Everyone has heard the expression, “It’s just like riding a bike.” In many ways, overcoming substance use or mental health disorders is like riding a bike. It is all about committing to a routine, getting in the swing of the same motions, and staying on track. At Destinations for Teens, biking therapy can be a big help on the road to recovery.
The Physical Benefits of Biking Therapy
There is a reason that so many therapies involve physical activity. Whether a teenager is struggling with a mental health issue, with a substance use issue, or with multiple concerns, getting healthy is a priority. That starts with getting targeted treatment, but it also means improving overall health and wellness.
Finding a physical activity that teens actually enjoy is a great way to set in motion a new level of fitness. Spending just an hour on a bicycle will improve your heart rate, improve circulation, and help you maintain a healthy weight. If you’re biking outside, then you’ll also absorb some Vitamin D, which can boost your mood.
Staying active is one of the keys to a healthy life. While you’re working on other health issues, it is important to make physical fitness a priority. When you’re fit and healthy, you’re more likely to sleep well, eat well, and have the energy to absorb everything you’re learning in therapy sessions.
Biking as a Metaphor for Life
One of the best things about a biking therapy program is that it truly can be a metaphor for life. Although this might seem like a cliche, you get out of biking what you put into it. If you work hard, you’ll see results. It takes consistency and effort over the long term if you really want to improve as a cyclist.
At the same time, you don’t have to be great to get started. Almost anyone can start riding with minimal experience or help. It teaches teens how to be self-sufficient, but also how to ask for support and guidance along the way.
Imagine that you’re faced with a huge challenge in life. That challenge could be similar to riding up a giant hill or cycling a long distance in a single day. Although it might seem overwhelming, you have to set your mind on the challenge and tackle a little bit at a time. In this way, biking therapy is a metaphor for taking life one day at a time.
Exploring and Developing New Hobbies
Biking therapy is more than just a strategy for recovery. It is also a hobby, and it can continue long after a teen leaves a treatment program. Biking doesn’t have to be structured, and you don’t have to stop cycling at any point in your life.
Continuity is important, so many teens find that they want to continue biking after treatment is over. That’s ideal because biking can become a new hobby. Healthy, fulfilling hobbies are the perfect way to stay on track and continue with recovery for a lifetime.
Finding Joy and Passion in Life
Biking is a sport, and it can also be a form of therapy. More than that, it can be a source of joy. All too often, teen clients struggle to find happiness after treatment. It is vital for teens to find healthy outlets that bring joy without risking a relapse.
Biking therapy sets the stage for ongoing joy. Biking can be thrilling for many. Whether you like the adrenaline rush of mountain biking, you enjoy the exercise benefits of a spin class or you can relax as you cycle on a flat paved path, there are many ways that biking can spark joy.
What to Expect at Destinations for Teens
Beyond the biking therapy program, Destinations for Teens provides a wide range of resources for teens. From mental health support to overcoming addiction, there are strategies customizable to any teen’s needs. You can expect all of the following at Destinations for Teens:- Surf therapy program
- Family therapy
- Expressive art therapy
- Mindfulness-based therapy
- Individual talk and behavioral therapy