In a recent study published in the journal Nature Mental Health, a group of researchers investigated how physical activity serves as a compensatory mechanism for the adverse effects of social isolation on mental health using electronic diaries, accelerometry, and neuroimaging.
Social isolation and loneliness are as lethal as significant health risks like obesity, heavy drinking, or smoking 15 cigarettes a day, significantly impairing emotional well-being, damaging emotion-regulating brain networks, and increasing the risk of mood disorders. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has heightened the need for interventions against the adverse effects of social distancing on mental health. Physical activity, beneficial for emotional well-being and linked to crucial brain areas for emotion regulation, presents a promising solution. However, further research is required to understand the mechanisms, refine interventions, and ensure their effectiveness across different groups.