Week 9: Taking care of Your Mental Health is #BetterByBicycle

Happy World Mental Health Day! This year's theme is about prioritizing mental health in the workplace. A lot of the programs and activities, mostly wellness seminars and sessions at work are being conducted in various organizations. But companies should do more than that. For employees to be mentally healthy at work, companies should create and foster an environment and culture that makes every employee feel valued and nourished. But there's an issue that a lot of us forget because it's not part of our jobs but it affects how our day at work could go because of the stress it brings. I'm talking about the COMMUTE TO WORK.

The usual queue of people going to work in MRT 3

For most Filipinos, work stress begins during the commute to the workplace and extends until coming home because of the obdurate transport landscape of our cities, especially in Metro Manila, which is among the worst in the world. I spent a good 'ol 14 years in the Metro, 4 years as a college student and 10 years as a corporate employee. I think half of my time in the city was spent queueing for a ride and sitting through the heaviest traffic flow I've ever experienced. Really bad and huge waste of time. The sad part is, it just keeps on getting worse every year. The dream for a better and sustainable transport system has always been in my mind. Even when I quit the city life, I still go there every now and then. And I feel really sorry for all the workers who had to endure such trouble just to get to the workplace every day. While we continue to ask our leaders to implement a sustainable transport systems that prioritizes the welfare of the people, we can start freeing ourselves from the constraints of the present transport system by trying to cycle to work and feel the difference. Harness the mental health benefits for FREE. Here are some key mental health benefits of cycling:

1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

   - Cycling promotes the release of endorphins, which are natural mood elevators. Engaging in regular cycling helps reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, helping to alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety.

   

2. Boosts Mood

   - Physical activity, including cycling, triggers the release of serotonin and dopamine, chemicals in the brain responsible for regulating mood and happiness. This helps combat feelings of depression and promotes a sense of well-being.

3. Improves Focus and Cognitive Function

   - Regular cycling enhances brain function by increasing blood flow to the brain. This boost in oxygen and nutrients improves focus, concentration, and memory over time, benefiting cognitive performance.

4. Supports Mindfulness and Relaxation

   - The rhythmic motion of cycling encourages a meditative state. Cycling outdoors, especially in nature, promotes mindfulness, allowing individuals to connect with the present moment, reducing rumination and mental clutter.

5. Enhances Sleep Quality

   - Cycling can improve sleep patterns by regulating the body’s circadian rhythm. Regular physical activity, like cycling, helps reduce insomnia and enhances overall sleep quality, which is essential for mental health.

6. Increases Confidence and Self-Esteem

   - Achieving fitness goals, cycling longer distances, or tackling challenging routes boosts confidence and self-esteem. The sense of accomplishment improves self-image and contributes to positive mental health.

7.  Fights Depression

   - Physical activities like cycling are often recommended as part of therapy for mild to moderate depression. The combination of exercise, time outdoors, and a sense of achievement helps improve mood and alleviate depressive symptoms.

8. Provides a Social Outlet

   - Group cycling or joining a cycling club can foster social connections, which are crucial for mental well-being. Social interaction during group rides can reduce feelings of loneliness and foster a sense of community.

9. Releases Tension

   - Physical exertion through cycling can serve as a healthy outlet for releasing pent-up emotions, anger, or frustration. It allows you to channel your energy into something productive and calming.

10. Promotes a Sense of Freedom

   - Cycling provides a sense of freedom and independence. Whether it's commuting or cycling for leisure, the physical activity and movement through open spaces can uplift the spirit and give you a break from everyday routines.

Incorporating cycling into your routine can have a profound positive impact on your mental health, offering a holistic way to cope with stress, anxiety, and low moods.

Of course, our usual excuse is that our roads and motorists' behavior are not safe for cycling and the policy is not supportive either. But how long do we have t wait to make the shift? The thing is, the more people do it, the more that we'll get the attention of our policy makers.