I was also subjected to psychotherapy and exposure therapy in addition to being prescribed medication. When I showed signs of a sluggish recovery, my doctor advised that I increase my physical activity. I decided to go biking and holy cow, that was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Here are some of the ways that riding a bike can help those who suffer from PTSD.
Having PTSD caused me to constantly experience intrusive thoughts, but I never once entertained the idea of hurting other people or taking my own life. My thoughts were not untainted, and I found that I was losing touch with the real world. When I thought about it, my heart would start racing, and I would start sweating profusely. Since I began biking, these thoughts have ceased to occur to me. My regular cycling helps me to focus on new impulses, which, in turn, suppresses the fear and thoughts that contribute to my chronic anxiety, as my doctor explained to me.
When I ride my bike through the countryside, I get to experience a variety of climates as I pedal past frozen ponds and winding nature trails. Biking allows me to experience temperature changes as I pass frozen ponds and nature trails. My body releases a surge of adrenaline and dopamine whenever I go over bumps in the road, which in turn gives me a sense of vigor and readiness. All of these things have been of tremendous assistance to me in overcoming my symptoms.
The sensation of being alone was lessened for me when I spent time with other veterans. I have a peer support system around me that has helped me avoid engaging in actions that would impede my recovery, such as abusing substances or engaging in other activities. In addition, being able to observe the recuperation and readjustment to a normal life of other members of my group provides me with the motivation to carry on with my efforts.
Bicycling has been compared to a form of moving meditation. The rider has no choice but to maintain a heightened state of awareness and concentration on the surrounding vehicles, the state of the road, and the bike itself. It serves as a gentle nudge to the rider to keep his or her attention fixed squarely on the here and now, rather than ruminating on potentially distressing events in the rider’s past or fantasizing about a better tomorrow. That was accomplished through my biking. It has the same effect on me as meditation would have: it helps me to calm down. My mind is helped to become more clear when I practice dynamic meditation, and as a result, I no longer feel as restless as I did when I was dealing with PTSD.
In conclusion, I would like to extend an invitation to all of my fellow veterans to ride bikes with me and take in the tranquility of mother nature.
