Question

Shweta is over-stressed and anxious as she is preparing for her 'NEET' exam. Which of the following is a suitable reason for her to exercise?

• A. To develop physical strength
• B. Mental Relaxation
• C. For Socialisation
• D. To Reduce the risk of disease

Hint:

Even a short 20-minute walk can significantly lower cortisol levels, making it one of the most effective tools for stress management during exam seasons.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Psychology in sports highlights that exercise is not just for physical development but also for psychological well-being. During high-pressure situations like major exams, the mental benefits of exercise become a priority.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

1. Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, often called "feel-good" hormones, which act as natural painkillers and mood elevators.
2. Physical activity reduces the levels of the body's stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol.
3. For a student facing anxiety, the immediate goal of exercise is to clear the mind, improve focus, and provide a break from academic pressure, which falls under mental relaxation.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The most suitable reason for Shweta is Mental Relaxation.

Answer 2

The question specifically asks for the reason most relevant to Shweta's situation, exam-related stress and anxiety, not just any general benefit of exercise. Sorting the options into psychological versus other benefits helps identify which one actually matches her situation.

1. To develop physical strength: This is a long-term physical adaptation from repeated training, useful for athletic performance, but it has no direct, immediate bearing on the anxiety Shweta feels before an exam.
2. Mental Relaxation: Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins and lowers stress hormones like cortisol, producing an immediate calming effect on the mind. This is the one benefit that speaks directly to the over-stressed and anxious state described in the question.
3. For Socialisation: Group activity can offer social interaction as a side benefit, but Shweta's issue is exam-related mental strain, not a lack of social contact, so this does not match the situation described.
4. To Reduce the risk of disease: This is a genuine long-term health outcome of regular exercise, but it plays out over months or years and has nothing to do with the short-term anxiety she is experiencing right now.

Only Mental Relaxation is a benefit that directly targets stress and anxiety, which is precisely the problem described for Shweta.

Therefore, the correct answer is Mental Relaxation.