Physical exercise reduces systemic stress markers and improves neuroendocrine regulation.

Study: Effects of Mindfulness and Exercise on Growth Factors, Inflammation, and Stress Markers in Chronic Stroke: The MindFit Project Randomized Clinical Trial

This study found that people who exercised regularly after a stroke had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which means exercise helped calm their body's stress response — supporting the idea that moving your body reduces stress.

Study: The effects of short-term motivational factors and calisthenic exercise on blood cortisol levels, and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in young adults: a randomized controlled trial

This study found that just one short workout session helped lower a key stress hormone in young adults, showing that moving your body can calm your body’s stress response.

Study: Biochemical and Perceptual Markers of Physiological Stress During Acute Exercise Overload in U20 Elite Basketball Players

When athletes train really hard, their bodies show signs of stress through certain blood markers and how tired they feel—this means exercise affects the body’s stress systems. The study shows that regular exercise helps the body learn to manage stress better over time.