Effects of Changes in Physical and Sedentary Behaviors on Mental Health and Life Satisfaction

During the COVID-19 pandemic, restriction measures were critical for containment, yet their behavioral and psychological impacts warranted investigation. This chapter examines how changes in physical activity, sedentary behavior, and online activities affected mental health and life satisfaction among 2145 residents (aged 18–80) in Hubei province, China, surveyed between March and April 2020. The results show that individuals maintaining high levels of physical activity before or during the outbreak experienced higher life satisfaction. Conversely, those who increased their sitting time during the pandemic, or consistently sat for over eight hours daily both before and during this period, reported poorer mental health compared to those with less sedentary habits. Furthermore, frequent internet use for information seeking, communication, and entertainment was associated with better mental health and life satisfaction, whereas commercial internet use tended to increase mental distress. The findings highlight the importance of public health strategies that promote physical activity and mindful digital engagement during crises. This chapter contributes to global discourse on pandemic-related behavioral adaptations and their mental health implications.