Active transportation can benefit the mind as well as the body

October 18, 2024

Trying active transportation, such as cycling or walking, as part of your daily commute can have benefits on air quality and physical health. One more benefit to consider; mental health.

“Regular exercise can have a profoundly positive impact on depression, anxiety and ADHD. It also relieves stress, improves memory, helps you sleep better, and boosts your overall mood,” noted researchers on HelpGuide.com.

And you don’t have to be a fitness fanatic to reap the benefits. Research indicates that modest amounts of exercise can make a real difference.

Thirty minutes of exercise a day can make a difference, so adding active transportation to your daily commute helps to meet that goal. Even if work is too far to walk or bike to, combine active transportation to access transit or a carpool.

Benefits of exercise on the mind

Improved mood – Exercise makes people feel better and science says that exercise produces hormones like serotonin and dopamine.

“Bike riders also get a hit of endorphins, another neurotransmitter known as “feel-good” chemicals, that trigger positive feelings,” noted Karen Hallisey on UCLA’s transportation blog.

Less Stress – Just as exercise increases hormones that make people feel good, it also reduces cortisol, a stress hormone. It also helps the body’s various systems, cardiovascular, digestive and immune, work more efficiently, which protects your body from harmful effects of stress.

“Virtually any form of exercise, from aerobics to yoga, can act as a stress reliever,” notes a blog by the staff at the Mayo Clinic. “If you’re not an athlete or even if you’re out of shape, you can still make a little exercise go a long way toward stress management.”

Positive Self Esteem – Adding active transportation to your commute can boost self-esteem. Helping the environment, achieving goals, and transforming your body can all make you feel better about yourself. Setting and achieving even modest fitness goals can have positive effects on self-esteem.

“Regular activity is an investment in your mind, body and soul,” explained HelpGuide.com. “When it becomes habit, it can foster your sense of self-worth and make you feel strong and powerful.”

Sharper Memory and Thinking – Physical exercise not only builds your body but can strengthen your mind. Those same “feel good” endorphins can help with concentration and keep you mentally sharp. Exercise not only prevents memory loss and mental decline, but exercise is shown to stimulate the growth of new brain cells.

Mental Health – Exercise has shown to help lessen the impacts of mental health issues such as minor to moderate depression, anxiety, ADHD and in some cases PTSD and trauma.

“Regular aerobic activity like walking and biking can lower symptoms of depression,” said Hallisey. “Depression can mess with your energy level, so get it back up with a walk or bike ride and enhance your mood at the same time. As you start to feel better, you’ll also be motivated to keep going.”

Other benefits of adding exercise to your daily commute are better sleep and more energy.