Benefits of Physical Activity Among University Students

The correlation between physical activity and mental health among college students is not a topic that individuals are readily informed about. There is a significant amount of stress in the media on the importance of physical activity to an individuals’ health in preventing and treating chronic diseases however the significance towards mental health is rarely mentioned. Although there are a lot of research studies regarding the topic, university students may not necessarily take the time to properly educate themselves on how to better their life through physical activity. Physical activity has a positive effect on the mental health of post-secondary students specifically in the areas of anxiety, stress and depression. Students experience many forms of stress not only in regards to academics, but many outside factors as well. According to Hurst (2013), after surveying students for his study the top stressor they reported is general academics. A full-time student generally takes five courses per semester which include overlapping due dates for assignments, the act of studying for exams, all while students are expected to maintain a required average in order to remain enrolled in the program. All of these contribute to the stress of the student. The second most frequent stressor faced by students is relationships. Hurst (2013) explains that students face relationship stressors in regards to family, romantic, and peer relationships. Parents unknowingly place a lot of stress on their child to do well in school and the importance of getting an education. There are many factors that go into developing, maintaining or even ending a romantic relationship which can cause stress on an individual and take away from their academics. At university you often have to develop new friendships which can sometimes be difficult for individuals. Other contributing stressors include lack of time and money, self-expectations, as well as the expectations of others, disruptive environments, and health (Hurst, 2013). Trying to balance school; assignments, tests, attend classes, as well as a work schedule, time management can be stressful if not maintained properly. Students are constantly experiencing some form of stress, which if not managed properly, chronic stress can lead to depression. The rising rates of depression among students are a great concern. Depression is a mental disorder characterized by mood disturbances. There are two types of depression; endogenous, which comes from a biochemical origin, and exogenous, which is caused by an external event (Lox, Martin Ginis, & Petruzzello, 2010). Most students are affected by exogenous depression which may be onset from receiving poor marks for an exam or assignment, worrying about finances, feeling alone, and facing new experiences. The individual cause of depression is difficult to understand. Often times of depression are caused by a combination of factors and/or events. It will not necessarily be one poor mark that causes a student to become depressed but overtime when a student is constantly trying hard and continues receiving poor marks an individual’s self-confidence will decrease. Within the last 12 months 90% of students reported feeling overwhelmed by everything they had to do, 69% reported feeling very sad and 38% feeling so depressed it was difficult to function (American College Health Association, 2013). These rates show how unbelievably common depression is among students. An onset of depression to the point where it is difficult to function can end up causing a student to miss classes which further reflects poorly on their grades. Depression does not just affect a student academics, it may also effect daily living such as cause them to fall behind in rent and loose contact with family and peers. This demonstrates how easily depression can take over an individuals’ life and make it very difficult to complete daily task or functions. The many health benefits of physical activity are well known, however the inactivity among students is becoming a problem. Adults are recommended to participate in moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes five or more days per week, or vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise for at least 20 minutes three or more days per week (Donatelle & Thompson, 2013). Only 44% of students meet the requirements given (American College Health Association, 2013). Therefore over half the student population is inactive. Students are sitting all day in class, sitting to study, and then to relax usually sitting and watching television. All of this inactivity negatively adds up. It is important for students to be breaking up sedentary activity such as taking a 10 minute walk for a study break. Students are often stressed about a lack of time which may explain why students are not physically active. With a set time table students should schedule in three times a week as set times to exercise. There is also a constant pressure academically which holds most of the students focus leaving physical activity not as important. Physical activity among students is able to lower anxiety rates. When student is constantly undergoing chronic stress a state of anxiety is always felt (Lox et al., 2010). Despite how much students study for exams there is still a sense of perceived anxiety (Edwards, 2009). According to Edwards (2009), the top reasons students may feel anxious from the tense examination atmosphere, the pressure to do well and the time restriction in which they must complete the exam. Students are constantly under pressure and stressed. Tyson (2010) study on the correlation between physical activity and anxiety levels shows a positive relationship between an increased amount of exercise and decreased anxiety levels. Students who are meeting the recommendations for physical activity are better able to manage times of anxiety. His study also shows that students that participate in more vigorous activity reported lower anxiety rates than those students that are moderately active (Tyson, 2010). Students that are engaging in vigorous physical activity when active will notice a greater improvement in mental health. Physical activity is starting to be used as a form of treatment for anxiety which has been preferred over medication by individuals (Lox et al., 2010). There is a positive reflection not only in increased fitness levels from prescribed physical fitness but also a reduction in anxiety levels (Lox et al., 2010). There are many benefits of physical activity that can positively influence a student’s life. Students that are physically active have lower stress. The most recent American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II results show that 56% of students are not meeting the recommended physical activity guidelines for adults (American College Health Association, 2013). Of the students that are not physically active and are reporting high levels of stress, 47% reported an above average amount of stress (American College Health Association, 2013). When students are stressed physical activity is not a top priority. Physical activity is not appealing to some people, being sweaty and sore can discourage someone from being physically active. Students may not be meeting the recommendations because of time restrictions, lack of motivation and an unforeseen importance of physical activity. Therefore if lack of physical activity reports above average stress levels, increasing physical activity among those students should then decrease perceived stress. Hurst’s (2013) report shows that the students surveyed who met the physical activity requirements reported to have