Rahul, a software engineer, feels tense and keyed up after long hours of work. His doctor advises him to swim regularly. In which way does this exercise help him deal with stress?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → It gives an active outlet for the physiological arousal caused by stress.
Option (1) It replaces his negative and irrational thoughts with positive and rational ones. — Incorrect. Replacing negative and irrational thoughts with positive and rational ones is the aim of stress inoculation training by Meichenbaum. It works on thoughts, while swimming works on the body.
Option (2) It trains him in relaxation and self-instruction to reduce his stress. — Incorrect. Learning relaxation and self-instruction is the stress reduction phase of stress inoculation training, a cognitive behavioural technique. Swimming is physical activity.
Option (3) It gives an active outlet for the physiological arousal caused by stress. — Correct. Feeling tense and keyed up is physiological arousal. Exercise such as swimming gives this arousal an active outlet, so the body releases the tension. Regular exercise also lowers blood pressure and improves the heart's efficiency.
Option (4) It brings about an altered state of consciousness through refocused attention. — Incorrect. An altered state of consciousness through refocused attention describes meditation. Swimming does not work by refocusing attention.
NCERT (2026-27): “Stress Management Techniques … |