Stress and anxiety have a lot of triggers; it could be financial worries, a stressful home, or a heavy workload. But one source of stress that affects a lot of people every day is commuting, wherein most of us have to toil our way along heavy traffic, polluted air, and fellow commuters who are just about as stressed as you are.
A study into commuting and personal wellbeing in 2014 has found that each minute added to a commute affects anxiety, happiness, and general wellbeing. The average American's commute to work is 25.5 minutes each way, according to a report in USA Today.
That's about 51 minutes a day getting to and from work, or about 204 hours a year spent commuting. If you have no other choice but to commute, what will convince you to choose Cycling to get to your daily destination?
Cycling as your daily ride
To solve the problem of such passive commuting, researchers are looking at the benefits of active commuting, whether be it walking or biking. It has been established that cycling is generally good for your health, but what do scientists have to say about it?
According to a major study by the University of Glasgow, a daily bike ride to the office nearly halves the risk of heart disease. Based on the analysis of data from a whopping 264,337 Brits, researchers have found that people who cycle have a 40 percent reduced risk of dying early, compared to those who only drive or use public transport.
Meanwhile, walking to work was also associated with a 27 percent lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease and a 36 percent lower risk of dying from it.
The joy of cycling
Our lives become more over-scheduled each year, but cycling is a workout that fits in relatively easily because it can replace a morning and afternoon commute.
Riding to work, even just a couple of times each week, not only burns calories, but it also sets the tone for the day.
Moreover, one study of Tour de France riders from the past concluded that cycling actually increased their longevity. On average, the former pros lived to 81.5 years compared to the general population’s 73.5 years: a 17-percent increase!
We all have those exercises we dread working on. But even if you hop on your bike and take it seriously—pedaling furiously and feeling a deep burn in your quads—there’s a good chance you’ll still love it despite the difficulty since you’re rewarded with a quick, exhilarating ride. A healthier body and a longer, happier life? Time to make your childhood sidekick your new best friend.
