Physical Activity on Mental Health during Covid-19

Strong evidence supports that physical activity helps alleviate mild to moderate depression and mental health issues. Exercise can help with self-image, alcoholism, substance abuse programs, cognitive function, anxiety and more. During the covid-19 pandemic, we were isolated from friends, peers, family and physical activity was at an all time low. According to BMC Public Health, "The level of physical activity was significantly reduced during the social distancing period. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic period, 69% of the volunteers (83% male and 46% female) were classified as very active, and during the social distancing period, this percentage dropped to 39% (50% male and 31% female)." After physical activity was reduced, mental health in the lives of many were also impacted. "It was reported that the total physical activity of the population had significantly reduced during periods of quarantine, self-isolation and lockdown, with profound negative effects on people's mental health and well-being (Maugeri et al., 2020)."