Awareness of Physical and Mental Health during Quarantine

PALM DESERT, CALIF. – Gyms have been closed and all sports have been canceled which leaves many wondering how they will stay in shape. Not everyone has access to gym equipment, and therefore are forced to get creative.

Physical health can be a key factor in a person’s mental health. Physical activity can release chemicals in the brain that trigger positive emotions.

“An endorphin rush after strenuous physical exercise is real,” said Buddy Bland, department head of physical education at Issaquah High School.

Sarah Smiley, a University of Washington alumni, has been forced to mockup some at-home workouts using minimal equipment.

“You’re cooped up in the house, it gives you a lot of time to overthink a lot of things, so it just kind of liberates you and it helps you get fresh air and the blood flowing,” Smiley said.

Getting outside, getting your body moving allows a person during quarantine to have that needed physical activity as well as a reminder of what normal life was like before stay-at-home orders.