How have people’s daily activities affected mood during the COVID-19 pandemic?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a stable routine—including physical exercise, hobbies, regular sleep hours, and minimal time spent in front of the computer—has helped people maintain a good mood, according to results from a new study published in Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being.

Four times a day for two weeks in mid-2020, 91 young adults living in Poland were asked about their mood and the activities they engaged in. Seven individuals were selected for a follow-up, open-ended questionnaire.

Coping strategies such as planning and scheduling helped participants keep stable routines to maintain a good mood. Also, face-to-face contact was associated with a more positive mood, while similar interaction through electronic communication had a less positive effect.

The researchers also found that daily reports on COVID-19 cases and deaths affected participants’ mood fluctuations, and checking social media and news regarding the pandemic induced negative feelings like sadness, fear, and feelings of being overwhelmed.

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