Cycling isn’t just a convenient way of getting around without being stuck in traffic jams. It’s also a sustainable method of transportation and one that offers many benefits for our health, including our mental wellbeing.
Mental health consists of many different aspects, and it seems that hopping on a bike has an overall positive effect. Whether it is combating depression or lowering your stress levels, there is nothing a good cycling session can’t achieve.
1. Anti-depressant
A study conducted by researchers from the University of Edinburgh in 2024 specifically examined the effect of cycling on the prescription of antidepressants. After analysing the health data of 370.000 participants between the ages of 16 and 74, they saw a 15% drop in antidepressants amongst those who regularly hopped on a bike to commute.
Numerous factors contribute to this result, such as the release of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine during exercise, as well as the exposure to natural daylight while cycling to work, which aids in regulating the biological clock. Although cycling is not the sole method to achieve these benefits, it is a highly accessible form of exercise that many of us can easily incorporate into our daily routines.
2. Stress-reducing
A study by transportation company Lime and French market research firm Ipsos found that 90% of participants feel more liberated and fulfilled from cycling. More than 80% consider it an ideal way to unwind, whether before or after a demanding workday. Ultimately, 83% of those surveyed reported feeling less stressed after cycling.
“Cycling is one of the most effective treatments for stress and in many cases has been proven to be as effective as medication – if not more so. Riding a bike is ideal because it’s so accessible and achievable – and the mountain of scientific evidence pointing towards its stress-busting properties is growing by the day. All too often, people look for a cure to stress once the horse has bolted, when it’s much healthier to develop ways to deal with stress on a day-to-day level before it gets to that stage”, confirms Neil Shah of the Stress Management Society in an interview with Bike Radar.
3. Mindfulness
While biking through a bustling city may not be ideal for everyone, cycling can serve as an excellent opportunity to practice mindfulness. By focusing on what you’re doing – cycling – and your surroundings, you can clear your mind. Consciously inhaling and exhaling can further facilitate this process. Although some elements of mindfulness are still being discussed, studies suggest it may help reduce anxiety and depression, enhance concentration, and protect our brain from deterioration.
