I don't know if anyone here has ever considered their exericise as also helpful during times of personal tough times/depression. But certainly at different low periods in life over the last few..well..yea..almost 2 decades..cycling every day was helpful to me. It didn't solve big personal problems. (ie. finding a job).

But produced some daily endorphins, as exercise normally does and kept my motivation going. At least get me out of bed and out of the house temporarily.

Just the simple in-the-moment goal, to climb a small hill (and succeed doing it) and finish a ride, no matter how short or long, gave me the extra push to continue on in other areas of my life each day.
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http://cyclewriteblog.wordpress.com/ (How cycling leads to other types of adventures, thoughts)
http://velourbansism.wordpress.com