How Cycling Can Boost Your Mental Health - GCN Does Science
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- čas přidán 3. 07. 2024
- Mental health is now a more widely discussed topic than ever, with the pressures of modern life and stress affecting many of us at some point. Ground-breaking new research shows that cycling can be hugely beneficial for improving mental health, but how? Si speaks to the experts to find out.
With thanks to NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre
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As well as being enjoyable, cycling can actually be beneficial for your mental health. Yes, it's been scientifically shown that regular exercise on the bike can help your mental wellness and reduce stress levels. How can this work? We spoke to experts in the field from the University of Oxford, and put our own bodies to the test.
We'd love to hear your side of the story - has cycling helped you overcome stress and mental health issues? Let us know in the comments.
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Leave us a comment below! - Sport
We'd love to hear your side of the story - has cycling helped you overcome stress and mental health issues?
Global Cycling Network Cycling keeps me sane no doubt about it👍🏻
Definitely. Sense of control, self improvement... finding myself in the hills knowing "I did that" etc.
Hi Si such a great video
I have suffered with clinical depression for over 10 years I also have P.T.S.D . ( to the point I have tried to end my own life.) I brought a cycle and sold my car so I had to use my bike to get to and from work,
Even though I’ve been knocked off a few times I still love cycling.
I really does help I’m not the fittest bloke and there are time I stop cycling for a month or two when thing get down but I always return to cycling and fall in love with the sport all over again.
I still cycle to work most days and cycle with a club on the weekends
I find I can forget all my worries and just take in the scenery which put a smile on my face even in bad weather.
It means a lot that you guys covered this topic and I hope I will help many people out there with mental illness
So thank you, love the channel keep up the good work 💕
If I feel a bit low going outside for a ride is cool, blows the cobwebs away. but if I'm really feeling stressed about something and need to switch off I go on the trainer and totally wipe myself out...it's like hitting a reset button
Global Cycling Network buying new bikes help my happiness while I’m riding it but feel depressed looking at my bank statement 😐
My side of the cycling helped my mental health story would take too long, but I have one great example. In 2010, I had lost my job, had my then wife of 14 years file for divorce, and broke my road bike (and only bike) within four months. I had a friend with multiple bikes allow me to borrow one of his road bikes for the rest of the season. I am not a climber, but I don't run from hills because you don't get better by just training your strength. One day when all I could think about was how did everything fall apart and how am I going to make it through this unbelievably emotionally painful time, I was on a hilly ride trying to get up a hill with sections at 10% to 14%. In the middle of this crank bending climb, it came to me out of "nowhere" that I was going to get through this difficult period in my life the same way I'm going to get up this climb, one pedal stroke (or one step) at a time. To this day, whenever I get down and think how am I going to make it through this next challenge, I remember that moment on that hill.
Amazing story!
heh, exactly the same thing I was thinking doing a a hard climb, I can make it.
....me the problems are too many. I ride up hills regularly instead of trying to fix them. Wehhaayy!!
Great story bro, hope things are going good now. Keep cycling, cheers 🍺🍺
I was going through a rocky relationship which didn't end well. Cycling to school once or twice a week which was 2 hrs away from home somehow kept me sane. Running from time to time has also helped with coping with the long term illness and loss of my parents. I feel the more intense the exercise, the more you focus on the physical pain and exertion than the emotional. It has a meditative effect by taking the focus off of the storm. The alternative is to be eaten alive or consumed by what's going on inside your head. Eventually it became a fun leisurely activity. ^_^ When I was at my very worst, it bought me time so I wouldn't end up in a dangerous place. If you miss a dose of biking/running, you get reminded sooner or later.
Mindfulness is 425W. Now that's something for on a T-Shirt
hell yes 400w plus = solid mindfulness
GCN needs to have that as a shirt!
440 W the perfect hour of mindfulness
That's why achieving mindfulness is so bloody hard :)
Scrolled down for this comment :)
I'm starting to notice that GCN has been producing uber 'Science' videos lately with Si. Class-leading investigative works where you interviewed experts on cycling's effect on men's sexual health (Dr. Anthony Koupparis), city cycling and pollution (Dr. Enda Hayes and Dr. Audrey de Nazelle), and now this. Gigantic effort. You deserve every praise from me.
