Using data collected from the University College London COVID-19 Social Study, researchers examined 55,204 adults living in the U.K. over the course of the country’s strict 11-week lockdown period from March 21 to May 31. Using a series of models, questionnaires, and assessment tools, the study aimed to find “the associations between specific activities (or time-use) and mental health and well-being amongst people during the COVID-19 pandemic.” While the study has yet to complete the peer review process, the results are fascinating. According to the authors, symptoms of depression decreased most significantly in participants who either increased the amount they exercised or the time they spent gardening to 30 minutes or more each day. On the other hand, individuals who upped the amount of time they spent following news about the pandemic or how much they engaged in other screen-based activities, like scrolling through social media or watching television, saw their depressive symptoms increase as a result. Exercising and gardening were shown to have a similar effect on participants’ anxiety as well as how satisfied they were with their life, while COVID news consumption and increased screen time again had the opposite effect, the study found. RELATED: For more up-to-date information, sign up for our daily newsletter. ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb While exercising and gardening had the biggest impact, a handful of others activities were found to have a positive effect on the mental health and overall happiness of participants. So, if those aren’t your favorite things to do, you can also try reading, volunteering, or listening to music. And for more on why it’s important to take care of your mind as well as your body, check out Here’s How Much Improving Your Mental Health Can Extend Your Life.
