Satender Balwant Singh,
- Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education, Sharadrao Pawar Arts and Commerce College Gadchandur, Tel Korpana, Chandrapur,, Maharashtra, India
Abstract
Physical activity is essential for maintaining both mental and physical health, providing wide-ranging benefits that enhance quality of life at all ages. Regular exercise, such as walking, cycling, swimming, or yoga, strengthens the cardiovascular system, boosts muscle and bone health, and improves metabolic function, which in turn reduces the risk of chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Beyond these visible benefits, consistent physical activity enhances flexibility, balance, and endurance, making day-to-day tasks easier and preventing injuries and disability over the lifespan. The significance of physical activities for mental health is equally profound. Engaging in exercise stimulates the production of brain chemicals such as serotonin and endorphins, which elevate mood, reduce anxiety and depression, and foster emotional stability. Research demonstrates that people who exercise regularly have better mental health, sharper concentration, improved alertness, and more restful sleep. Exercise can also distract from negative thoughts, offer opportunities for social interaction and achievement, and build self-esteem. For those facing mental
health challenges, physical activity is often recommended as an adjunct therapy, shown to be effective in easing symptoms of depression and anxiety and optimizing psychological well-being. Furthermore, physical activities benefit cognitive performance, enhancing memory, focus, and problem-solving ability. Structured and group activities promote social connection, teamwork, and a sense of belonging, which are vital for psychosocial health. In summary, integrating regular physical activity
into daily life is crucial not only for physical fitness but also for fostering mental resilience, emotional balance, and overall happiness.
Keywords: Cognitive function, disease risk, mental well-being, physical fitness, regular physical activity
Satender Balwant Singh. Significance of Physical Activities for Mental and Physical Health. Recent Trends in Sports. 2026; 03(01):-.
Satender Balwant Singh. Significance of Physical Activities for Mental and Physical Health. Recent Trends in Sports. 2026; 03(01):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rts/article=2026/view=238434
References
1.American Psychological Association. Stress management through physical activity. In: APA, editor. Clinical Wellness. 1st edition. Washington, US: American Psychological Association; 2020. pp. 1–5.
2. Biddle SJH, Asare M. Physical activity and mental health in children and adolescents: A review of reviews. In: BMJ, editor. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 1st edition. London, UK: BMJ; 2011. pp. 886–895.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Physical activity basics. In: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, editor. CDC Guidelines. 1st edition. Atlanta, US: CDC; 2022. pp.1–10.
4. Lubans D, Richards J, Hillman C, et al. Physical activity for cognitive and mental health in youth: a systematic review of mechanisms. In: American Academy of Pediatrics, editor. Pediatrics. 1st edition. Itasca, US: AAP; 2016. pp. e20161642.
5. Lubans D, Richards J, Hillman C, et al. Physical activity for cognitive and mental health in youth: A systematic review. In: Elsevier, editor. Preventive Medicine. 1st edition. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier; 2016. pp. 114–122.
6. Piercy KL, Troiano RP, Ballard RM, et al. The physical activity guidelines for Americans. In: American Medical Association, editor. JAMA. 1st edition. Chicago, US: AMA; 2018. pp. 2020–2028.
7. Rebar AL, Stanton R, Geard D, et al. A meta-meta-analysis of the effect of physical activity on depression and anxiety in non-clinical adult populations. In: Taylor & Francis, editor. Health Psychology Review. 1st edition. Oxfordshire, UK: T&F; 2015. pp. 366–378.
8. Sharma A, Madaan V, Petty FD. Exercise for mental health. In: Physicians Postgraduate Press, editor. Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 1st edition. Memphis, US: PPP; 2006. pp. 106–111.
9. World Health Organization. Physical activity fact sheet. In: WHO, editor. Health Reports. 1st edition. Geneva, Switzerland: WHO; 2020. pp. 1–2.
10. World Health Organization. Global action plan on physical activity 2018–2030: More active people for a healthier world. In: WHO, editor. Global Action Plans. 1st edition. Geneva, Switzerland: WHO; 2021. pp. 1–104.
| Volume | 03 |
| 01 | |
| Received | 08/04/2025 |
| Accepted | 10/09/2025 |
| Published | 17/02/2026 |
| Publication Time | 315 Days |
Login
PlumX Metrics
