Physical activities, nutrition, and mental health of people in the community during the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019: A review study

At the end of December 2019, the spread of a new infectious disease was reported in Wuhan, China, which was officially named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by the World Health Organization. The epidemic not only causes high rates of death due to viral infections but also has led to psychological catastrophe worldwide. Uncertainty and unpredictability of this disease have created a high potential for psychological fear of disease transmission. To prevent further outbreaks of COVID-19, it may be necessary to adopt such measures as non-pharmacological interventions, quarantine, and social distancing due to vaccine shortages. However, the implementation of these health policies, despite the positive consequences, has created negative psychological effects on society. Fear of disease, fear of death, spread of false news and rumors, and reduction of social relations threaten the health of people in society. It is not yet clear that how much and to what extent this issue will affect mental health in such long-term social isolation. It is supposed that the post-COVID-19 era will be coincided with the emergence of a large number of individuals with such problems as anxiety, obsession, hypochondriasis, depression, and mental disorders. Therefore, the adoption of appropriate solutions to prevent these consequences would contribute people to be encouraged to move from a loneliness and introversion state to an active and energetic one. Regular physical activity and exercise and proper nutrition can be among the ways to prevent such mental disorders.