Physical Fitness Supports Your Ability to Handle Psychological Stress

SadaNews - The benefits of sports are not limited to strengthening muscles and improving heart health, but may extend to how we cope with daily stressors.

A recent study published in the journal Acta Psychologica indicated that individuals with high cardiorespiratory fitness are less prone to anxiety and anger, and are better able to maintain their calm in stressful situations, according to a report on the scientific site "MedicalXpress".

Researchers from the Federal University of Goiás in Brazil conducted an experiment with 40 healthy young people, divided into two groups: one with above-average fitness levels, while the other group had below-average fitness.

The volunteers participated in two separate sessions, during which they viewed neutral images once and disturbing images at another time, including scenes of injuries and threatening situations, aimed at provoking tension and negative feelings.

All participants reported increased tension after viewing the disturbing images, but the difference appeared in the severity of the response. The results showed that those with higher fitness levels maintained lower levels of anxiety and anger compared to the less fit group.

According to the study, individuals in the lower fitness group were significantly more likely to have their anxiety levels shift from moderate to high after being exposed to stressful images. They also reported a greater increase in feelings of anger, with less ability to control it.

In contrast, more fit individuals seemed to possess a higher degree of "emotional resilience," meaning the ability to absorb psychological shocks and cope without impulsiveness or excessive stress.

Why Does Fitness Affect Emotions?

Researchers speculate that a regular commitment to exercise not only trains the body but also trains the mind. The discipline required to maintain an exercise program may contribute to building better self-control, stress tolerance, and emotion regulation.

Moreover, regular exercise is associated with improved heart and circulatory system functions, which may reflect on the stability of physiological responses to stress.

Despite the remarkable results, researchers noted that the study included a limited number of participants, and the level of fitness was estimated through questionnaires rather than precise direct measurements. Biological indicators of stress, such as cortisol levels, were not measured.

Therefore, researchers emphasize the need for broader studies to confirm the findings and determine whether they apply to different age and health groups. Nevertheless, the study adds new evidence to the growing idea that movement is not only for bodily health but may also serve as a psychological shield that helps us stay calm when stress levels rise.