Mental health benefits of your active commute

Demanding daily routines, especially in urban centres, mean that people often do not have the time to unwind and look after their mental wellbeing. Mental health is often overlooked despite being as essential as treating physical ailments and integral to how we live out our day to day lives. Travelling can be stressful and historically has been defined as ‘lost time’. However, there is a growing amount of research which supports the value of journeys and their key role in supporting (or undermining) mental health.

Many studies have demonstrated a positive impact associated with those who cycle or walk to work compared to those who drive or take public transport. A study of long-distance Copenhagen cycle commuters found cycling helped to relieve stress and transition between work and home(1). On the other side of the coin, one study found car commuters to be at least 13% more likely to feel constantly under strain or unable to concentrate compared to those who make journeys active(2). Done right, where possible, journeys can offer an opportunity to wind down and feel re-connected with the environment - instead of being a source of stress.

Exercise can have a huge positive impact on mental health and help to relieve stress, improve sleep and boost mood. It helps release chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, which are the body’s natural means of increasing felt wellbeing. Despite this, recent studies have found that on average, only 1 in 20 adults achieve the minimum recommended 150 weekly minutes of exercise(3). That means 96% of the UK’s population aren’t getting enough regular exercise! So swapping out regular journeys taken by car or public transport for walking, cycling or whatever floats your boat (not a boat though) is an easy way to make sure you get daily shots of your body’s natural feel good chemicals.

Sometimes it can be daunting to start making changes to your routines, but it’s important to know you’re not alone. Taking the initial move and setting intent is the most important step. The Stride and Ride community offers a safe space for people of all different abilities to share their experiences and learn more about active transport. Switch up routes to keep it interesting and enjoy the journey.

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  1. Hansen, K.B. and Nielsen, T.A.S. (2014) Exploring characteristics and motives of long distance commuter cyclists. Transport Policy 35: 57–63

  2. Martin, A., Goryakin, Y. and Suhrcke, M. (2014) Does active commuting improve psychological wellbeing? Longitudinal evidence from eighteen waves of the British Household Panel Survey. Preventive Medicine. in press http://po.st/adGSvs

  3. Health and Social Care Information Centre (2014) Statistics on Obesity, Physical Activity and Diet. England