REDUCING ANXIETY

    Many students experience anxiety induced by academic pressure such as exams, term papers, presentations, and case studies.  One way to help minimize such anxieties can be accomplished through physical activity.

• In a study conducted by Altchiler & Motta (1994, pg. 829-840), showed that aerobic exercise is correlated with reducing anxiety.  They had one group of subjects do aerobic activities in which their heart rate was kept between 70%-80%, and a non-aerobic group that kept their heart rates normal by doing stretching.  The study was conducted over an eight week period.  They found that there was a correlation between exercise intensity and anxiety, in which it was more beneficial to do aerobics in order to decrease anxiety.  It showed that one must exercise on a regular bases in order to keep anxiety low.  Also, the 78% of the aerobic group, and 71% of the non-aerobic group reported that they felt calmer, more relaxed, experienced an increase in energy, felt better emotionally, and felt like they were able to think more clearly.

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