Seriously.
I can't tell you how many times I either felt crappy, was in a crappy mood, etc. When I force myself to get on the bike and start riding, 5-10 minutes later everything changes for the better. Works almost every time.
By no means am I saying this will work for everybody, just saying it works well for me.
Good luck with your search.

That will totally work if

By slumsofharvard on Fri, 01/24/2014 - 9:16am.

That will totally work if they are trying to resolve complicated issues such as grief, surviving abuse, and whatnot. I'm totally going to tell my neighbor (who washes her hands until they bleed due to OCD) that she should skip medical treatment and just get a bike. Wait, she's agoraphobic too.

Get a grip - please

By merlinmurph on Fri, 01/24/2014 - 9:23am.

Really? I offer a lighthearted comment and you go whacko on me? Really?
Maybe you and your neighbor can get a two-for-one deal with a therapist.
And what part of this statement did you miss?

By no means am I saying this will work for everybody, just saying it works well for me.

People, please lighten up. Thanks.

Excercise works great

By GoBruins on Fri, 01/24/2014 - 10:01am.

For mild depression or anxiety. And it's a LOT cheaper than therapy.

Sorry, for that last snarky

By slumsofharvard on Fri, 01/24/2014 - 5:13pm.

Sorry, for that last snarky comment. I guess I'm just really burned out this week and went WAY off the deep end. Yes, I do indeed need to lighten up and I'm sorry I took it out on you.

Maybe I should go ice skating and work out the stress off tomorrow? :)

Here's what I'm talkin' about

By merlinmurph on Fri, 01/24/2014 - 2:48pm.

I just happened to read this on a bike blog, thought it was appropriate. Got it from here:

Short story: I lost the two most important people in my life by the time I was 24, my father, who was my spiritual guidepost, and my new wife, my lover and best friend. I sank into debilitating depression. Went into a hospital. Was put on medications. Lost sight of who I was, sunk deeper into darkness. A new friend re-introduced me to cycling. I threw away the pills, stopped my visits to the shrink. Turned emotional pain into ever longer and more excruciating physical sufferfests on the bike. My body morphed into a lean machine, all the negativity, anger and despair was smashed upon ever-turning pedals. Mile after mile. Day after day. Week after week. The bike brought me back to the living. It saved my life.

FWIW, we have no idea why this person wants to see a therapist.