On the surface, the era of COVID-19 changed a lot of things: our commute time, hand-washing know-how, and preference for outdoor dining.

Now, a study from researchers in Finland suggests the pandemic also highlighted a strong link between mental well-being and physical activity.

According to the study, which involved more than 430 participants ages 60 to 88, those who experienced positive emotions were more likely to stay active or even increase their level of physical activity during the pandemic. In contrast, however, those experiencing depressive feelings found themselves less likely to engage in exercise, emphasizing how mental health can influence the physical.

The research also revealed that the impact of positive emotions on physical activity was especially strong in people around the age of 60, but less consistent in those over 70.

Older adults in Finland, where stricter pandemic restrictions were imposed, showed a weaker connection between mental well-being and activity levels — possibly due to the limitations they faced.

Granted, earlier studies have shown that physical activity boosts mental health, but this research flips that idea, suggesting that maintaining a good outlook could help keep people physically active under even the most trying circumstances.

Ultimately, the study underlines the importance of supporting mental health in a way that matters: Going beyond just avoiding negative feelings and instead focusing on strengthening positive emotions.

If nothing else, this research reminds us that the benefits of mental fortitude extend well beyond a smile.