Standing up for health – improving mental wellbeing during COVID-19 isolation by reducing sedentary behaviour

Abstract

The global COVID-19 outbreak and its management are disrupting ways of life and increasing the risk of poor mental and physical health for many. The restrictions on movement have made some forms of physical activity harder to achieve and increased the chances of more sedentary behaviour. Independent of exercise taken, sedentary behaviour can have a negative impact upon mental health, especially by lowering mood. We suggest evidence-based ways of reducing sedentary behaviour with commentary on how they may be adapted for life at home. These include: ways to use external cues, moving more frequently, maximising movement whilst waiting, reallocating time, workstation alternatives, restructuring the physical environment and recruiting help from others. At a time in which our mental and physical health needs are more critical than ever, the relationship between sedentary behaviour and low mood is of particular importance. The current situation represents a good opportunity for us all to change habits to implement a less sedentary lifestyle, for now and the future. This can start with changes we can make at home during lockdown.

Will Nothing Be the Same Again?: Changes in Lifestyle during COVID-19 Pandemic and Consequences on Mental Health

“…In fact, there is evidence that older adults who regularly engaged in physical activity during the quarantine reported higher scores in resilience and positive affect and a lower incidence of depressive symptoms [15]. Besides, since there is an important correlation between sedentary behavior and low mood, the issue of reducing sedentary time during the period of social isolation may be stressed for beneficial effects during lockdown but also for future wellbeing [16]. People should be encouraged to maintain a moderate amount of physical activity during the quarantine, particularly women, who are usually less active than men [17].…”

Digital Clinics and Mobile Technology Implementation for Mental Health Care

“…Even the apps that are native to any smartphone such as Apple Health and Google Fit offer a wealth of clinically actionable data that may not require the patient to download any software. For example, the step count feature in most smartphones can support basic interventions to help patients be less sedentary [ 19 ], and the calendar and clock apps can provide reminders regarding times to take medication, exercise, or go to sleep.…”

Sleep as a Priority: 24-Hour Movement Guidelines and Mental Health of Chinese College Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…A large-scale longitudinal study reported that less PA was a significant contributor to develop negative psychological symptoms among college students [ 3 ]. Relative to PA, SB was less studied but also considered to be an important factor affecting mental health during the pandemic [ 9 ]. Of note, in the field of time-use epidemiology, researchers have suggested that 24-hour movement behaviors are codependent given that the increase of one behavior would lead to the decrease of another behavior [ 10 ].…”