Have you ever stepped outside and the fresh air just calms you?
Having a rough day? Go outside for a stroll or a ride.
How do you feel now? Is your mood no longer simmering? Does the weight of the world feel lighter? You’ve just released a bit of the stress that you’ve been carrying around.
I was able to get in touch with myself using the bicycle as that medium. When I returned back to Pittsburgh post a long-term break up, stressors from the job market, and trying to reintegrate with the Pittsburgh community I had a sense of loss. I was searching for something, me. Attempting to determine what I want to do with the rest of my life after thinking I already knew.
My consistency traveling by bike gave me a sense of peace that seemed hard to come by during the time. In the midst of navigating the Pittsburgh streets… timing the light just right so you don’t have to unclip… smelling the fresh-cut grass and other scented plants or the typical city street stink… smiling and waving at the neighborhood kids who get excited to see you biking… flipping the bird to a car that passes too close… concentrating on the pedal strokes as I ascend… scanning as far as I can when I catch a fast downhill to anticipate any road obstructions or incoming vehicles... coming in hot when I finally reach my destination. It’s all part of the rhythm and a little like meditation with action because I’m so focused on the task at hand.
It is during these times I’ve come to appreciate my surroundings more and appreciate my own body for having the strength to propel me forward. It’s small accomplishments that can be set which ultimately leads to achieving a goal or goals. Whether it’s biking home from work without having to walk “that one hill” or taking a leap of faith on a new job opportunity.
The Black Foxes believe that outdoor recreation is one of many pathways to improve one’s mental health. Enjoying the outdoors can come in many forms: biking, hiking, skating, skiing, kayaking, and a host of other activities. The act of doing something other than dwelling on whatever the stressors of life redirect your focus on the task at hand. This is not a cure-all but can lead to positive ways to release stress and exert pent up energies into action that strengthen our bodies instead of hurt them by keeping it bottled in.
Financial barriers may come into play as it relates to some activities but some low hanging fruit includes exploring where you live. This can come in the form of walks around the neighborhood aka a hike that’s not in the woods! If you have the ability to borrow, rent, or purchase a bike please do so. Check out your nearest trails or just ride around the city, either way, you won’t be let down. You’ll often see things you’ve never noticed before during your explorations.
Mental Health Benefits
Natural highs
Stimulates the release of endorphins, the ‘feel-good hormones’
Better sleep
Decrease stress
Reduce your levels of cortisol, the ‘stress hormone’
Increased mental acuity
Other Unintended Benefits
Learning your neighborhood, park and/or outdoor space that you decide to explore
Meeting your neighbors
Making new friends and/or bonding with friends/family that you do the activities with
Improve circulation, stamina, strength and bowel movements
Getting Vitamin D from the sun AKA make that melanin pop!