Thanks Vee, that means a lot.
Agreed
Think Si does the best videos full stop
was just about to comment the same!
GCN is punching well above its weight with these excellent videos
Personally I think they put on quite a bit of weight and are punching at their weight. These extra pounds ... not good for a cyclist ;)
@@mumblecake251 you clearly didn't understand what this comment actually means not one of gcns guys are anywhere near over weight they are completely the opposite
@@jgilly3362 I was fully aware what the OP meant. I think the pun that I was making (admittedly not a very good one) eluded you though :P
Science with Si. Love that earnest and eager student mindset Simon adopts when reporting on topics along the lines of how cycling impacts our lives as a whole.
... and the Brains glasses ;)
There's a reason they send Si out for these assignments: he's the best journalist at GCN.
This may well be your most important video so far ,well done
and it was produced a year before the worst epidemic both in physical and mental health in modern era which resulted in booming of this hobby, who knew!
This is why i love gcn the quality is just so high
Cheers! We're having a great time producing these more in depth investigative pieces lately.
I have to give it up to you guys, I thought this channel's content would plateau (after all you can only make so many "5 worst climbing mistakes" videos) but you keep striving to reach further, improving cinematography and storytelling. This video and the 10.000 calories ride have been superb. I enjoy them even more than the GCN Show. You're really onto something here. Keep it up!
Still going strong
I grew up in a conflict zone in the Nothern Part of Kenya in East Africa.. For many years I suffered Depression, PTSD, and anxiety. When I was young, my big brother bought me a bike and cycling saved me. It's been long since I cycled but watching your channel, just watching you guys bike has relaxed me immensely, for that reason saving up to buy a bike and get more mentally stable .... the best part is I am a psychological Counsellor now.
Hmmm interesting. I find too that my hamster wheel is going non-stop on easy zone-2 rides, but the longer I ride, the slower the hamster wheel is turning. I found that on some really long rides (150km+), especially on a nice summer day, I reach this sort of sincere, relaxed mental state. When I arrive back home I feel utterly relaxed and happy. Sometimes this works better for me than taking a full week of holiday!
I can relate to this feeling!
12:05 Am I the only one who thought, "Christ, Si's gone 'full geek' and then "I wonder if he's parodying academics"...?
PS: in 2012, I was fat and borderline suicidal. I quit grad school when I fantasized about hurling myself off a bridge on the way to University. Afterwards I just rode my bike until I found a new job. Bikes changed my life, man.
Glad you're still with us! I'm just getting into cycling now, at 30.
I am suicidal but can't quit my job....I loike your free spirit
Definitely struggle with mental health in our Canadian winters because my activity level drops so much!
Got myself a trainer this year because one of your videos came up in my reccomend from CZcams vids.
Now riding every day and I'm loving it! Feeling great, sleeping great, eating great and healthier!
Thanks GCN! Keep up the great work!
Thanks dude, glad you found a great solution!
I’m a middle aged man, and 1 year ago, I started riding. I was a bit overweight, under a lot of stress and felt lethargic. I can confirm that cycling has made me physically healthy (with knock on effects like eating better and drinking less alcohol since the opposite would result in unenjoyable rides) but as importantly, I handle stress way better. I was even once at work during a particularly stressful event and instead of wallowing with the aftermath, I took a break and went for a ride, and the stress just melted away. Also, if I do an early morning hard ride (e.g. a good climb), the more I am focused at work for the rest of the day. Honestly, it feels like cycling has saved my life- or in the very least, my quality of life. It should be said that I live in Southern California where the climate is good for cycling year round.
I'm far from middle aged (unless you ask my SO), but I was very overweight in my 20's and can confirm all those things in my experience as well. I have a small baby girl at the moment, so cycling time is hard to come by, but when I do get out on the bike it's like a recharging of the batteries, and it doesn't even take that long - even my 30 minute ride to work, I like to sprint for a few sections and maintain a high average speed where I can (even trying to overtake cars occasionally ;) is like a happy moment before the day starts.
I’m 55, new to serious workout riding (indoor mostly during a Canadian winter), and can say I mirror everything you say. I would say that I am gravitating towards better eating habits and less drinking, not solely because of the anti-effect on rides, but just because I don’t feel as inclined to indulge as much, or I seem to have more quality / interesting things to do.