less stress than those students that did not meet the requirements. This evidence further supports physical activity as a positive reinforcement. Exercise can act as a positive release of any negative energy students may have. Exercise may protect against damaging the stress response pathway, as well as reduce the reactivity of the stressor (Lox et al., 2010). By reducing reactivity student will be able to better handle stress for future reoccurrences. In Nguyen-Michel’s (2006) study, he suggests that higher levels of stress are shown in a private university in comparison to a community college. Universities place higher demands on students which in turn causes more stress. His study also shows a positive correlation between the amount of physical activity and the perceived stress levels between a private university and community college (Nguyen-Michel, 2006). Students that have higher levels of stress but maintain a physically active lifestyle are better able to adapt and handle stressful situations. Evidently, exercise is beneficial in reducing stress levels among students. Physical activity among students can lower depression rates. Harbour’s (2008) study shows that participants that were meeting the vigorous physical activity recommendations reported less symptoms of depression than those participants that did not meet the recommendations. This shows that students who are physically active are not as depressed as students who are not physically active. Physical activity can leads to a more positive self-image, allowing for an increase in self-esteem. Depression can be from a negative self-body image, which though physical activity can help improve body image. In Taluaferro’s (2009) study, students reported that physical activity helps reduce risk of depression which is associated with suicidal behavior. Students that were not physically active and reported high symptoms of depression however after becoming physically activity later reported lower symptoms of depression (Taluaferro, 2009). Students need to implement a regular physical activity routine which will lower depression symptoms allowing the student to focus and maintain better academics. The study also focused on the difference in physical activity, aerobic activity compared with strength training, and the benefits of each (Taluaferro, 2009). Findings suggest that aerobic activity provides a greater result in decreasing depression (Taluaferro, 2009). Such findings support the importance of meeting the required vigorous physical activity recommendations among adults. Many young adults are focused on body image and focus on strength training when they are physically active. However aerobic activity, such are jogging, is beneficial for a student’s physical and mental health and it is important to maintain a balance of vigorous physical activity. There is a positive relationship between an increasing physical activity and decrease in depressive symptoms which may lead to other positive associations. Exercise promotes a positive well-being and self-esteem which then positively affects an individual’s psychological well-being. If a student is physically active causing an increase in self-esteem it can lead to an increase in one’s confidence which can further reflect positivity on a student’s academics. Depression is a serious mental illness that does not have one specific treatment. However studies prove that physical activity can help with decreasing symptoms of depression. Anxiety, stress and depression can negatively impact each other in a multitude of ways. When a student becomes stressed or anxious for any of the many reasons listed above, they may feel that they have no one to turn to and left feeling isolated and unsure of themselves. Chronic stress is likely to lead to depression. Depression alters the mind so one cannot prioritise, leaving them without any drive to complete important tasks or even simple everyday responsibilities. Physical activity has been proven to decrease anxiety and stress, however if a student is not physically active they are not able to alleviate stress which in turn, creates more stress. The depression can deepen causing unhappiness with their self-image. Vankim’s (2013) study on poor mental health and perceived stress in regards to physical activity shows mental health and perceived stress are highly correlated. In other words, a student that meets the vigorous physical activity recommendations is less likely to report mental health issues (Vankim, 2013). The interrelationship among anxiety, depression, stress and physical activity can greatly impact a student’s life. There is a negative cycle between anxiety, depression, stress and physical activity constantly feeding off each component. However, in the same way, anxiety, depression and stress can have a positive impact on each other. When a student is physically active, they are able to properly manage stressful situations which allows for a more positive outlook. There are many health risks that can arise from students not receiving proper help in regards to anxiety, depression, and stress. Mackenzie (2011) explains the long-term effects depression can lead to students increased risk of self-injury, can cause them to drop out of school, and attempt of commit suicide. Depression causes a loss of self-worth causing a negative outlook on life. A depressed student has altered thoughts leaving them feeling like there are no other options left. Suicide accounts for 13% of deaths among young people aged 15-24 year olds (Taliaferro, 2009). The majority of post-secondary students are within the targeted age range for suicide. Only 10% of students report seeking professional help regarding depression (American College Health Association, 2013). Depression is a serious health risk that needs professional help. Since depression is common among students, universities have now stated offering free counselling on campus so that students have a proper source of help available. Schools also include access to recreational fitness centers which allow students to be physically active. The effects of depression are one of the top ten impairments to a students’ academic performance in accordance to Mackenzie (2011). Depression has a direct effect on academics, peer relationships, and risk-taking behaviour. Class attendance is no longer a major priority reflecting poorly on students’ grades. Withdrawal is also a common side effect from depression. This can cause a student to feel isolated from their peers. It is important for students who report signs of chronic stress, anxiety and/or depression to seek help and guidance. Students’ experience many forms of stress not only in regards to academics, but many outside factors as well. With students living a hectic lifestyle, physical activity is not necessarily something that one finds time for. Without physical activity, students are more prone to enduring stressful and anxious circumstances. Commonly, depression stems from high stress and anxiety which contributes to the high depression and suicide rates among post-secondary students. Individuals become so overwhelmed that depression and stress can take over one’s life leading them to have a negative outlook on previous important aspects of their daily routines. Physical activity is proven to have a positive impact on decreasing anxiety, stress, and depression symptoms within the student population. This may lead to other positive associations such as increased self-esteem and improved academics. Due to these results, it is crucial that students become informed about the benefits of physical activity in relation to mental health.

References
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