Incorporating a daily routine that combines physical exercise and contact with the environment can transform not only the body, but also the mind.
There are everyday habits that, without great effort, generate a positive impact on mental well-being, helping to reduce stress and improve mood.
What at first glance seems like just a way to move is actually a powerful tool for maintaining a healthy mental balance, with benefits that many are still unaware of.
What does the study say?
A recent study from the University of Glasgow has revealed that cycling to work can significantly reduce the risk of premature death from serious illnesses such as cancer and heart disease.
This research, considered the largest of its kind, followed more than 82,000 workers in the United Kingdom, aged between 16 and 74, over a period of 17 years, with surprising results: those who traveled to work by bicycle showed a 47% lower risk of dying from any cause and a 51% lower risk of dying from cancer.
What was discovered in terms of mental health?
The benefits of cycling go beyond reduced mortality rates. The results of the study also found that cyclists were 10% less likely to need hospital treatment and 24% less likely to develop heart disease.
In addition to the physical effects, the study highlighted significant mental health benefits : cyclists were 20% less likely to be prescribed psychiatric medications , such as antidepressants, compared to workers who did not engage in regular physical activity.
Study details
The research was based on Scottish census data and tracked people from 2001 to 2018. Although only 1,363 participants reported cycling to work, most travelled less than 5km each way.
This shows that even short walks can bring significant health benefits.
While walking to work also showed benefits, these were less pronounced than those seen in those who opted to cycle.
The study strongly supports policies that promote active commuting and underlines the importance of improving cycling infrastructure to reduce road accidents.
Safe cycling infrastructure and public policy
Catherine Friel, Dr David Walsh and Bruce Whyte, the study’s lead researchers, stressed the need to provide a safer environment for cyclists.
“Our findings provide direct evidence of the health benefits of active commuting and support policy efforts to promote cycling to work. However, the increased risk of road traffic accidents for cyclists underscores the need for safer cycling infrastructure,” they concluded.
How does this habit help the environment?
Beyond the health benefits, cycling contributes positively to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable travel.
Despite these obvious benefits, transport statistics in the UK show that only 5% of people cycle to work.
The majority (68%) still travel by car , while 11% prefer to walk and the rest use public transport.
Cycling has increased significantly during the pandemic, especially in cities like London, where investment has been made in improving cycle lanes.
However, recent data from the Department for Transport indicates a slight 5% decline in cycling activity through September 2023. Despite this, cycling is still 3 % higher than pre-pandemic levels.
