While the holidays are often filled with fun and family, they can also bring added stress into our lives. At Sargent Cycle Products, we know that one of the best ways to take a breather is to hop on your motorcycle and ride. In fact, a UCLA study, funded by Harley Davidson, found that riding a motorcycle decreased hormonal biomarkers of stress by 28 percent! Here are a few more health benefits of hitting the road.

 

Connecting with Nature

Studies have shown that spending just 20 minutes in nature can help lower stress hormone levels, reduce anxiety, improve your mood, and boost feelings of happiness. Changing the scenery can also stimulate creativity and help bring clarity to problems you are looking to solve. The good news is that connecting with nature doesn’t have to mean hiking or camping. Riding a motorcycle allows you to feel the breeze, smell the scents and see nature all around you. A ride in the sunlight also delivers Vitamin D, which reduces inflammation and even lowers cancer cell growth. So, when you’re feeling stressed and need a recharge, pick a rural or waterfront route and head to the outdoors on your motorcycle.

 

Supporting your Mental Health

We all know the adrenaline rush that happens when we hit the gas on our motorcycle. Did you know that every time you speed up on your bike your body really does release endorphins? Endorphins help your body avoid pain and increase feelings of pleasure by releasing dopamine. In addition to making us feel good, dopamine also affects digestion, blood flow, heart and kidney function, memory and more. You’ve also probably heard about the benefits of meditation for mental health. Well, the focus and concentration it takes to drive a motorcycle can have a similar effect, as it helps us quiet down our inner chatter, thoughts and worries and stay in the present moment.

 

Burning some Calories

Holidays also include food - and lots of it. If you’re feeling sluggish, a ride on your bike can burn some calories and, when done regularly, motorcycle riding can also build up strength. On average, most people burn about 200-300 calories per hour as they balance on their bike seat, brace themselves against the wind, and activate muscles from head to toe during acceleration and braking on a motorcycle. During a ride, leg and core muscles are especially engaged much in the same way one might use them on a balancing ball in the gym. Using your core, which involves all your muscles in the midsection area including the front, back and sides, is especially important for strength and balance.

 

So, don’t feel bad about taking a break over the holidays to spend some time on the road. After all, your mental and physical health are the greatest gift of all.