@@morosis82 There is a solution for that. Bike trailor for your little one. Perfect training instrument as well because of the extra weight. My two year old daughter loves it and has good naps in there ;)
@@mumblecake251 yeah I think I'm going to have to upgrade to the double model, the 3yo loves it but haven't been out with the little one yet. Have been thinking about getting a cargo style e-bike for that purpose, it's a bit hilly where I live.
I'm 30 and the same happened for me.
i very much love these longer format videos diving into these health-related videos especially the one on body image. keep em coming!
The cutaway shot to Si’s face when Dr. Geddes references “the manual fiddling around and nerdery of cycles” at 20:09 is pure gold.
I laughed out loud when I saw that, and had to come down to the comments and look for anyone mentioning it :)
That is my single favorite moment of all time since I started watching CZcams videos many years ago. Si's smirk is priceless!
Great video and great insight, issues that affect us all on some level. I was on medication for anxiety for 9 years, in 2017 I started a daily mindfulness practice, and late 2017 started cycling. In 2018 I came off medication and kept cycling and have been feeling the best I've ever felt as an adult. For anyone struggling seek help and never give up, there's always something else to try and someone else to help. ❤️
I suffer from clinical depression and anxiety and cycling has been my saviour, thanks for the video. Keep up the great work
Thanks Jason, keep riding and enjoying cycling
I started cycling a year ago, and i notice that i become less stressed with my job, marriage etc. Even just by commuting to work i become more happy, less stressed, even get a promotion on top of that. The thing is, it is become addictive. 1-3 days without cycling, i got anxious, and become easily angered.
Anyway, great video! Now i know that its not just myth, it is proven that cycling makes you happy.
As someone who suffered with untreated PTSD for years, when I finally got help, I returned to my love of cycling. My doc is convinced that my recovery was hastened due to the bike. It gives distraction from my thoughts, something exciting to look forward to and motivation to try harder. Thank you for putting this video up. It helps validate what so many of us know.
To echo the reverse. I can track the decline of my own mental health back to when i stopped riding my bike If I look back. I went through a 3 year period after my bike was stolen where i didn't have a bike and in that time i think my mental health as well as my phsyical health declined a lot. I also ended up with injuries and that further made it all worse. All came to a head thsi year at the beginning with a big dive into depression after a panic attack (I have a lot of other depressing shit happen worse than a bike beign nicked whcih contributed but I didn't help myself at all).
Getting back on the bike and excercising again (amongst other things) has been a good way to beat back my anxiety fears and depression. Its given me back that joy i was missing from being alive!
Well. This is indeed one of the most important, informative health videos not just from GCN, button CZcams in general.
Excellent tone and content.
Big thanks to Si, Oxford and the GCN team for this production.
I need my cycling to help with mental health. It clears my head and makes me a happier calmer person.
Fantastic video, thank you to everyone at GCN as well as the Universities for putting this together. There are so many young men with mental health issues who don't seek help. The more we can do to normalise talking and doing things about mental health the better.
There's a similar enterprise in Australia called the 'Mens Shed' organisation that is basically just a place where guys can go to shoot the shit, get their hands dirty with some woodwork, fixing stuff, all sorts of things. The premise behind it is to get them together and talking about what they're struggling with, and get help if they need it.
I can envision something similar with a cycling group, for those that way inclined.
first sorry for my english i will do my best ;p so i had rectal cancer before it i was cycling and going to gym alot i did well with surgerys and chemotherapy sadly chemo and location of the cancer did make my toilet a huge problem thats when i had to stop gym and cycling cuz i basicly didnt know when i will have to go to toilet i was doing my best on indoor trainer and i stoped i dont know why and that was the time when it all started toilet got worse everybody was wondering whats going on and then i did recognise that i have huge depression i lost all my will to live im on antidepressats now when i started from small walks and small cardio on indoor trainer (have problem with lossing waight so cant do anything long that will burn too much calories) but i can say one thing it is helping me more then the pills i was perfect with my head aslong i could train so yeah if u have problems with depression dont sit next to PC like i did just move your A**
Thanks GCN for motivation and videos like that ! you are all great ppl i hope i will get better one day with toilet and i will be able to meet u all on some GCN event !!!
