STAYING ACTIVE IN A PANDEMIC
TESS AALTO
As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses across the US, measures implemented to reduce the spread of the virus disrupt regular exercise routines. However, maintaining physical activity
remains essential to our wellbeing. COVID-19 closures of schools, gyms, parks, and other public places restrict our options for exercise. With the transition of work and academics to an online format, we may also find ourselves sitting for longer periods of time. The pandemic has brought about additional feelings of anxiety, stress, financial concerns, boredom, and loneliness. Prioritizing physical activity can be a way of combating these feelings. Research has shown that exercise improves mental health by lowering depression, anxiety, and other negative moods (Sharma et al., 2006). Physical activity can also alleviate symptoms of low self-esteem and social withdrawal. However, you do not need to go to a gym to reap the benefits of exercise. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week. Examples of moderate-intensity aerobic activities include brisk walking, dancing, gardening, or biking slower than 10 miles per hour, whereas vigorous-intensity aerobic activities include hiking uphill, running, heavy yardwork (like continuous digging), jumping rope, or cycling 10 miles per hour or faster. It’s okay for your workout routine to look different than normal. Mix it up! Dance to music, try exercise classes online (YouTube has some wonderful options), play active video games, or climb the stairs in your house. The World Health Organization recommends that all healthy adults do 30 minutes of physical activity per day, but this can be broken up into 10-minute breaks between classes or meetings too. Set reminders and choose activities that are fulfilling to optimize your health and mental well-being during COVID-19. |