Purpose in Life During COVID-19 Confinement: Effect of Physical Activity and Meditation

Abstract Introduction The pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus has led states to issue orders for confinement and suspension of activities such as education. The purpose of this study is to interpret the Purpose in Life Test (PIL) and its relationship to physical activity and mental relaxation/meditation in confinement. Material and methods A survey was conducted in an online form on 533 individuals (39 ± 11 years) using the Purpose in Life Test (PIL) and an ad-hoc questionnaire regarding physical activity time (PA), mental relaxation/meditation time (RM), hours of sleep (HS), number of people in confinement (NPC) and concerns and satisfaction during confinement. Results The overall mean of the PIL test was 114 ± 16, indicating a strong life purpose, and there were no differences by sex or by levels of physical activity, but for RM and age levels. The scores of the PIL test were positively correlated with the age, PA and time of RM. On the other hand, the main concern is the economy (50%) and health or getting sick by COVID-19 (37%), and what gives the greatest satisfaction is the family (40%) and sharing and spending time with the family (33%). People who perform RM activities at least 30 min/week have significantly higher PIL test scores. Conclusions Despite the drastic changes caused by confinement, individuals have a strong life purpose. Family companionship, home PA and RM act as a protective factor during confinement and in maintaining physical and mental health.