We have always known this. But more and more research proves that exercise is great for your mental health.

A new study conducted by the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, found that those who cycle to work are less likely to be prescribed drugs to treat anxiety or depression compared to those who use other forms of transport. 

The study obtained data from 378,253 people aged between 16-74 years who lived in Scotland for five years, from 2011 to 2016. These people had no previous reported instances of mental illness. 

“Our study used the fact that otherwise similar people are more likely to cycle to work if they live close to a cycle path. Using this property, it was possible to mimic a randomized controlled trial and compare the mental health of those who cycled to work to those using other modes of transport but who were otherwise comparable.” Dr Laurie BerrieSchool of GeoSciences.

The researchers conclude that commuting to work by cycle has a significant positive effect on our mental well-being.

India has about 170 million cyclists, according to a study by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). However, narrow, congested roads in Indian cities and lack of adequate cycling lanes mean that cycling to work hasn’t really taken off, despite large-scale awareness campaigns.