It has been well over a year since the COVID-19 virus first touched down in the United States, and with it, the stay-at-home orders and social distancing requirements remain in effect. It is no secret social isolation is an unpleasant experience, and many Americans are experiencing the effect it has on their mental health. While all people are at some risk when it comes to their mental health, most studies tend to focus on the well-being of adults during the current pandemic. For those who are 10 to 19 years old, mental health conditions make up 16% of all injuries and disease in this group around the world. With the closures of school, organized sports, and the inability to socialize during an important part of adolescent development, the possibility of many mental health problems in the youth is a genuine concern. This problem has led to various studies looking for strategies to cope with the negative effects associated with the pandemic.
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In the United Kingdom, a study observed a group of 165 students to analyze the impact physical activity had on mental health issues during the coronavirus pandemic. After five weeks of school closure and coronavirus restrictions, the students filled out an online questionnaire to self-assess their levels of physical activity, anxiety, depression, fatigue, vitality, and general health as well as their perceived stress and fear of the virus. Researchers found that adolescents with higher levels of physical activity experienced lower levels of stress, depressive symptoms, and fatigue. In addition, higher levels of activity were also associated with better perceived general health.
There are many reasons why physical activity can improve the mental health of adolescents during this pandemic. One such reason is that since stay-at-home orders limit activities outside the home to only essential tasks of daily living, exercise provided an escape to the outdoors. In addition, adolescents who were previously full time students found themselves in a completely new and frightening environment. Physical activity can provide adolescents with routine and structure, giving them a sense of control over their lives, a good change in mindset that can improve well-being overall. Regardless of the underlying mechanisms, exercise can relieve some of the mental burden placed on the youth especially during the past year. Making a change in their level of activity gives them an opportunity to continue improving their overall well-being until and after this pandemic passes.
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Very insightful article! Thanks for sharing, looking forward to reading more!