Graboss87 all the best with your recovery 🙏🏼
Thank you for sharing your story. Very inspirational and wishing you the best
All the best and wishing you a speedy recovery! very courageous of you to share.
Thanks for the courage to share! Champion!
It is clear that you have some serious challenges to overcome, though it seems that you are slowly finding a pathway to overcome them. Namely, to get back to doing physical activity. I am happy to read that this video has helped to motivate you and would like to further encourage you to keep on going. Forget what you might have been able to do in the past. Rather, think about things in terms of who and where you are now as a human being and begin to build up on that. Remember, your past self did what they did without having to face what you are now facing. Today, whatever progress that you can make means that you are that much better than what you were before.
This way of thinking about things not only helps in overcoming diseases and injuries, but applies to aging. One’s PBs set when they were in their 20’s have no relevance to those set in their 50’s, other than to prove to oneself that with work and determination, we can always be better, until we reach our limits. What is important is to probe those limits, to do so is good for the mind and the body.
All the best, take care.
This post was extremely helpful, and gives scientific support to the importance of exercise, cycling, in our lives. Movement, circulation and time of reflection...Truly self care. Well done!!
As an experienced mental health nurse, life coach and keen cyclist and mountaineer, I certainly can testify that physical activity, (cycling, trekking, running etc) certainly does have long term benefits on mental wellbeing and the reduction in stress. Particularly if you include mindfulness into the activity, i.e rather than going full power all the time, learn to also slow down (best done once you go full gas for a period), take in the environment and become aware of your own thoughts and emotions whilst engaging in the physical activity. Since 2006, I have worked independently from the NHS. This has enabled me to provide treatment and interventions that have a physical element built into each person's plan. I recognise that I am in a unique position to witness first hand the overwhelmingly positive effects sport related activities, based in the outdoors, have on people’s mental wellbeing. I am not an academic and do not claim to possess the qualities these individuals have obtained; however, I know what I have witnessed. Engaging in a sport-related physical activity over a prolonged period of time does provide a positive impact upon mental wellbeing regardless of the severity. Often in times of serious mental distress, one important element that appears to fade away when distressing thoughts take over is the disconnection with nature’s natural biorhythms. Through a range of sport-related activities like cycling, running, kayaking, walking and hiking people get to go to places they would not see in a car. They come into contact with a diverse natural environment that isn’t easily accessible by road, air or railway. People reconnect both internally and externally; they feel “alive” again.
It may be fair to say that human beings in the Western World now spend long periods confined in concrete buildings far away from remote and wild places. Perhaps we have lost touch with our symbiotic relationship with the very ground we walk. Many academics argue that this disconnection with nature causes an imbalance in the mind and dis-ease occurs. It is not uncommon for participants who turn up on one of my activities I deliver, not to communicate or respond in an open friendly manner to either their peers or staff. By the end of the activity, the same people are talking, laughing and sharing their experiences. Now that's priceless.
I agree, shorter high intensity laps of my local quiet roads each around 90 mins are like medicine for the mind and soul, 3-4 per week is just perfect. Love the gcn does science content!
Riding my stationary bike has keep me happy during the days..
It makes me feel good.
when I'm out riding I have noticed the calming affect, I don't think negative things, mostly I think of the first coffee stop! haha
Simon, Sammi and the glasses are never in the same shot...Glasses relay at its best...seamless boys, seamless
As a scientist, I really appreciate the effort that GCN is putting for to translate research to the lay public. Translating science is not easy and the channel has gotten much better about carefully educating the viewers. This is great stuff, keep it up!
Fascinating video gcn and great presentation si. Don't normally comment but felt compelled to as it was so good. Keep it up.
Really appreciate you taking the time to comment, thanks for your support Russsell.
Cycling helps a lot to escape from the brain. Go out and feel some physical pain, it's nice.
I thought Simon's presentation was the best he's done yet
Another great piece by gcn. Congratulations on the mix of content you’re putting out.
Hey guys! I'm writing my thesis on the effects that HIIT (one session on the rowing machine the other on a bike) has on executive control and goal-directed eye movements and I absolutely loved hearing Prof. Geddes talk about this! Definitely going to cite his work! Keep up the good science!
