Balancing on the bike vs balancing anxiety?
Ive found cycling can be a great way for me to improve my mental health through getting outside, fresh air, having a good work out and also to give me aims and something positive to strive towards.
However, cycling can sometimes feel like the cause for anxiety, when you are not performing as well as you wish to, or you really don’t feel up to a training session. It can also be a tough environment where you end up comparing yourself to others. Its then hard not to put yourself down and think if only I could just get up that hill quicker or ride around in circles faster or be a better sprinter…. When I feel like this it can be hard to shift this mindset.
One day I was standing on the start line of a race, I was really nervous, it was also horrible and wet and we had to stand there for ages while they sorted a problem with the course, and we were just getting colder and colder. Many of us were probably thinking why are we even here???? And then I had to remember I do this for fun! So I better start enjoying it! After realising this and the fact I had actually chosen to be there, it made me realise I have to make the most of it all!
I still get prerace nerves and put way too much pressure on myself but I am trying to be kinder to myself!
Emily x
Comments