A few months have passed since the quarantine started, and I think I speak for the majority when I say that the quarantine has made it hard for everyone to DO something. We cannot easily leave the confines of our homes, and going out is actually a hassle because we fear for our lives when we go to populated areas. In addition, numerous reports of depression and anxiety are showing because the whole COVID-19 situation has affected people not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally. 

So how does exercise help?

We already know that exercise helps us lose weight and/or gain muscle, but it also helps us mentally and emotionally. According to an article from medlineplus.gov, exercise also helps in reducing the risk of heart diseases, balancing the blood sugar and insulin levels, strengthens bone and muscle, and it reduces the risk of some cancers such as colon and breast cancer. 

As regards to a person's mental and emotional health, it is proven that regular exercise can help in controlling a smoker's urges to smoke, which makes quitting cigarettes easier. Also, exercise helps in dealing with stress and anxiety because of the hormones that are being released while exercising, such as dopamine and serotonin. Those two hormones alone can give a huge boost to a person's mental and emotional health which would prevent stress, anxiety, or depression. Furthermore, exercise promotes self-discipline, better sleep, improved sexual health, and it greatly enhances self-confidence especially when the results of a person's hard work through exercise shows. 

The duration of exercise can range from 10 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on the workout program. Either way, we should learn how to spend some time with ourselves by doing exercise so we can improve our well-being.