“Moving our bodies can reduce stress by lowering cortisol, minimizing pain, and releasing feel-good chemicals like dopamine. For tweens and teens, movement predicts positive moods and self-image. Exercise can be a promising prevention or intervention strategy for depression and anxiety in adolescents and adults.”
Yesterday, I woke up to cool temps and clear skies. It’s been a hot summer and hard to enjoy the outdoors. While still in bed, I reached for my phone to check my email and calendar. I hate this habit and plan to break it one day. Just not yesterday—or today. My schedule was flexible. No meetings until noon. Time to catch up on tasks.
Except I kept thinking about the bikes. My younger son and I just got new bikes. We can access miles of trails from the end of our driveway—a “rails-to-trails” conversion. Those paved paths attract cyclists from near and far, but we rarely take advantage.
We’ve lived here more than 10 years and taken fewer than 10 bike rides. Seriously. Even with the trails in easy walking distance. I mostly use them for quick dog walks and work calls, squished within reliable 15- and 30-minute loops.
For years we’ve wanted to ride. To stay on the trails longer and go farther than the short stints our schedules allow. To explore the outdoors we have available to us. But I always have an excuse. Ten years of them, in fact. Usually it’s about time and too much to do.
Yesterday, something shifted. Beautiful weather, a flexible calendar, the upcoming start of school, and new bikes were all signs it was time to take that ride.
I rushed to my son’s room before I changed my mind and woke him up saying, “Let’s go bike.” He was confused, then surprised, and ultimately delighted. Minutes later, we took off. Before long, he was singing. Then he started talking, telling me about his dreams, and then shifting into his hopes and fears for the school year. He’s 13, so I consider this sharing a real win.
That ride allowed us to start our day together, freed from tech, tasks, and too much to do. We finished it feeling good, less stressed, and more human. That state of being actually helped me work better and faster later on.
Last night at dinner, we went around the table and shared our favorite and grateful moments from the day. My son said the ride, and so did I. We both agreed it was worth it and can’t wait to do it again.
We’re meant to move and be outdoors. Too often, tasks and tech get in the way. We forget or forgo what’s available “at the end of the driveway.” As you consider the next few days, give yourself permission to take the ride. Invite a kid to join you. Get on a bike, take a walk, swim, hike, even horseback ride. It doesn’t have to be an hour, but it could be. We’re constantly, chronically overtapped; there’s never enough time, and always more to do. We must create the conditions we crave.
What’s fresh, free, fun, and available nearby for you to enjoy? Leave a comment and tell us about it. Let’s help each other take that (next) ride.
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