How does regular physical exercise affect mental health?

Abstract

Awareness of the relationship between regular physical exercise and mental health has increased over the years. Many individuals are becoming more aware of the positive outcomes of regular exercise, and this is being proven through scientific studies and recent literature. This research expects to reveal that people who participate in regular physical exercise have a better physical and psychological wellbeing than sedentary individuals. The relationship between exercise and mental health was examined in a sample of five active fulltime students at the University of Malta between the ages of 18 and 30. Individuals from any department or faculty were encouraged to participate. The design of this study uses a qualitative approach, and interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyse the data. The results of this study revealed that individuals who maintain a high level of activity experienced feelings of fulfilment and accomplishment, have an increased level of confidence, and have a more positive body image. Additionally, they experienced less feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress, and also experienced more positive social interactions.