Physical Activity as a Coping Strategy for Mental Health Due to the COVID-19 Virus: A Potential Disconnect Among Canadian Adults?

COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. This paper explores how a representative sample of Canadian adults are coping with increased stress and mental health issues as a result of COVID-19. The paper also discusses a potential disconnect between considering physical activity as a strategy to support social connection and stress management and how Canadians are coping with the pandemic. Given the protective role of physical activity in supporting mental health, this paper suggests health communication efforts should focus on the mental health benefits of physical activity particularly during these uncertain times.