I have mental health issues that I have learned to live with and on those rough days I've found that simply getting on me bike and taking a ride definitely helps me. Thanks for touching on this issue and a super big thumbs up to Si and Chris!!! GREAT VIDEO GUYS KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND THANK YOU!!!!!! CHEERS
A million times yes! I have suffered with SAD since my teens, but have had the best winter of my life since getting a smart trainer and doing regular rides on Zwift (3-5 per week). A consistent sleep schedule and less booze have helped, but I’m going to attribute the biggest mood boost to exercise. Thanks GCN for turning me on to Zwift and helping me get through the winter blues with flying colors!
I was suffering from heart palpitation and anxiety for more than year. The first time I tried cycling at home all the symtoms disappeared and my life turn to normal. Thank God and GCN
Thank you so much for this video. Currently suffering from depression and it’s taken a lot of changes to start getting me back on track. But I started training for the triathlon season and well on my indoor bike I found when I finished I got that hit of endorphins making me feel amazing. My new job is working in mental health and I’m looking into how exercise helps. So this was a great video to watch. Keep up the good work 👍
I really love GCNs health related videos! Being well spoken and friendly and seeming genuinely interested, Si's the perfect presenter for them.
loving the science-related videos you are putting up guys. loving that you are also focusing on mental health, urban planning, etc. goes to show that cycling, isn't really just about cycling!
Good to see John Geddes back - hes looking bloody good for 82, and no scouse accent. Just shows, winning a bronze medal in Melbourne, on the track 4000m pursuit has certainly reduced his stress levels - looking good John !
I'm stressed because it's raining outside and I want to go out on my bike 🌧🌧🌧🌧
Go out anyway. I did 👍
I still go out despite the rain. Adds more entertainment to my road rides
As they say, there is no bad weather, there is only wrong clothing ;)
@@mumblecake251 Unless you've got an umbrella ☔️🤠
Fenders!!! ...and Gortex. I commuted and road recreationally in the rainy Westcoast of Canada in the rain...just make sure to change your chain regularly... very few lubes will survive regular weekly water and sand showers.
Thank for all you do, I was just send by a dr to a psychiatrist because of possible depression signs, unable to sleep, irritable quick snapping and so on, next day I went for an 80-kilometer ride and help me so much to relax.
Thank you for this video. I've suffered with mental health issues of and on for years and cycling has been invaluable in helping me keeping some kind of equilibrium. It's so good to see this subject tackled with sensitivity, and to properly engage with scientific research in a patient and measured way. You're doing something with a real public benefit here and I'm grateful to you.
Thank you for adressing this very important issue. One should really not decrease the level of exercise bellow a certain level when the number of tasks/work increases. For me, if I do not exercise for a week, I sort of start feeling down, even if there is not a set of reasons that I can identify as explanations. Also, I feel that going for a ride outdoors, specially when it´s a sunny winter day, is about the greatest thing one can do!
Particularly when I am stressed, a good outdoor ride regardless of the weather clears the head and resets the soul to address what ever issues are at hand.
thx for great video, the honesty and confirmation that comes with it. i have had a stressful life and prone to anxiety and depression. cycling, along with my faith, is a huge part of my therapy and i'm addicted to the sense of well being that i enjoy on and after the bike.
Lads , genuinely one of the best , supportive , and helpful vids you have ever made. I suspect a lot of people have had a think during that 23 mins and a few will have decided to address issues all to familiar . Credit to si , the very clever boffins and the channel for addressing with such empathy and care
I take my hat off to these series of videos. As a psychologist and as a cyclist I couldn't get more touched by a video. I firmly believe that to be a cyclist implies to be conscious of such things and for sure this scientific outreach would help some people to take another look onto their bikes and their exercise habits.
Go on guys you are in the right direction
Thanks GCN and Si for putting up this video, recently i have been suffering from stress and depression from office workload. I had started cycling 4 years back, but stopped due to laziness and office schedule, but you just gave me a way out. Thanks again for this video. You guys always rock. Am a big fan of Si, the way he deals with complex things in a simplified way. Cheers guys 🍺🍺
Thank you so much for this video. Really, thank you.
