Det Nationale Forskningscenter for Arbejdsmiljø study links 30‑minute daily activity to 26% lower severe stress risk

A new study by Denmark's Det Nationale Forskningscenter for Arbejdsmiljø examined data from nearly 75,000 adults aged 40‑69, who wore activity monitors for a week and were then followed through hospital records for almost eight years. During the follow‑up, 533 participants received a clinical diagnosis of severe stress.

The researchers found that engaging in 30 minutes of daily physical activity reduced the risk of later developing severe stress by 26% compared with no activity. Even as little as two minutes a day was associated with a 2% risk reduction. The greatest benefit per minute was observed between roughly two and thirty minutes of activity each day. Benefits could be achieved through walking, cycling, taking stairs, or brief active breaks during work.

The study was led by Professor Lars L. Andersen, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Valencia, the University of Chile and the Public University of Navarra. While the findings show a clear association, the authors stress that the results do not prove that physical activity alone prevents severe stress, as other factors also play a role.