Are we still doing research on exercise is good for you? And despite the overwhelming evidence that exercise is good for you, is your lazy ass still sitting on the couch all the time?

While the COVID-19 quarantine got many lazy asses even lazier on the couch, those who invested in physical activity and exercise on their own continue to reap the mental benefits.

Kaiser Permanente’s research published in Preventive Medicine showed people who exercised more during the initial quarantine/shelter-in-place period of the COVID-19 pandemic experienced less anxiety and depression compared to those who did not exercise. Also those, who found time outside also had better mental health than those who stayed inside.

Via a self-reported questionnaire for more than 20,000 participants, researchers found that anxiety and depression scores were highest for those who reported the lowest exercise activity levels. Spending less time outdoors was also associated with higher depression and anxiety scores.

The lockdown period of the COVID-19 period set some pretty clear variable controls about lifestyle that we take for granted when not in a lockdown. In conclusion, sitting at home and watching Netflix and playing video games does you no good, lockdown or not lockdown. One should be exercising regularly and going outside to do stuff.

D Rohm Young et al. The longitudinal associations of physical activity, time spent outdoors in nature and symptoms of depression and anxiety during COVID-19 quarantine and social distancing in the United States. Preventive Medicine 2021. Published online 11 November 2021. 106863