"Elaine Scott, participant in MyWhoosh Big Ride Challenge, shares her personal motivation behind cycling, proclaiming its life-saving impact on her"
**Subtitle: A Personal Testimony of the Powerful Mental Health Benefits of Cycling**
In the picturesque town of Dumfries, Scotland, Elaine Scott embarked on a transformative journey seven years ago, one that would see her not only conquer challenging landscapes but also triumph over personal adversity.
Elaine's cycling adventure began after attending a race in the Lake District with her then partner. Intrigued and inspired, she soon purchased a Liv Devote and began her cycling journey. Little did she know that this new hobby would become a lifeline for her mental health.
Elaine had struggled with depression, anxiety, and anorexia for a significant period before taking up cycling. However, it was not long before she found solace in the rhythmic pedaling and the fresh air of the outdoors.
Cycling, it seems, offers significant mental health benefits. Stress and anxiety reduction, improved emotional balance, boosted brain function, mood enhancement, a sense of freedom and accomplishment, social connection, and mindfulness are just a few of the advantages that Elaine has experienced.
One particular incident stands out for Elaine. On a challenging hill, she remembers eating a banana before cycling, which gave her the energy she needed to push through and conquer the climb. This moment encapsulates the powerful impact cycling can have on an individual's mental and physical well-being.
Elaine's confidence was shaken after being hit by a car, an incident that left her gravel bike written off. However, she has not cycled with Dumfries CC since the incident, preferring to ride on the lanes around Dumfries and Galloway, local tracks, and trails on her gravel bike, but never on the indoor trainer.
Despite the challenges she has faced, including a blood transfusion due to heavy menstrual bleeding, Elaine has not only persevered but thrived. She was among the first to hit the 5,000-mile target in the MyWhoosh Big Ride Challenge and rode approximately 15,000 miles during lockdown.
Elaine credits cycling as a major factor in restoring her mental health. "Cycling helped me get out of a spiral of poor mental health," she says. "It gave me a new perspective on life."
Cycling, it seems, is more than just exercise; it is a transformative practice that links physical motion to emotional and cognitive healing. Whether through mindful riding or mountain biking, the combination of movement, nature, and social interaction contributes to improved mental health and inspires stories of overcoming adversity.
[1] [National Health Service (NHS). (2021). Mental health and exercise.](https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise-and-fitness/mental-health-and-exercise/) [2] [British Cycling. (2021). Cycling and mental health.](https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/our-work/campaigning/cycling-and-mental-health) [3] [Mind. (2021). Exercise and mental health.](https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/taking-care-of-your-mental-health/physical-activity-and-mental-health/) [4] [Mayo Clinic. (2021). Exercise and depression.](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389)
Science substantiates the mental health benefits of cycling, aligning with Elaine's personal experience. Health-and-wellness practices, such as cycling, can significantly improve mental health, with evidence suggesting reduced stress, anxiety, and depression, while enhancing mood and emotional balance. Additionally, the mental health sector, including organizations like the National Health Service (NHS), British Cycling, Mind, and Mayo Clinic, recognize cycling as a valuable tool for mental health and wellness.
