Mountain Biking: Perfect For Anxiety Attacks

Back in college I developed anxiety attacks. These attacks would be triggered by stress from all the school work I had to get done as well as the stress of working full time. There were nights where I couldn’t sleep at all because I was so worried about my report, or how I’m doing in my math courses as well as being consumed by having to take care of my responsibilities at work.

My attacks seem to have gotten worse over the years at college. At one point, I had to go see a Psychiatrist who prescribed me a very popular anti-anxiety drug. At first I felt like it was helping but I was so lethargic. My mind wasn’t sharp; my reflexes were as fast as a sloth. Overall I just felt like I was in this dreamlike haze for the longest time.

So one day I decided I should take burn away some of this energy that I was putting into my worries. I grabbed my favorite bike, my Fezzari Alta Peak out of the garage and went out to the local trails.

The funniest thing happened while I was riding. My anxiety literally left my body. Sure I still had things on my mind but I didn’t have the chest pains, the feeling of suffocation, or the heavy burden I had on my shoulders.

After that first ride I realized that my Fezzari would help me more than those pills. Then one day I decided not to take my pills. At first I was getting my attacks, but no as bad. As soon as I got home from work, I hopped on my bike then just like last time, my anxiety left my body. The faster I rode my bike the less I felt the anxiety.

I’ve read in the past how our bodies develop endorphins and other hormones during exercise that help our brain to feel more relax and a better sense of well being. Perhaps those factors were all working when I was on my Fezzari. But regardless I knew that I found the best therapy for my anxiety.

I haven’t had to take any of my medication since I’ve been riding more. Don’t get me wrong I still get an occasional attack, but it’s not as bad. I’ve made my mountain biking part of my weekly routine. I hit the trails at least 3-4 times a week just to make sure I’m exercising and keeping my mind sharp.

So if you’re having anxiety issues, first talk to your doctor, then perhaps get on a mountain bike. Riding my Fezzari Alta Peak has done wonders for me.