According to recent research from Binghamton University, the State University of New York, the frequency of physical activity was more likely to affect the mental health of women during the COVID-19 pandemic than that of men. The effect of dietary and lifestyle choices on mental health is a topic explored by Lina Begdache, assistant professor of health and wellness studies at Binghamton University. Her team recently examined the effects of exercise frequency, day of the week, and various stages of the pandemic on mental illness, with apparent disparities between men and women. (Also read: How exercise can counter diabetes damage: Study)
2,370 people responded to the survey and the results were reviewed. The survey asked 41 questions about demographics, education, eating habits, sleep, frequency and pattern of physical activity, and mental health status. Furthermore, the pandemic was divided into three distinct phases: before, during and after COVID-19, where “during” denoted the time of confinement and “afternoon” characterized the relaxation of restrictions.
The researchers found that women needed moderate exercise to achieve mental well-being during the pandemic, a time of high stress levels. In contrast, frequent exercise was beneficial for men.
“Stress in the body occurs during exercise. But because it often has pleasurable connotations, it’s considered eustress. [moderate or normal stress], according to Begdache. “The benefits of exercise are lost when overused, which is distressing. Men and women secrete different amounts of the stress hormone (cortisol) in reaction to intense exercise, it is well known.
According to Begdache’s research, women should modify their exercise regimens while they’re uncomfortable to keep their minds in a steady state and their spirits high.
Women are more likely than men to report experiencing stress, showing that they have a lower tolerance for stress, according to Begdache. Therefore, frequent exercise can increase stress levels and have a negative effect on mental health.
The researchers also found that, depending on the day of the week, the frequency of exercise modifies mental health. While women’s mental health tended to be worse on weekdays, men were more likely to experience mental health problems on weekends. This may result from the need to manage obligations as a mother while working and homeschooling her children.
Additionally, the study shows a link between total inactivity and mental distress in both men and women. Increased exercise frequency and relaxation of the COVID limit improved mental health. The increased frequency of exercise fueled the need to focus on weight control because weight gain was an issue during lockdown and it also gave more structure to people’s lives.
Zeynep Ertem, an assistant professor of systems science and industrial engineering at Binghamton University, and Anseh Danesharasteh, a graduate student there, also contributed to this study.
This story has been published from a news agency source with no changes to the text. Only the headline has been changed.
.
