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12 October 2020
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Story Arina Engelbrecht
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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 Council supports Prof. Jansen
2009-10-26
Statement by Judge Faan Hancke, Chairperson of the Council of the University of the Free State (UFS)
The Council of the University of the Free State (UFS) takes note of the current developments regarding the university, and specifically the controversy around the decision of the Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Jonathan Jansen and his management to grant re-admittance to the four students who were expelled in connection with the Reitz incident.
At its meeting of 11 September 2009, the Council had already unanimously expressed its support for Prof. Jansen with regard to the handling of various managerial issues, including that the way for mediation with regard to the legal process about Reitz had to be followed.
The Council remains unequivocally committed to the important process of transformation, and sees Prof. Jansen’s actions in the light of his intention to accomplish reconciliation and manage the larger process of transformation. The Council supports all active attempts to encourage reconciliation and accepts Prof. Jansen’s integrity and bona fides with regard to the handling of this issue.
The Council contents itself with the view that racism, and abusive actions of any nature whatsoever remain inexcusable.
The Council expresses its hope that all stake-holders will find a quick solution to the current dispute in order to ensure that activities on the Main Campus return to normal.
Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Deputy Director: Media liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za
26 October 2009