Which of the following statements about stress and physical activity is NOT true?

• A. Physical activity can improve mood and promote relaxation, helping to manage stress.
• B. Engaging in physical activity increases the production of stress hormones over time.
• C. Regular physical activity can help reduce the negative effects of stress on the body.
• D. Exercise is associated with better sleep, which can help lower stress levels.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the relationship between stress and physical activity. Physical activity is generally known to have beneficial effects on stress management by improving mood, promoting relaxation, and enhancing sleep quality.
2. Step 2: Review each statement carefully to identify which one contradicts established psychological and physiological research findings about stress and exercise.
3. Step 3: Recognize that physical activity typically reduces the production of stress hormones like cortisol over time, rather than increasing them, which helps in managing stress effectively.
4. Step 4: Compare the statements: those highlighting mood improvement, relaxation, reduced negative effects of stress, and better sleep are consistent with scientific evidence.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the statement claiming physical activity increases the production of stress hormones over time is NOT true, as it contradicts the well-documented stress-reducing effects of regular exercise.