THEIMPACTOFPHYSICALACTIVITYONLEVELSOFDEPRESSIONANDANXIETYINYOUNGADULTWOMEN

Modern lifestyles are often accompanied by increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms,which are particularly pronounced among the young adult population. Physical activity is increasinglyrecognized as an important factor in maintaining and improving mental health. The aim of this study was toexamine the effects of a structured recreational activity program on levels of depression and anxiety inyoung adult women. The study included 35 women aged 20 to 40 years. The experimental program lastedthree months, during which participants engaged in organized recreational activities twice a week, witheach session lasting one hour and conducted under professional supervision. Data were collected before thebeginning and after the completion of the experimental period using standardized measurementinstruments. Basic descriptive statistical parameters were used for data analysis. The results showed adecrease in the mean values of most variables related to depressive and anxiety symptoms in the finalmeasurement compared to the initial one. The overall depression score decreased from 5.94 to 4.86, whileanxiety scores decreased from 5.57 to 4.91. The findings indicate a positive effect of the three-monthrecreational activity program on reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety among participants. Basedon these results, it can be concluded that regular physical activity plays a significant role in maintainingmental health and can contribute to the reduction of depressive and anxiety symptoms in young adultwomen. The results emphasize the importance of incorporating organized recreational activities into dailylife as a potential means of improving psychological well-being.Keywords:young adult women, depression, anxiety, physical activity