It's May 2021 and we're well into our 2nd year of COVID-19. A lot has happened since this video has come out. My mental and physical health outlet is horseback riding and everything involved with it including my therapeutic horseback riding volunteering, helping adults and children on the Autism spectrum or other mental health issues and/or muscular and/or neurological disorders. Seeing the kids and adults progress on "800 to 1500 pounds of 'I don't have to listen to you!'" is wonderful, let alone all the benefits of being around other extremely sentient creatures. I'm hardly the knowledgeable bicyclist you folks are, but after 40 years around horses off and on "I know a thing or two." I'm just starting to get back into cycling for exercise again at the age of 54 (that came up fast) and I pray that just like you folks get your "high" from riding your bikes at intensive levels and/or for simple quiet recreational purposes to "zone out," I hope I eventually get there too. There's just nothing to compare with suddenly being taken to a different level of consciousness where realities and perspectives change for the good.
I have always found that getting on my bike to ride home after a mentally tough day at work is a game changer. You can quickly forget and refocus on enjoying life.
Definitely helps to separate the work day from family day. I like to smash myself on the way home, it's only about 30 mins or so but it has such a great effect (once I eventually catch my breath).
Love these types of videos, they give you a warm glow knowing that the sport/pastime you love has a major affect and a huge plus in your general health and wellbeing. Keep it up!
Thanks to Si for expanding this channel in this direction. He has done some excellent research lately and presented this longer-form content, which has really shown a new direction for this channel. Chappeau.
I spent many years battling addiction and I was at a point that I no longer found inspiration ... I began cycling and it completely changed my life...I encourage anyone that suffers from unhealthy habits to go outside, tap in with nature and find your purpose.. We all have a purpose and we all deserve to smile.. 😊
@GCN and Simon: This is next level work! Very impressive network TV-level stuff IMO. An important, well researched topic handled with the right tone and pro presentation. I think this video has the potential to actually change lives and that's something to be very proud of. Cheers guys!
I love the variety of the channel. Great work!
Thank you very much for covering such important topics!
You're on the next level with this video and your other long form investigative reporting. Great.
As a psychiatrist and a cyclist/triathlete, this was a great video for everyone to watch. Kudos and keep up the great work!!!
Amazing job Si! Love that GCN is breaking down the stigma around mental health issues!!
Thanks GCN for this very interesting and helpful video. It definitely assisted me reflecting on the reasons why I keep grabbing the bike as self-described medication for mental health issues. Big Kudos for you!
great video Simon . well done you and the team. The Sunday content gets better and better. Love the mix of seriousness and silliness. long live gcn!
I love this type of video with you Si, you genuinely seem passionate about them. 🤙 I would also like to add that since Ive found cycling 4 years ago Ive found my happy place ✌️
Watching these videos reduces my stress.
I have suffered from depression for 25 years and have taken a lot of different medication to control it. Took up cycling 11 years ago and within 2 years come off the meds. I find as long as I do some hard efforts within the ride I,m fine. Just 2 days off the bike and I can feel the dark clouds coming back. A slow social ride will not do the trick, so what ever happens I got to make sure to work hard. Thank you Si for bring this out in the open. Ride on to put a smile to your face.
I'm loving these documentry style videos and hats off to the researchers for getting in front of the camera too!
Really really great work Si. Thanks very much for sharing and please keep them coming on this topic. Cheers
Excellent job. Good balance of information, science and advice plus a little humour. Well done to Si and the team for making such an important piece of journalism.
Another great bit of journalism guys! Are those Simon's normal glasses or are they special science ones?
This info is great. It gives credit to what my go to mental health/stress reduction has been for 40 years. My challenge is now a heart arrhythmia (I also watched your heart health episode) and growing stress because of work demands. I’m sure I’m not alone and like many other now professional office workers struggling to stay fit mentally and physically until the sweet spot of retirement when we can resume some level of extreme bicycling! I will be going to my doc for some tests. Thanks so much GCN. Your videos and news clips help me a lot,
Fantastic that you guys are addressing this for riders!
