Cycling, walking in nature may improve your mental health
Monday, October 22, 2018 IST
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
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 . 9K 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 . 6K views . 2 min read
The scientists likewise shared how much liquor an individual can drink prior to facing overabundance risk challenges their wellbeing, contrasted with somebody who...
Recently posted . 6K views . 1 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 . 6K views . 2 min read
More in Food & Health
Washing does not remove Salmonella typhimurium bacteria from them, a study by IISc team finds
Recently posted. 1K views . 0 min read
Climate change has increased a fungal disease called Black Sigatoka, which affects the crop of bananas, essentially rendering them unfit for consumption.
<...
Recently posted. 945 views . 1 min read
As we all know periods are the most natural thing that happens to every woman and it is not a taboo to discuss it anymore. Women tend to get bloated, suffer from cr...
Recently posted. 1K views . 2 min read
Recently posted . 1K views
Recently posted . 1K views
Recently posted . 2K views
Recently posted . 2K views
Recently posted . 2K views . 67 min read
Recently posted . 2K views . 34 min read
There is not one right answer for often you should workout. That is good news because this allows you to create a workout plan that best fits you, and it&rsqu...
Recently posted. 331 views . 1 min read
Sugar coma'— with regards to glucose — is indeed a real phenomenon, where levels of attention seem to decline after consumption of glucose — c...
Recently posted. 1K views . 1 min read