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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
Rector: Three candidates to make public appearances
2009-02-15
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Prof Jonathan Jansen | |
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Prof Nthabiseng Ogude | |
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Prof Herman van Schalkwyk | |
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Statement by Judge Faan Hancke, Chairperson of the Council of the University ff the Free State
The Selection Committee for the appointment of Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Free State (UFS) has short-listed three candidates for the position. They are:
- Prof. Jonathan Jansen, former Dean of Education at the University of Pretoria;
- Prof. Herman van Schalkwyk, Dean: Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the UFS; and
- Prof. Nthabiseng Ogude, Vice-Rector of the University of Pretoria for the position.
On Monday, 16 February 2009 the three candidates will introduce themselves to the university community at a public session to present their vision and view of their role as rector and vice-chancellor of the UFS. This will take place at 16:00 in the Odeion on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein.
The Senate will vote on Tuesday, 17 February 2009 for the three candidates in terms of appointability and preference and the Institutional Forum meets on Thursday, 19 February 2009 to advise Council regarding the appointment.
The UFS Council will meet on Friday, 13 March 2009 to make a final decision.
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 6 February 2009 | |