Cycling into Connection

May is National Bike Month, and around the C. T. Bauer College of Business, students, faculty and staff are celebrating by getting outside and pedaling around the sunny campus.

Not only is biking a form of physical activity, but it can also foster many mental health benefits according to Bauer College embedded Counseling and Psychological Services counselor Kia Batiste, who is sharing how biking can boost overall wellness for college students.

Get Moving

Beyond getting your heart rate up, Batiste said exercise can improve your other facets of your health.

It comes down to the mind-body connection.

“When you engage in physical activity, you also boost those neurochemicals in your brain,” Batiste said. “Chemicals such as endorphins, dopamine and serotonin are known as happy chemicals. They improve our mood, motivation and emotional regulation.

By simply moving your body, you lower those stress hormones, which ultimately helps your body relax and come out of fight or flight mode.”

Get Outside

By nature, riding a bike can get someone out in the elements and more connected to the environment around them. Batiste said people can start to see improvements to their mental health just by going outside.

“It gives our brains a break from the hustle and bustle of classes, work and constant stimulation, including being glued to our screens,” she said.

“Being outside also promotes vitamin D production from the sun, which is necessary and helps regulate our moods and sleep patterns. Ultimately, being in nature helps regulate our nervous systems.”

Practice Mindfulness

Riding a bike can be a great opportunity to practice mindfulness, but some may have a harder time than others clearing their heads.

According to Batiste, it can be a process to learn to be present in the moment.

“I always encourage students to tap into their five senses to simplify their mindfulness practice,” Batiste said.

“You could start off by looking for five things that you can see in your surroundings. You can then go on to notice four things that you feel. This could be like the wind blowing as you're riding. It can be your hands on the handlebars. It can be your legs working while you're pedaling.

What are three things that you hear? What are two things that you smell? And then lastly, what is one thing that you actually appreciate about the present moment?”

Community

Biking doesn’t have to be a solo activity. The CAPS counselor encourages using the exercise as an opportunity to get together with loved ones.

“I always suggest students do physical activities with a friend, like taking a bike ride in a social way,” she said. “This is a fun way to add that connection and accountability to keep your momentum going while remaining active.”