CYCLING FOR THE BRAIN

Some of my best memories as a child are ones that involved me and my friends cycling across the block, feeling fearless. There is something about having control over a cycle when you’re a kid that makes you feel fearless. In a lot of ways, I believe it is the first time you are given responsibility of an important thing. As a kid, cycling around the block is the first taste of freedom that we get. Eventually, we swap the cycle for a Scooty or a bike before moving on to a car. No matter which car I bought, my love for cycling stayed. I love feeling the wind on my face and the energy it pumps through me as I pedal my way around the city.

What I love most about cycling is the sheer versatility of the activity. For me personally, cycling isn’t just about the exercise or the health benefits. I have noticed how much it has helped me in bonding with other people. If there is anything more enjoyable than cycling down a beautiful street alone to clear your head, it is exploring new places with your friends and family on your cycles. The cycle races from our childhoods were such a fun bonding activity for us. Being somebody who loves travelling, I truly believe that the best way to experience a new city is to rent out cycles and have a day out in the city. You will be surprised at the small fascinating things you are able to notice about the feel and culture of the place you are visiting. I make it a point to try and spend at least half a day cycling around a new city whenever I go on a family vacation. For us, it is the perfect time to talk, discover new things together and create irreplaceable memories.

Over the years, I have realized that cycling regularly has helped me not only to stay fit, but also to be happier and more stress-free. Scientifically speaking, cycling helps increase serotonin and dopamine production in our brains. “happy”. Try going on a round of cycling every morning and you will realize the difference in energy and enthusiasm you will have to offer to the rest of your day. Being a cycling enthusiast and an avid reader at the same time, I love reading more and more about the world of cycling. It truly is expanding every day. I recently came upon an article that talked about how cycling is actually an exercise for the brain too. Just like how your calves may get toned by cycling regularly, cycling also helps in brain development. When we cycle, our brains increase the production of proteins. These proteins aid in the creation of new brain cells. Studies say that if you cycle regularly, you are actually doubling your brain cell production! Forget spending on gym memberships and personal trainers, there isn’t a better workout than an hour of cycling.

Just like running, I hope cycling also gains popularity and more people realize how it helps the body and mind. It is great to see the plethora of social media groups formed by likeminded people promote cycling. The groups, formed across the country, are making strides in promoting and indulging in cycling activities and tours. Big international brands have also entered India and are creating awareness and promoting cycling with various innovative activities. We have so many marathons being set up. Be it for college festivals or social causes, running has evolved from being just an exercise to a big scale event. I hope to see this trend seeping into the cycling world as well. I’m always on the lookout for interesting adventures to go on a cycle. Although there are a few such cycling events happening, I think the scope of turning cycling into the latest fad and making people aware of its benefit is huge. As Sir Arthur Conan Doyle rightly said, “When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking.”