Instructions:
Read the article below. For each numbered blank, choose the word that best fits the meaning of the sentence from the two options provided.
The connection between mental and physical health is both scientifically supported and widely observed. Despite this, many individuals still treat them as (1)
a. interdependent
b. disconnected
Regular physical activity does more than build muscle; it also enhances psychological resilience. Exercise promotes the release of neurochemicals that foster a more (2)
a. optimistic
b. despondent
outlook and counteract the effects of chronic stress. In contrast, prolonged physical inactivity can contribute to cognitive (3)
a. decline
b. advancement
and emotional instability.

Mental well-being also plays a critical role in physical health. Psychological distress—such as anxiety or burnout—can exert a measurable (4)
a. burden
b. relief
on the immune, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems. These effects are often (5)
a. detrimental
b. restorative,
increasing vulnerability to illness and reducing recovery rates.
Effective mental health practices, such as mindfulness or cognitive behavioral therapy, are not merely (6)
a. superficial
b. therapeutic
tools. They produce physiological changes that complement medical treatments and improve long-term health outcomes.
Sleep is another essential factor. Without (7)
a. sufficient
b. inadequate
rest, individuals struggle with concentration, emotional regulation, and physical endurance. Over time, sleep deprivation can lead to a more (8)
a. volatile
b. balanced
mental state and weaken bodily systems.
Diet, too, has a profound effect on both cognition and physical function. A nutrient-rich eating pattern supports a (9)
a. lucid
b. foggy
mind and a resilient body, while processed, sugar-laden foods tend to promote (10)
a. lethargy
b. vitality
and poor concentration.
To truly achieve wellness, one must take an (11)
a. integrated
b. fragmented
approach—treating mental and physical health not as separate entities, but as parts of a single, dynamic system. Neglecting either side creates an imbalance that may be subtle at first but becomes (12)
a. compounded
b. alleviated
over time.


