Experts agree: physical activity supports mental health. But variety in your movements makes a real difference. Researchers at the University of Basel highlight this in a new study, shedding light on why well-being declined during the pandemic.
From morning walks and evening jogs to everyday errands like shopping, staying active nurtures the mind. Many have worked to maintain movement amid pandemic restrictions, remote work, and curtailed leisure options. Yet others report far less activity than pre-pandemic levels due to COVID-19 measures. Led by Professor Andrew Gloster at the University of Basel, a recent study examines the effects of these constrained movement patterns.
Prior research has established that exercise enhances both physical and mental health. However, most studies emphasized structured exercise programs. "In contrast, little was known about whether everyday, naturally chosen activities also impact mental health," notes Gloster.
To explore this, Gloster and colleagues at the University Psychiatric Clinics Basel gathered GPS data from 106 patients with mental disorders. Participants carried provided smartphones for one week, allowing seamless tracking of their routines. The team then correlated this movement data with assessments of well-being and mental health symptoms.
Findings revealed that greater volume and diversity of movement correlated with improved well-being. No direct link to symptom reduction emerged. "Our results indicate that activity alone may not alleviate mental disorder symptoms but can enhance subjective well-being," Gloster explains.
Though collected pre-pandemic, these insights remain highly relevant amid COVID-19 restrictions. With social and recreational pursuits halted, daily movements likely grew more uniform for many. University of Basel studies confirm the pandemic's mental health toll, and Gloster's team suggests monotonous patterns contributed.
