Awareness Of Exercises Medicine For Managing Anxiety And Depression In Students Appearing For Competitive Exams.

Abstract

Background:  Competitive examinations place immense psychological demands on students, frequently resulting in heightened levels of anxiety and depression. Academic pressure, inadequate coping strategies, and limited awareness of non-pharmacological interventions such as exercise contribute to this mental health burden. Physical activity has been recognized as an effective, low-cost method to improve mood, cognitive performance, and overall well-being.

Methods:A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in Karad over six months among 120 students aged 21–28 years preparing for competitive exams. Participants were recruited using simple random sampling. Data were collected via a validated self-administered questionnaire distributed through Google Forms. Inclusion criteria included students studying for UPSC or MPSC with a minimum of 5 study hours/day. Students on psychiatric medication were excluded. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and percentage distribution.

Results:The participants, 53.8% were female and 46.2% male. Yoga (45.4%), walking (30.3%), and running (20.2%) were the most common forms of exercise. A high proportion (95%) believed exercise was effective for reducing anxiety and depression. However, 54.6% reported lack of time as the primary barrier, followed by lack of motivation (25.2%). Students engaging in regular exercise reported feeling significantly less anxious and more focused.

Conclusion:The majority of students demonstrated awareness of the benefits of exercise for mental health, but practical implementation was hindered by time and motivation constraints. Structured exercise programs and time-management strategies should be integrated into student support systems to enhance both mental health and academic performance.