How to Practice
Mindfulness
Whilst Cycling
It's healthy to be aware of how you and those around you are feeling. Are you coping with any work or life stress? Are those around you? It’s always a good idea to check up on your family, friends and work colleagues to be sure they’re doing okay, even if they don’t seem it on the outside.
If yourself or those around you are struggling, one simple technique to use is mindfulness. Mindfulness is a great way of clearing your head of all the worries and stresses by filling it with everyday wonderfulness!
Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. Mindful.org
It all sounds a bit wishy-washy really, but it’s actually super simple. Take a basic everyday task as an example – brushing your teeth. Now it’s a pretty mundane task, but one you should endure at least twice a day if you follow the dentists’ rules! Whilst you’re brushing your teeth, focus on the noise of the brushing, the taste of the toothpaste, the sensation and movements you feel when brushing your teeth. You’re simply paying attention to the present moment as opposed to all the worries that flutter around your head.
"Mindfulness is a great way of clearing your head of all the worries and stresses by filling it with everyday wonderfulness!"
If you’d like to learn more about mindfulness, there’s plenty of information on the NHS website.
What mindfulness has to do with cycling
No, we aren’t going off on a tangent – cycling is actually is a great time to practice mindfulness. When you’re on a peaceful ride through the countryside you can take in the birds and breeze. Or if you’re travelling along the coast you can enjoy the sounds of the waves crashing and kids happily building sandcastles.
Where are the best places to cycle on the coast?
Well, we are glad you asked! You may have heard about our partnership with the Caravan and Motorhome Club – if you haven’t take a read of our partnership page. They have campsites across the UK for all members to enjoy at a discounted rate. So why not pack up your camping gear (and bike of course) and make your way to one of these six wonderful coastal campsites. Whilst you're there you can enjoy a bike, take in a seaside breeze and practice mindfulness whilst dipping your toes in the chilly UK sea.
Best coastal campsites
We listed the six best coastal campsites for you to check them out and plan a trip soon!
Stonehaven Queen Elizabeth Park Caravan and Motorhome Club Site
St David's Lleithyr Meadow Caravan and Motorhome Club Site
Trewethett Farm Caravan and Motorhome Club Site
Brighton Caravan and Motorhome Club Site
White House Beach Caravan and Motorhome Club Site
Seacroft Caravan and Motorhome Club Site
Not a fan of the seaside?
The Caravan and Motorhome Club don't only have coastal campsites, they have over 2,700 sites and locations, throughout the UK. So you can enjoy the sunshine wherever you like! Plus there are National Cycle routes around the UK too so you can always guarantee a mindfulness-filled ride everytime you go on your holiday with the club.
You can find out more about our partnership with the Caravan and Motorhome club here or head directly to their website to find out more.
You don't need to suffer in silence, you can speak to someone confidentially about your mental health and wellbeing by calling one of the following numbers:
MIND: 0300 123 3393.
Samaritans: 116 123.
CALM: Outside London 0808 802 5858, inside London 0800 58 58 58.
Mental Health Foundation