The perception of youth on physical activity to relieve stress.

Shahroom, Syakirah Binti; Ganapathy, Dhanraj; Visalakshi, R. M.

Background: It is very rare to see someone who have not deal with stress. Stress is an inevitable part of life. Sometimes, stress can be a part of challenges which makes you who you are now. However, prolonged stress may give negative impacts such as mental health problems and depression. It is very essential to manage stress to bring about the best of your life. The aim of this study is to assess the stress factors and physical activity as one of the stress managements among youth. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was chosen and a survey was conducted consisting of sociodemographic and stress management relevant questions. This survey was distributed to all student with various year and courses of study. The data were collected and statistical analysis was done. Results: A total of 286 participants were willing to participate in this study. Top three stress factors among youth were study/education with the highest percentage of 73.1% followed by financial problems with 48.6% and friends with 33.9%. Most of them considered sleeping as one of their methods to overcome stress with the highest percentage of 72.7%, followed by listening to music with 65%, talk to family or friends with 58.4%, and doing physical activity or exercise with 44.8%. In terms of physical activity that has been practice, jogging or exercise placed in the highest rank with 61.9%, cleaning up the room/house came second with 56.3% followed by walking leisurely with 53.5%. Most of them believed that physical activity helps them to be energetic throughout the day with 92%. Considerably quite a large number of participants had fallen sick due to stress with 43.3%. Conclusion: The youth are able to overcome their stress by doing physical activity and exercise. It is important to create time for ourselves and do activity that helps in releasing a happy hormone like endorphins. However, different people might have a different perception on how they relieve stress. Last but not least, a healthy body keeps a healthy mind.

PHYSICAL activity; STRESS management; LISTENING skills; PSYCHOLOGICAL stress; EXERCISE; YOUTH

Drug Invention Today, 2019, Vol 12, Issue 6, p1138

0975-7619

Academic Journal