down at the airport, Cycling in the Sun can take care of all the organisation. From airport transfers to bike rentals, cycling breakfasts, cycling routes, guiding and post-ride recovery shakes, knowing that everything is ready and waiting for you upon your arrival can relieve so much stress, leaving you free to focus on your cycling holiday.
Having short, medium and long-term cycling goals can keep you motivated and help support your mental health. Goals can be as simple as meeting up with a cycling buddy once a week, tackling a local hill in the saddle rather than out the saddle or booking a cycling holiday in a warm, sunny climate with a group of cycling friends. The combination of outdoor exercise, connection with nature and relaxing with likeminded cycling friends are all positive ways to support your mental health. In the writings of Greek Philosopher Marcus Tulles Cicero, “It is exercise alone that supports the spirits, and keeps the mind in vigour.”
If you would like to know more about what we offer, please visit our website or contact us by email. We would love to hear from you!
