It is a known fact that exercise improves the mood. In fact, medical practitioners do not just recommend staying fit simply for physical wellbeing; even more important is that it contributes to better mental health. Recent studies, however, reveal that the most effective mood boosting physical activity is cycling. Researchers from different parts of the world confirm that biking elicits positive emotions.

1. Biking: The Most
Effective Mood-Boosting
Physical Activity
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2. It is a known fact that exercise improves the mood. In fact, medical
practitioners do not just recommend staying fit simply for physical
wellbeing; even more important is that it
contributes to better mental health. Recent
studies, however, reveal that the most
effective mood boosting physical activity is
cycling. Researchers from different parts of
the world confirm that biking elicits positive
emotions.
Riding the Way to Happiness
Researchers at Clemson and the University of Pennsylvania surveyed
approximately 13,000 respondents. They gathered information on the
average moods people feel in different modes of transportation and found
that people who used bikes are generally the happiest group, compared to
those who drove a car or took the bus or train.
The researchers then concluded that biking does not just improve an
individual’s physical health or ease congestion in local transportation
systems; the activity also allows riders to calm down and think during travel.
The research team assumed that positive moods from biking may be due to
the sense of achievement people feel after the activity. People find pleasure
in tasks that are difficult, but
attainable. In biking, people are able to
exercise skills and gain mastery. There
is a greater sense of fulfilment in
reaching a destination actively,
compared to simply sitting and riding a
bus or car.
Other scientists claim that the pedalling
motion helps facilitate healthy levels of
chemicals that can help boost moods. Some of these include serotonin,
dopamine, and endorphins.

3. The Cycle of Bicycle Happiness
Clemson and University of Pennsylvania’s research appears to be parallel
with other studies conducted in different parts of the world. For instance, a
study published in the UK from
University of East Anglia and the
Centre for Diet and Activity
Research (CEDAR) claimed that
people who biked their way to work
and other destinations exhibited
stronger mental wellbeing.
The researchers surveyed 18,000 commuters in England. They asked
participants questions pertaining to matters of wellbeing, including feelings
of unimportance or sadness and sleepless nights. The researchers took into
consideration variables, like household income, general health and having
children.
The team concluded that those who use cars to go to work are 13% more
likely to be stressed out, than those that used bicycles.
Cycling apparently does not just improve physical health, but more
importantly, mental wellbeing. The simple act of engaging in this physical
activity may just make a big difference in one’s health.
RESOURCES:
http://www.yellowjersey.com.au/
https://www.bwa.org.au/bikes-and-riding/419/
http://www.deakin.edu.au/travelsmart/docs/health-benefits-cycling-fact-
sheet.pdf
http://www.sensibletransport.org.au/sites/sensibletransport.org.au/files/u5/
CPF_CyclingBenefits_Screen.pdf