Which statement best describes how exercise can reduce stress levels?

• A. Reduces cortisol levels during workouts
• B. Increases heart rate and anxiety
• C. Allows mind to breathe and become able to handle future stress
• D. Causes fatigue without benefit

Answer: (C)

Regular exercise helps the body and mind manage stress by boosting mood, building resilience, and improving the ability to cope with future challenges. When you move, your brain releases feel-good chemicals like endorphins and endocannabinoids, which lift mood and promote relaxation, and sleep quality often improves as well. This combination makes stressful events feel more manageable, so the mind can “breathe” and you’re better prepared to handle what comes next. Cortisol can rise during exercise as part of the immediate stress response, but the long-term benefit comes from these mood and coping improvements, not a simple drop in cortisol during the workout.