Looking at the Relationship by the Numbers

There is an increased risk of death in people who are insufficiently active  20% to 30% compared to people who are sufficiently active.

According to the Mental Health Foundation UK, even a short burst of 10 minutes of brisk walking can potentially increase our mental alertness, energy and positive mood. While it isn't certain, it's still worth a shot!

According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 100,000 deaths were projected to be prevented annually if U.S. adults increased their level of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity by 10 minutes per day (2022). 

Both mental and physical health, in people of all ages, are promoted by regular physical activity. Yet, today, more than 80% of adolescents and 27% of adults do not meet WHO’s recommended levels of physical activity (WHO, 2022). 

In 2019, 8.1% of adults aged 18 and over had symptoms of anxiety disorder, 6.5% had symptoms of depressive disorder, and 10.8% had symptoms of anxiety disorder or depressive disorder (CDC, 2022).

Among adults aged 18–44, both men and women were more likely to have received any mental health treatment in 2021 compared with 2019 (CDC, 2022). Could this have been a result of the COVID-19 pandemic?