Physical Activity and Stress Reduction: A Review of Selected Literature

Abstract

According to Lazarus (1977) stress management can be directed to three levels. First is the external environment which one prepares to master, confront, avoid or flee from by using formal strategies such as time management, assertiveness and decision making as well as informal, essential strategies such as vacations and scheduling ‘R & R’ activities to reduce the internal costs of daily living. The second level is that of changing perception. As Selye (1974) said, “it’s not what happens to a man that counts, it’s how he takes it.” Perception determines whether the stress response is triggered or not. The third level is that of changing the sress response itself. The resultant response management directly reduces the sequelae of the stress response. This level provides the last possible opportunity for intervention.