This time we’re chatting with Sharnade George, a psychotherapist and health and wellbeing writer.

Hi, Sharnade! If you could recommend One Good Thing everyone can do to improve their mental health, what would it be?

My One Good Thing would be my morning bike ride. Or cycling in general – spending time in nature and getting some fresh air.

Big fan. Why is this your One Good Thing?

Because it enables me to embrace my inner child. When I was younger, going for a bike ride was something I always did with a group of my friends. We would race, do tricks, explore nature and have so much fun together. Now that I’m older and I go bike riding alone, it brings back happy memories of those special moments when I was a teenager. Secondly, it helps me mentally because I am able to clear my thoughts and practise mindfulness. I’m engaging in a form of physical activity, which overall gives me a boost of energy and uplifts my mood.

How can we start to do the same?

Get a bike if you want one of your own or you can rent a bike and just go for a ride. You don’t have to plan a route: it’s all about the journey, being inquisitive and deciding in the moment whether you want to go left, right or straight ahead.

What are the benefits of your One Good Thing?

It allows you to live in the moment, enjoy your surroundings and be active.

And what are some common pitfalls? 

The obvious ones are not having a bike or not being able to ride a bike. I’d recommend renting a bike if you’re in the city, and if you can’t ride a bike, invest some time in learning. You can practise with stabilisers until you feel confident enough to ride without them. Or opt for a scooter instead.

How do you use the benefits of cycling?

Every morning I will take my bike out and go for a ride in my area. I have now made it a habit. It keeps me fit and allows me to spend time in solitude. Every time I go on my bike ride, I feel at peace.

Frame Of Mind is Stylist’s home for all things mental health and the mind. From expert advice on the small changes you can make to improve your wellbeing to first-person essays and features on topics ranging from autism to antidepressants, we’ll be exploring mental health in all its forms. You can check out the series home page to get started.

Images: Adobe