How does exercise influence mental wellbeing?

• A. Exercise has no relation to mental wellbeing.
• B. Exercise only affects physical health, not mental health.
• C. Regular exercise improves mood, sleep, stress management and cognitive functioning.
• D. Exercise worsens mood.

Answer: (C)

Regular physical activity has a direct effect on mental wellbeing because it triggers chemical and physiological changes that support mood and resilience. Exercise releases endorphins and other neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which can lift mood. It also helps regulate sleep, and better sleep contributes to improved mood and energy. Regular activity reduces the body’s stress response by lowering cortisol and improving coping abilities. On the brain side, exercise increases blood flow and stimulates growth factors such as BDNF, which support cognitive functioning like memory, attention, and problem-solving. Put together, these effects mean that regular exercise improves mood, sleep, stress management, and cognitive functioning. The other options describe no impact, only physical health, or worse mood, which don’t align with the well-supported mental health benefits of exercise.