Cycling as a 20-minute stress reset
Cycling to work lowers your cortisol levels and leads to less stress and better sleep. Cycling scientist Joyce David (Ghent University) explains how it works.
The best stress reset takes 20 minutes
And you don't need a coach for it. Stress isn't just something that happens in your head, it's also a physical process. Your body produces cortisol, and in small amounts that's actually a good thing: it keeps you alert. But when it becomes too much, it leads to sleeplessness, irritability and the feeling that you're never fully relaxed.
Cycling scientist Joyce David (Ghent University) explains what role the bike plays here.
What happens when you take the bike?
Before you even get up, your body is already producing cortisol. That's needed to wake up and get your systems going. But if cortisol stays high all day, it can have negative effects over time. If you take the bike instead of the car on your way to work, we see your cortisol level drop, and drop significantly.
A study among nearly 18,000 respondents shows that cycling to work every day leads to lower stress levels, better mental wellbeing and better sleep quality. Not just in the short term, but in the long term as well.
A transition ritual
For many cycling commuters, the ride itself feels like a transition ritual: a moment between home and work, or work and home, to let your thoughts wander and let everything settle. Being outside, crossing paths with other people, it all adds up to a positive impact on your day.
No training schedule needed
Twenty minutes of cycling a day is enough. You don't need a training schedule or expensive gear. It fits perfectly into everyday life, just as it is.
Ready to take the step yourself?
Want to easily fit those 20 minutes of cycling enjoyment into your day?
- With bike leasing through Cyclobility, you get started worry-free. Check with your employer to see if it's an option for you.
- Or buy a bike through your mobility budget, or...
- our interest-free bike loan for private individuals
