Cycling, walking in nature may improve your mental health
Those commuting through natural environments on a daily basis had on average a 2.74 point higher mental health score compared to those who commuted through natural environments less frequently.
People who commute - walking or cycling - through natural environments are more likely to develop better mental health than those who commute less, according to a new study.
Natural environments included all public and private outdoor spaces that contain ‘green’ and/or ‘blue’ natural elements such as street trees, forests, city parks and natural parks/reserves and all types of water bodies.
“Mental health and physical inactivity are two of the main public health problems associated with the life in urban environments. Urban design could be a powerful tool to confront these challenges and create healthier cities. One way of doing so would be investing in natural commuting routes for cycling and walking,” said Mark Nieuwenhuijsen from the University of Barcelona.
For the study, published in the journal, Environment International, the research team examined nearly 3,600 participants who answered a questionnaire about their commuting habits and their mental health.
The findings showed that respondents commuting through natural environments on a daily basis had on average a 2.74 point higher mental health score compared to those who commuted through natural environments less frequently.
This association was even stronger among people who reported active commuting, the team said.
“From previous experimental studies we knew that physical activity in natural environments can reduce stress, improve mood and mental restoration when compared to the equivalent activity in urban environments,” said first author Wilma Zijlema from the varsity.
“Although this study is the first of its kind to our knowledge and, therefore, more research will be needed, our data show that commuting through these natural spaces alone may also have a positive effect on mental health.”
Related Topics
Related News & Articles
Chances are you’ve heard how dangerous it is to ride a motorcycle. How you are just risking your life being on your bike and you must have a death wish. For...
Recently posted . 1K views . 3 min read
The normal peoples sleeps roughly 25 years in his lifetime. Human beings require sleep. However, from what science comprehends, analysts still don't know precis...
Recently posted . 1K views . 68 min read
Despite all the innovations in modern cookware, including non-stick surfaces and anodized aluminum, we believe that your healthiest cookware choices are those tha...
Recently posted . 885 views . 4 min read
Teenagers with similar levels of mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, are more likely to remain friends, a new study has found.
Recently posted . 912 views . 1 min read
For instance, spitting, yelling, littering, and staring at someone are considered rude, and when it comes to flatulence or farting, it is an absolute social no-no. ...
Recently posted . 1K views . 3 min read
Trending News & Articles
Lung cancer is usually not noticeable during the early stages. Most people are diagnosed when the disease is at an advanced stage. According to Cancer.org, it is ...
Recently posted . 6K views . 2 min read
The health benefits of wood apple include [1] relief from constipation, indigestion, peptic ulcer, piles, respiratory problems, diarrhea, and dysentery. It also b...
Recently posted . 4K views . 2 min read
Bael, also known as the “Wood Apple”, is a species native to India. The bael tree is considered to be sacred to the Hindus. A famous drink known as sh...
Recently posted . 4K views . 2 min read
Do you know what milia are? Milia is a skin condition which causes the appearance of small white hard bumps on the skin which usually appear on the face, neck or ch...
Recently posted . 3K views . 2 min read
More in Food & Health
It is a well-known fact that a Noble Prize Laureate called Dr. Otto H Warburg discovered that too much acidity is actually the main cause for cancer. Cancer cells...
Recently posted. 713 views . 2 min read
Coconut oil has been used in India for generations for a variety of reasons because of its different health benefits.
Recently posted. 848 views . 0 min read
A kitchen sponge is exposed to all kinds of different microbes, thus forming a vast microbiome of bacteria and providing rich food sources for phages
Recently posted. 558 views . 1 min read
Recently posted . 814 views
Recently posted . 732 views
Recently posted . 1K views
Recently posted . 1K views
Recently posted . 999 views . 80 min read
Recently posted . 1K views . 121 min read
With Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman vowing an "open, moderate Islam", the kingdom recognised yoga as a sport.
Recently posted. 900 views . 1 min read
Apples are actually part of the rose family, just like pears and plums.
There are more than 7,500 varieties of apples grown around the world. It would ta...
Recently posted. 1K views . 13 min read