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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
UFS announces SRC election results
2008-08-23
The results for the Student Representative Council (SRC) and Student Parliament of the University of the Free State’s (US) Main Campus were announced today. The elections took place on Wednesday, 20 August 2008.
Ms Heloïse Jordaan, B.Com.Hons. student and Freedom Front+ candidate, was elected as SRC President. She was SRC member for media, marketing and liaison in 2007/2008.
This year three organisations, namely the DA, Sasco and Freedom Front+, took part in the elections. Altogether 6 926 students took part in the voting this year, while 6 820 students voted last year.
“I am glad to report that, according to the Independent Election Authority (IEA), the elections and the announcement of the results took place without any incidents,” said Dr Ezekiel Moraka, Vice-Rector: Student Affairs.
“While the percentage of students participating in the elections remains low, the various initiatives by the IEA in partnership with student organisations are starting to yield good results. This includes communication efforts to improve awareness of the elections and the access to voting stations,” said Dr Moraka.
“The UFS will provide its full support to the efforts of the newly elected student leadership as well as representatives of various student organisations to further improve student participation in the elections. We want to work with the student leadership to continue the process of transformation currently under way at the University,” said Dr Moraka.
Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za
22 August 2008