On of the joys of cycling is being able to ride alone or in the company of friends. On those occasions when I find myself enjoying the serenity of the Victorian countryside alone the mind seems to wander aimlessly. What generally happens, for me at least, is that I have come up with introductory paragraphs for university essays and sometimes a range of ideas as to how an essay needs to flow. Of course while riding a bike it is not possible to write the ideas down when they first come into your head. But during a long distance randonnée you can usually find a coffee shop and jot down ideas then. I still have notes on the back of paper napkins. I relate this back to some ideas I remember from various training courses , where you are advised to keep a pencil and paper on the bedside table to jot down random ideas.
I never try to analyse why this happens until this morning I found this article in the online Bicycling Magazine.
The Cognitive Benefits of Riding, Your Brain on Cycling: Three ways your brain benefits from riding your bike
CONCENTRATION Activities that require balance, quick reactions and decision-making skills— like martial arts, gymnastics and cycling—best control ADHD in children, says psychiatrist David Conant-Norville, MD. A Vanderbilt University study shows that these activities may help adults with focus and concentration too. Participants who performed a short but complex exercise were 40 percent more likely to solve a puzzle than idle participants. The takeaway: If you’re stuck on a problem, go for a ride.
STRESS AND ANXIETY Research has shown that vigorous exercise is so effective at quelling anxiety and depression that some patients have been able to reduce or eliminate the use of medications such as Prozac and Zoloft. In a study at the University of Southern Mississippi, participants who suffered from generalized anxiety disorder and exercised at 60 to 90 percent of their maximum heart rates for three 20-minute sessions per week saw significant decreases in anxiety sensitivity and fear after just two workouts. Further research has shown that people who get regular vigorous exercise are less likely to develop anxiety disorders and depression.
MEMORY For the hippocampus—a region of the brain that controls long-term and spatial memory—bigger is better. And as with the rest of your body’s muscles, exercise makes the hippocampus grow. A University of Illinois and University of Pittsburgh joint study found that physically fit participants had larger hippocampi and performed 40 percent better on memory tests. Other reports show that exercise helps older adults retain cognitive function and avoid disorders like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
So next time somebody asks why you ride a bike rather than driving car you can tell them that you are preparing a university assignment or writing a report. The reaction is priceless.
Reference:
Mattheis, C. (2010). Your Brain on Cycling. Bicycling Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.bicycling.com/news/advocacy/your-brain-cycling
Great post. Is it just as easy to have these thoughts when its teaming with hail and you are still 80 km from home!! The sun is shinning today so perhaps I head out on the bike for some….study time!
I must admit that in the rain the thoughts do not flow as easily. All the effort is taken up with keeping the pedals turning.
But I then just think that riding in adverse conditions becomes ‘character building’.
I think I’ll take up bike riding in the final weeks of each SP!