What does March mean to you?
The end of winter and the beginning of spring? Or maybe it’s about celebrating Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday and the Lenten season. Of course, you can’t forget the Mexican-themed party Cinco de Mayo or the luck of the Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. I personally love the fact that days will be staying lighter longer with the switch back to daylight savings time. The only bad thing about daylight savings time is that one hour of sleep we lose.
But the MOST important thing that March means to me is it’s time for camping again. It’s time to ride your motorcycle again. It’s time for warm weather rides on your side-by-side or ATV. You are no longer stuck in the house or chilled by winter’s breath.
Let’s talk about Motorcycle riding. According to some studies, there is scientific evidence that reveals a lot of mental and physical benefits of riding a motorcycle.
Researchers recorded participants’ brain activity and hormone levels before, during, and after riding a motorcycle. Participants experienced increased sensory focus and resilience to distraction. Riding also produced an increase in adrenaline levels and heart rate, as well as a decrease in cortisol metrics – results often associated with light exercise and stress reduction.
Results Highlights
- Riding a motorcycle decreased hormonal biomarkers of stress by 25%
- Sensory focus was enhanced while riding a motorcycle versus driving a car, an effect also observed in experienced meditators vs non-meditators
- Changes in study participants’ brain activity while riding suggested an increase in alertness similar to drinking a cup of coffee
While scientists have long studied the relationship of brain and hormone responses to attention and stress, doing so in real-life conditions such as riding is rare. No lab experiment can duplicate the feelings that a motorcyclist would have on the open road. In addition, the differences in participants’ neurological and physiological responses between riding and other measured activities are quite pronounced. Riding a motorcycle can be significant for mitigating everyday stresses.
The first time I was a passenger on a motorcycle, there were no actual words that can describe the feeling. The freedom of the open road. Wind in your hair. Fresh air and fresh smells. You actually lose all sense of worldly problems, and you are just focusing on the open road. You just feel good.
Another spring event is camping. It’s time to open up your camper and get ready to take it to the area’s local parks! It’s time for lakes, campfires, and s’mores over the open flame. One can never have enough of nature. Nature can actually improve your mental health!
Camping can lower stress and reduce symptoms of depression. Being in or near nature and blocking out the modern world, unplugging from your phones and iPad, and just relaxing in nature can do wonders for you! In addition, sitting around a campfire, listening to the sounds of nature, and just doing nothing can benefit your soul.
Now is the time to stop and evaluate your life and your stress levels. Maybe it’s time to get a motorcycle or purchase a camper. Maybe it’s time to take back your health and finally relax a bit.
Citywide Insurance can guarantee you that we can help reduce your stress even more by proving you with the right insurance coverage for your camper, your motorcycle, your ATV, and more. Call us today and talk to one of our local, experienced agents. We can provide you with what your needs require with a no-obligation quote. We care about you and your health, so let’s get started now. Enjoy your spring!
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