Commuting elevates mood?

[Ana]

Since I've starting commuting regularly again, I've noticed that despite many tribulations, my overall mood is better. Although it's much sunnier than the dark winter days (relevant for those of you who suffer from Seasonal Affect Disorder), I think that my commute helps my emotional stability.

Has anyone else experienced this?

[Grog]

Of course.

Endorphines.

[malaholic]

Absolutely. When I'm able to ride into work, not only am I in a generally better mood, but I can concentrate better and I'm much more productive. Then when I ride back home, no matter what I had to deal with at work, it all leaves my system and I can just relax.

Not to mention that with traffic I can usually do the ride home in about the same time as it would take me to drive....not having to sit in traffic for an hour is a mood-booster too.

[lph]

Are you kidding??

Oh yeah.

[Geonz]

As a matter of fact, yes.

It's even reasonably well documented... and I remember an almost unrelated article in the NY Times wherein a psychiatrist expounding that actually, sometimes it's better to keep things in than to let 'em out, mentioned as an aside that almost everybody could be mentally healthy if they'd simply take up serious exercise.

I went from being normal to having what has been called clinical euphoria. More objectively, I am *much* more productive when riding a lot.

[Biciclista]

not to mention after a month of commuting my abdomen flattens out nicely.

[malkin]

Yep.

[PamNY]

It's even reasonably well documented... and I remember an almost unrelated article in the NY Times wherein a psychiatrist expounding that actually, sometimes it's better to keep things in than to let 'em out, mentioned as an aside that almost everybody could be mentally healthy if they'd simply take up serious exercise.

I remember reading that, I think. I'll see if I can find it for another thread.

Ana, I'm not surprised by anything you wrote -- and I'm so glad you are experiencing such good stuff. I don't really commute by bike, but I ride my Xootr to as many social events as possible. I'm in a much better mood when I arrive.

Personally, I'm having to resist becoming a zealot about the mental health benefits of recreational biking.

Pam

[lph]

The flip side is that injuries, bike breakdowns or other enforced cycling breaks make me start behaving like Scrat.

[CherWard]

Last fall I began commuting the 10 miles to the elementary school where I teach. Since I live in Wisconsin, my last ride was November 3. Friday I began again and loved it! I am not a morning person and was concerned about being motivated enough to do this. Once I began last fall, I looked forward to starting my day with a ride. I greet my students fully energizes, upbeat and with a very positive attitude!

[cylegoddess]

mine takes about as long as bus but a bit longer, having to shower( about 45 min ride).
Im not looking forward to cold but Im told that it gets easier( ?) as you get used to it. Im pretty suceptable to cold, having to wear about twice as many clothes as most. However, three pairs of pants( shorts, compression tights - which are FABULOUS, esp if you stand all day) and warm tights, make my hard seat, almost comfy! I look like a stuffed teddy though!

[Geonz]

mine takes about as long as bus but a bit longer, having to shower( about 45 min ride).
Im not looking forward to cold but Im told that it gets easier( ?) as you get used to it. Im pretty suceptable to cold, having to wear about twice as many clothes as most. However, three pairs of pants( shorts, compression tights - which are FABULOUS, esp if you stand all day) and warm tights, make my hard seat, almost comfy! I look like a stuffed teddy though!

Yup, I always tell myself when I'm layering up that "hey, people will think I"m losing weight when spring comes around." Now, if only it would here ...