Physical activity is therefore a welcome tool for coping with mental stress. Anxiety Anxiety is typified by a tendency to react to situations with worry, self-doubt and apprehension. Physical activity can help that. A single exercise session often leads to a reduction in anxiety, lasting from two to four hours. Relaxation, quiet rest or psychotherapy show similar improvements, but physical activity has longer-lasting effects.
Physical activity helps both conditions.
Experiments using long-term exercise show anxiety reductions in generally anxious people, especially those with low to moderate anxiety. Anxiety levels decrease when individuals pursue a physical activity program for at least 10 weeks. Those who exercise for more than 15 weeks get the most benefits. Depression Exercise can also reduce depression. Depression is characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, pessimism and a general loss of interest in life.