COVID-19
Coronavirus SARS- Co-V-2 led to a deadly global pandemic. People all over the world are abruptly mandated to adjust to a "new normal" while still trying to find a balance in their daily lives. This newly discovered coronavirus strand plus other new strands has proposed a huge threat to our world in so many aspects.
How has COVID-19 IMPActed our mental health?
Over the past year, researchers have studied the way COVID-19 has impacted students. The transition to being taught online has been extremely hard. Many researchers hypothesized "mental disorders are expected to be one of the main causes of disability by 2020" (Migueles et al., 2019) Younger people have shown to have more trouble adjusting to the pandemic leading to higher levels of feeling alone, depression, and sadness. All of these factors have led to more cases of sedentary behavior.
COVID-19 Resources
Are you overwhelmed by all the ongoing COVID-19 news? Or are you feeling down because of the sudden transition you've made to adjust? You're not alone. You are encouraged to call these hotlines!
What activities can you engage in TO help improve your mental health?
Hiking is great! You focus on your journey and walking. This is a great stress reliever it is also recommended by the mayo clinic! (Mayo Clinic., 2021).
Drive-in movie theater! This idea is fun and it is still very safe. Watch all your favorite movies with your family or a friend or two from the comfort of your car! This will help give you a mental break while still getting you some refreshing air! This allows your mind to rest and allows for some fresh air!
Yoga and meditation are great to allow your mind to relax and still engage in some stretching and physical activity! There are plenty of resources that are available online so you can enjoy those sessions in the comfort of your home.
References
Coronavirus. (2020b, January 10). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus#tab=tab_1
COVID-19: Mental Health Resources. (2021, April 19). Vegas Strong Resiliency Center. https://www.vegasstrongrc.org/resources/covid-19-mental-health-resources/
Rodriguez-Ayllon, M., Cadenas-Sánchez, C., Estévez-López, F., Muñoz, N.,E., Mora-Gonzalez, J., Migueles, J. H., et al. (2019). Role of physical activity and sedentary behavior in the mental health of preschoolers, children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine (Auckland), 49(9), 1383-1410. doi:10.1007/s40279-019-01099-5
Safe outdoor activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. (2021, May 6). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/safe-activities-during-covid19/art-20489385
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