Benefit of Physical Exercise in Stress Management - Assignment Example

Psychologically, physically strenuous activity diverts the mind from depressing and negative thoughts; when this strenuous activity is carried out in a systematic and timely manner, it is called physical exercise. Hence, through physical exercise, one can train the mind with constant diversion, which in a way can be quoted as a form of behavioral therapy. Physical activity induces an excess release of endorphins that stimulate the mind and relaxes the nerve cells, giving a feeling of calmness or reduced mental disturbance.

Mentally, physical exercise attracts all concentration and helps in forgetting the stressful situations or encounters that once lingered in the mind. Greenberg et al (2004) assert that physical exercise enhances overall wellbeing as it reduces feelings of depression and anxiety along with an increasing sense of physical competence. Taylor et al.’s (1985) work on ‘the relation of physical activity and exercise on mental health has identified more than 1000 empirical and qualitative researches focused on studying the psychological effects of sport and exercise; from the results of these researches, the most common psychological benefits are increased academic performance, self-confidence, self-esteem, mood, memory, perception, positive body image, self-control, sexual satisfaction, well-being, and work efficiency; also, decreased anger, anxiety, confusion, depression, hostility, phobia, headaches, psychotic behavior, stress response, tension, and work errors have been noticed.