[swiper_lux]

A bike. (If you really want to know - this: https://www.merida-bikes.com/en-au/bike/3127/speeder-100).

7am early morning ride before work, then ~ 2pm in the afternoon. Both around 1 hour, often longer.

My whole mood lifts the closer I get to ride time, and for a whole hour or so afterwards I am buzzing and I seem to write my best code. I never get stressed any more. I am fitter than ever with no sore knees or bad back or any other stuff I used to suffer when I was running. I sleep really well.

I am 54 and I live next to a dedicated bike path that goes for ~4 hours in two directions. I work almost exclusively from home in Brisbane, Australia.

[hdjjhhvvhga]

I second that. Get any bike you can, you won't regret it. I have a few beater bikes and use them all the time. I feel better, I enjoy the landscape changing quickly in front of my eyes, I enjoy speed but also being a part of the landscape, not sitting isolated in a metal box. Marvelous!

[hdjjhhvvhga]

One pint since you mentioned that Merida bike: if you cycle a lot, get a version with shock absorbers (wheel + seat). Yes, they will make the bike minimally heavier. Yes, your spine will thank you later, even if you mostly use dedicated good quality lanes.