Cycling like all exercise has helped me a lot, and GCN in particular has helped me get a lot more out of my home workouts!.
thanks for covering such topics
As a person who suffers from depression and anxiety cycling is literally the main thing that pulls me out of the seriousness of the feelings. I can literally just commute and I have a smile on my face. Cycling is the only thing that brings us back to the initial achievements of being a child I believe. Cheers GCN
Never ceases to amaze me the quality of GCN videos across a balanced scope of reporting and analysis. The fact that you guys can treat important issues like this one with great respect is a credit to you all. We all need to talk about mental health, it's one of the biggest issues facing society today and I commend you for taking part in the debate in your own special way.
Chapeau!
I love these new profound videos with Si - very interesting themes! Thank´s a lot!
Cycling definitely gives me a mental health boost, and I would add that any exercise tends to help. I like riding outdoors but my £50 turbo trainer helps me a lot on the days I don't feel like leaving the house, or the conditions are horrible!
I think every cyclist out there identifies with Si when he said when your riding along within your limits you still have thoughts running through your brain, but as soon as he pushes himself he enters that zone !! That zone is a amazing place I find it so addictive ! Great vid GCN .... I only wish my zone was 425watts !
I have battled with a really difficult depression and anxiety through my teenage years. After years with no motivation fior anything, one day I pulled myself up on the bike again for just a small ride and it felt awesome. Since then it just moved forward and today I have never felt better and I am completely out of my depression. Obviously there are many factors that have helped me out, but I’m pretty sure cycling has been one of the biggest. Not only does it give me a mental break, mindfulness and awesome experiences, it also give me a lot of self esteem.
What a brilliant episode. Thank you for your work on that one, team.
I am 59. Getting myself out in nature helps my mood. Focusing on technical riding distracts my mind as well as makes me feel better about the capabilities of my body. Si asked insightful questions.
One of the best, most informative videos I've seen for a long while. In fact, the quality and balance of information here was even superior to the output from the BBC and other mainstream sources. The approach to the subject incredibly subtle and worthwhile!
it is good to see Si wearing his glasses when he talks science! He looks so smart! Great video, thanks.
Crushing it with the journalism! I'm really enjoying these more in-depth stories you all are coming up with. Thanks!
This video was pleasant to watch! Not to mention I could listen to your accent all day. As someone who is currently unemployed after working 60hr weeks at my last job I have been hit with “what to do” so I will be trying this out thanks so much for sharing❤
Great video guys. Keep em coming Si, these in depth features put the channel in another league.
100% keeps me sane. I can see a difference in my own attitude and demeanor when I’m not riding over multiple days. I ride at 4:30 am a few days a week, and always feel pumped about the day after getting a ride in vs not riding before work
The content on this channel just keeps getting better and better
Naww thanks John!
This is so cool and fascinating!
For me, cycling has helped me overcome stress and mental health issues. Hats off to Si.
This video speaks to me... I love it. Thank you for this GCN!
Thanks a ton. You don't really know how many people you'll end up helping with videos like this!
Excellent Work by Simon & the GCN team. Chapeau. 👍👍
If you guys thought this was important, you're wrong. It is MORE than important. Thank you for speaking to an issue that is all to often kept inside and personal. Don't be afraid, it isnt a weakness, it is strength to come forward and deal with it. I know I have fought with this for twenty years before I realised it was an issue.
Keep up this awesome content.
A truly wonderful and informative video (in the great tradition of GCN videos). Love the Brits and their intellectual sense of humour. I’m Canadian, my Dad Welsh. Not sure that matters, but it’s my perspective and partly why I enjoy GCN (as a newcomer at 55 to the sport) so much. And pretty much spot on, sports activities help give a sense of goal, purpose and social fit.
What I find so great is that we’re getting mental health into conversation, great vid guys, personally I have suffered depression and came close to taking my own life, it’s so important to remember that life can change so fast, cycling help me beat depression Along with many other things. I’m working through anxiety now, keep talking about it and supporting each other 👍🏻
I've suffered from PTSD for 30 years this caused all kinds of physical changes including severe allergic reactions. I was diagnosed with PTSD in early 2018 and changing my diet and getting a strict training plan has changed my life. I just wish I could afford better kit so I could keep getting better and better PB's. It would have been much better if GP's could put the pieces together a little bit earlier fitness has helped me through many tough times but cycling has been especially beneficial. Great video GCN and thanks for all the insight from all the team brilliant channel, you are simply the best.