Academic challenges, social interaction pressures, and psychological developmental dynamics have made adolescent mental health an important issue requiring attention within educational settings. The World Health Organization reports that approximately one in seven adolescents aged 10–19 worldwide experience mental health problems, contributing substantially to the burden of disease among this age group. In this context, physical activity and the internalization of Islamic Religious Education (IRE) values have the potential to complement each other in supporting students’ mental health. This study aimed to explore the experiences of senior high school students in engaging in physical activities and applying Islamic Religious Education values as part of their efforts to maintain mental health. A qualitative approach with a phenomenological design was employed. Twelve senior high school students who actively participated in sports activities and religious learning were recruited as participants. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings identified three main themes: (1) physical activity as a strategy for reducing stress and improving emotional well-being; (2) Islamic Religious Education values as a source of inner peace, self-control, and meaning in life; and (3) the integration of physical activity and religious practices in fostering psychological balance. The findings indicate that combining physical activity with the practice of Islamic values can help students regulate their emotions, strengthen resilience, and promote more comprehensive psychological well-being. Therefore, educational programs that integrate physical, spiritual, and psychological dimensions are important to support students’ mental health within school settings
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