Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and for that reason, it’s important to set time aside to de-stress and partake in activities that bring you happiness. Recent studies have shown that riding a motorcycle can actually improve your mental health and cognitive function! Read on to learn how.

It improves cognitive function.

It releases dopamine.

It combats a sense of isolation.

You get a workout.

You are part of a community.

It Improves Cognitive Function

When you ride a motorcycle, it activates a certain part of your brain. Specifically the right hemisphere of the prefrontal lobe. Your prefrontal cortex is responsible for a variety of functions such as focusing one’s attention, impulse control, and emotional reactions. It’s easy to see how this correlates to riding a motorcycle, as it requires a higher level of focus and attention to your surroundings. It can also require you to think quickly, but in a controlled manner (tying into impulse and emotional reaction). Using this part of your brain on a regular basis means your cognitive function can improve over time.

It Releases Dopamine

Ever heard the phrase “addicted” and “motorcycles” used in the same sentence? We bet you have, and there actually may be a scientific reason to back it up. Riding a motorcycle can give you an adrenaline rush and make you feel happier, due to a release of dopamine. This hormone controls mental, emotional, and motor responses. The endorphins being released into your body while you ride, make you associate riding with happiness and freedom. A lot of people even call it meditative. It makes sense why riders would call it addictive!

Combats a Sense of Isolation

In 2020 and 2021 we’ve been having to get creative with activities that are fun and COVID-19 friendly in terms of social distancing. The beauty of riding is that you can stay 6 feet apart and be outside in the fresh air. During a period of history that has otherwise been very isolating, being able to ride a motorcycle has helped many battle an overwhelming sense of isolation. We’ve observed on our social media that the riding community has continued to grow and connect with each other despite the odds, in a safe and health guideline approved way of course.

You Get a Workout

Did you know that you can burn calories riding a motorcycle? You’re doing a lot more moving around than you would while driving a car, so this makes sense. The adrenaline rush it provides can also help raise your heart rate. This can lead to improved metabolism. As we all know, getting a workout can boost your mental health as well as your physical, so it’s a win-win!

You are Part of a Community

Obviously, this ties into battling a sense of isolation, but it’s no secret that being a part of a community or group that shares the same interests that you do can improve your mental health. The riding community is a tight-knit and passionate group of people, and the support they have for their fellow riders is unmatched. There are many motorcycle groups across Canada, so if you’re looking to join one it shouldn’t be too much of a search.

So there you have it! Riding a motorcycle has so many benefits to it, and improving your mental health is a big one. Thank you for taking the time to read this article. If you have any more questions, please leave your: name, email, and comment in the fields below. We’d love to hear your feedback. Happy riding!