Meaning: 'Reduces' means to make something smaller or less in amount, degree, or size, indicating that outdoor activities lower cortisol levels, which is beneficial for mental health.

Wrong options:

• elevates: Elevates means to raise or lift something up, which contradicts the context of lowering stress levels.
• maintains: Maintains suggests keeping something at the same level, which does not convey the intended effect of lowering cortisol levels.
• ignores: Ignores means to pay no attention to something, which is irrelevant in this context as it does not relate to cortisol levels.

Correct answer: divert

Explanation: The word 'divert' is appropriate as it indicates redirecting one's attention, which fits the context of the sentence discussing how outdoor activities can help shift focus away from stress. It aligns grammatically and contextually with the idea of mindfulness practice.

Meaning: 'Divert' means to change the direction or focus of something, in this case, one's attention away from daily stresses.

Wrong options:

• direct: Direct implies guiding attention towards something, which is the opposite of what is intended in this context.
• maintain: Maintain suggests keeping attention steady, which does not fit the idea of shifting focus away from stress.
• halt: Halt means to stop something completely, which does not convey the action of redirecting attention.

Correct answer: overall

Explanation: The word 'overall' fits well as it describes a general state of fitness, which is relevant in the context of discussing physical health improvements. It is grammatically correct and contextually appropriate, indicating a comprehensive view of fitness.

Meaning: 'Overall' means taking everything into account; in this context, it refers to the general state of fitness rather than specific aspects.

Wrong options:

• cardiac: Cardiac relates specifically to the heart, which does not encompass the broader concept of fitness discussed here.
• temporary: Temporary means lasting for a limited time, which contradicts the idea of overall fitness as a lasting benefit.
• ephemeral: Ephemeral means lasting for a very short time, which is not suitable in the context of discussing lasting improvements in fitness.

Correct answer: alleviating

Explanation: The word 'alleviating' is suitable as it means to make something less severe or serious, which fits the context of reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness. It aligns grammatically and contextually with the positive effects of social outdoor activities.

Meaning: 'Alleviating' means to lessen or relieve something, in this case, the feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Wrong options:

• enhancing: Enhancing means to improve or increase something, which does not fit the context of reducing isolation and loneliness.
• ignoring: Ignoring means to pay no attention to something, which is not relevant in this context as it does not address the issue of isolation.
• complicating: Complicating means to make something more difficult or complex, which contradicts the intended positive effect of reducing feelings of loneliness.