Beat stress by cycling to work

COMMUTING by bike reduces stress and improves the rest of your working day, research has found.

The benefit is thought to come from the exercise as well as avoiding road rage and the perils of public transport.

A study of 123 commuters, published in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management, found those who cycled had stress levels 14 per cent lower than those who drove and 11 per cent below people on public transport.

Lead author Dr Stephane Brutus, from Concordia University in Canada, said other research had shown that early morning stress and mood changed the way people acted for the rest of the day.

He added: ‘There is absolutely no question that active commuting, and more specifically cycling, should be encouraged over driving to work.’