Participating in physical activity can help to reduce stress in all of the following ways except:

• A. By providing a healthy outlet for frustration and tension
• B. By increasing the release of endorphins, which improve mood
• C. By strengthening the immune system and reducing illness
• D. By increasing chronic levels of the stress hormone cortisol

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the relationship between physical activity and stress reduction by reviewing how exercise impacts the body and mind.
2. Step 2: Identify the positive effects of physical activity on stress, such as providing a healthy outlet for frustration and tension, which helps to release built-up emotional energy.
3. Step 3: Recognize that physical activity increases the release of endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers that help reduce feelings of stress and promote well-being.
4. Step 4: Note that physical activity can strengthen the immune system, which indirectly helps reduce stress by improving overall health and resilience to illness.
5. Step 5: Understand why increasing chronic levels of the stress hormone cortisol is not a benefit of physical activity; in fact, chronic cortisol elevation is associated with increased stress, so this option does not align with how exercise reduces stress.