The mental health benefits of riding my Vespa

I went for a short trip on my Vespa around the backroads where I live yesterday evening.

It was a beautiful dry, crisp April evening with the ‘stretch’ in the evening manifest.

I find it a relaxing thing to do for several reasons. But the most important one is the fact that it is virtually the only thing I do without earphones/earbuds in my ears.

When I drive or run or cycle or work I am listening to podcasts or audiobooks through my earphones or listening to the radio at work for most of the day.

But going out on the Vespa does not involve headphones or listening to anything save for the noise of the engine and the sounds of the countryside and passing traffic.

I find this tremendously relaxing and good for winding down after work or the other stresses of life.

I notice more, too, and see things in the countryside that I would never see when driving my car. And my concentration is better with less of the wandering mind.

It had better be, let’s face it.