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12 October 2020
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Story Arina Engelbrecht
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Photo Supplied
Arina Engelbrecht from Organisational Development and Employee Well-being believes physical activity has a number of benefits for one’s health, including stress relief.
Being physically active plays a big role in preventing the development of mental-health problems and in improving the quality of life of people experiencing mental-health problems.
Treatment for depression
Physical activity can be an alternative treatment for depression. It can be used as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with medication and/or psychological therapy. It promotes all kinds of changes in the brain, including neural growth, reduced inflammation, and new activity patterns are formed that promote feelings of calm and well-being. It releases endorphins – powerful chemicals in the brain that energise your spirit and make you feel good.
Physical activity can be very effective in relieving stress. Research in adults has found that physically active individuals tend to have lower stress levels compared to individuals who are less active. It also leads to improved sleep. When a person sleeps better and feels more rested, overall quality of life improves. They cope better with daily life stressors.
Reduce Alzheimer's risk
Regular physical activity can reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by up to 50%. It can also slow down further deterioration in those who have already started to develop cognitive problems. It stimulates the brain’s ability to maintain old connections as well as to make new ones.
A study asked people to rate their mood immediately after periods of physical activity (e.g. going for a walk/run, cycling, doing housework) and periods of inactivity (e.g. reading a book or watching television). Researchers found that participants felt more content, more awake, and calmer after being physically active compared to after periods of inactivity.
In conclusion, people who are physically active feel a sense of well-being, feel more energetic throughout the day, sleep better at night, have sharper memories, and feel more relaxed and positive about themselves and their lives.
“Being physically active not only changes your body, it changes your mind,
attitude, and your mood.” – Arina Engelbrecht
Disruption of academic activities on the Qwaqwa and Bloemfontein Campuses
2017-10-18
This morning, a group of students blocked the main entrance of the Qwaqwa Campus and handed a memorandum to the campus management. Academic activities were cancelled and will resume tomorrow (Thursday 19 October 2017).
Disruption of some academic activities occurred on the Bloemfontein Campus this afternoon after a meeting of students took place at the Student Lekgotla. Members of the executive management subsequently met with the Bloemfontein Campus Student Representative Council (SRC).
It was agreed that the students want to take part in a march to the provincial government office, demanding free education and the release of the Heher Commission’s Report on the feasibility of fee-free higher education and training by President Jacob Zuma. The executive management supports peaceful protests on matters that are of concern to our students and indicated that the march should include staff and students from the UFS and Central University of Technology, as well as other relevant stakeholders. A memorandum will be handed to the executive management tomorrow.
The situation on the Bloemfontein Campus is under control and is being closely monitored. Academic activities on the campus will also continue as normal tomorrow.
Released by:
Lacea Loader (Director: Communication and Brand Management)
Telephone: +27 51 401 2584 | +27 83 645 2454
Email: news@ufs.ac.za | loaderl@ufs.ac.za
Fax: +27 51 444 6393