The Importance of Physical Activity

Oct 13, 2025 by magicalceylontours.com 74 views

Introduction

Physical activity has been widely recognized as a crucial factor in maintaining both physical and mental health. Engaging in regular physical activity can have numerous benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases, improving sleep quality, and enhancing overall well-being. One of the most significant advantages of physical activity is its ability to increase happiness and positive emotions. This study aims to explore the relationship between physical activity and happiness among the people of Medan City, a bustling metropolis in Indonesia.

The Importance of Physical Activity

Physical activity has been proven to provide significant benefits for both physical and mental health. Physiologically, physical activity can increase pleasure, called positive affects, triggered by neurotransmitters in the brain. The happiness that arises after doing physical activity is believed to increase individual motivation and help form routine habits to move more actively. In addition, physical activity has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve mood, and enhance overall quality of life.

Research Methodology

This study uses a latitude cutting design by involving 260 participants. Data is collected through filling out questionnaires, which consist of International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ), and Positive Affect and Negative Scale (PANAS). Data analysis is carried out univariate to identify sample characteristics based on factors such as age, gender, education, and income. In addition, bivariate analysis using the Spearman Rank test is also applied to measure the correlation between physical activity and happiness.

Research Results

The results showed a low positive correlation between total physical activity and happiness (r = 0.132; p = 0.034) and positive affect (r = 0.214; p = 0.001). A more significant positive correlation is found between severe physical activity and happiness (r = 0.185; p = 0.003) and positive affect (r = 0.244; p = 0,000). In addition, walking also shows a positive correlation with happiness (r = 0.132; p = 0.034) and positive affect (r = 0.214; p = 0.001). On the other hand, moderate physical activity does not show a significant correlation with happiness or positive affect. This study found no correlation between total physical activity, severe physical activity, moderate physical activity, and walking with negative affects.

Discussion

The findings of this study suggest that physical activity plays a crucial role in increasing the level of happiness among the people of Medan City. Although the correlation is low, the existing positive relationship shows that the more individuals are involved in physical activity, the higher the level of happiness they feel. Especially more intense physical activity, such as heavy exercise, and simple activities such as walking, have a real positive impact on mood and happiness.

Physical activity not only has a significant impact on physical health but also on mental health. This is an important consideration, especially in the context of urbanization like Medan, where a sedentary lifestyle often dominates. Promoting physical activity through community programs or public facilities that support it can be an important step in efforts to increase community happiness.

Conclusion

Overall, this study shows that there is a low positive correlation between physical activity and happiness among the people of Medan City. Although the influence is not too large, it is essential for individuals and governments to promote an active lifestyle to improve the quality of life and happiness of the community as a whole. Integrating physical activity in daily routines, both intense and light ones such as walking, can be an effective strategy in improving mood and psychological well-being.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Promote physical activity: Governments and community organizations should promote physical activity through various programs and initiatives, such as community sports events, fitness classes, and walking clubs.
Increase access to physical activity facilities: Public facilities that support physical activity, such as parks, gyms, and sports centers, should be increased to provide more opportunities for people to engage in physical activity.
Integrate physical activity into daily routines: Individuals should make physical activity a part of their daily routine, whether it's through walking, jogging, cycling, or other forms of exercise.
Monitor and evaluate physical activity programs: Governments and community organizations should monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of physical activity programs to ensure they are meeting their goals and making a positive impact on the community.

Q: What is the main finding of this study?

A: The main finding of this study is that there is a low positive correlation between physical activity and happiness among the people of Medan City. This means that the more individuals are involved in physical activity, the higher the level of happiness they feel.

Q: What types of physical activity were studied?

A: This study examined the relationship between total physical activity, severe physical activity, moderate physical activity, and walking with happiness and positive affect.

Q: What is the significance of the correlation between physical activity and happiness?

A: Although the correlation is low, the existing positive relationship shows that physical activity has a real positive impact on mood and happiness. This is especially true for more intense physical activity, such as heavy exercise, and simple activities such as walking.

Q: What are the implications of this study for public health?

A: The findings of this study suggest that promoting physical activity through community programs or public facilities that support it can be an important step in efforts to increase community happiness. This is especially important in the context of urbanization like Medan, where a sedentary lifestyle often dominates.

Q: How can individuals incorporate physical activity into their daily routines?

A: Individuals can make physical activity a part of their daily routine by engaging in activities such as walking, jogging, cycling, or other forms of exercise. They can also join community sports events, fitness classes, or walking clubs to stay active and motivated.

Q: What are the benefits of physical activity for mental health?

A: Physical activity has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve mood, and enhance overall quality of life. It can also increase feelings of happiness and well-being.

Q: How can governments and community organizations promote physical activity?

A: Governments and community organizations can promote physical activity by providing access to public facilities that support physical activity, such as parks, gyms, and sports centers. They can also develop and implement programs that encourage physical activity, such as community sports events and fitness classes.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including the use of a small sample size and the reliance on self-reported data. Future studies should aim to replicate these findings with larger and more diverse samples.

Q: What are the future directions for research on physical activity and happiness?

A: Future research should aim to explore the mechanisms underlying the relationship between physical activity and happiness, as well as the impact of physical activity on other aspects of mental health, such as anxiety and depression.