Why cycling and walking are great for your mental health Introduction Exercise is good for your body, but did you know it can also be good for your mind? Studies have found that physical activity increases blood flow to the brain and increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which helps neurons grow. Cycling and walking are great ways to get exercise—but they're also a way to boost your mood. Here's how: Cycling and walking can get you energized. Cycling and walking are low-impact exercises, which means that they won't wear you out as quickly as other types of movement. As a result, it's possible for them to help you relax or get energized. If you're looking for a way to unwind after a long day at work, cycling or walking can be beneficial because they'll take your mind off the stresses and worries of the office. If your job is especially stressful, try heading outside for some air—the fresh air will help clear your head so that when you return home from work (or on weekends), you'll feel refreshed and ready to tackle anything! On the flip side: if your job requires constant thinking (like if you're an engineer), then maybe cycling or walking isn't right for you. Instead, try something more active like weightlifting or sprinting around an indoor track; this will stimulate different parts of your brain while still providing physical benefits like improved cardiovascular health (and there are psychological benefits too!). It may seem counterintuitive but exercise actually helps with concentration so consider incorporating some type of physical activity into your daily routine every once in a while! Cycling and walking can be a way to relieve stress. Walking and cycling are both low-impact exercises. This means that they're relatively easy on your joints, which makes them ideal for people with chronic pain or injuries. You don't need to be an athlete in order to enjoy the benefits of physical activity—any movement is good! So you can take a stroll around your neighbourhood or park, go for a quick bike ride around town or join in on group rides like Bike2Bike, who provide cycling opportunities outside while also helping participants learn more about themselves and each other through storytelling. Physical activity can help relieve stress by releasing endorphins (the "feel good" hormones) into the body; cycling is particularly effective at this because it raises heart rate but doesn't require as much impact as running does. If you struggle with anxiety or depression, exercise may be especially beneficial for these mental health issues because it reduces negative thoughts by releasing chemicals called endorphins into our bodies which make us feel happier--and sometimes even euphoric! Exercise can help you sleep better