The Positive Effects of Physical Exercise on Mental Health Among Chinese Students Under Great Competitive Pressure

Abstract

Under an environment full of competitive stress, students tend to form negative emotions, and the time for them to engage in physical exercise is greatly limited due to overwhelming academic tasks. Therefore, in this paper, we focus on acknowledging the purpose of physical exercise, and how physical exercise affects the mental health of students under stressful circumstances but not in the context of leisure. Questionnaire was distributed to participants with an average age of 20, to investigate their preference, frequency, and reason for exercising, and their attitude towards it. Our results showed that participants think that exercise can strengthen the body, relieve stress, improve fitness and interpersonal relationship regardless of their purpose such as interests, emotional necessity and even out of non-subjective ideas. In conclusion, physical exercise helped to improve students’ mental health especially under great pressure and ultimately, it will enhance their academics and bring about the unity of mind and body.