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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
"Boer Manie se melk word suur" no sour story
2010-02-17
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Pictured, from the left, front, are the actors: Keogh (Boer Manie), Kotzé (Bella de Vries) and Strydom (Neelsie). Back: Fourie (Tersia Tandeheks) – Lize du Plessis
Photo: Lize du Plessis |
The Department of Drama and Theatre Arts at the University of the Free State (UFS) recently presented a jam-packed Drama Festival. The festival gave actors, directors and script-writers on campus the opportunity to show what they are capable of.
Heinrich Keogh and Ilne Fourie combined forces to present a production suitable for young and old. “Boer Manie se melk word suur” tells the story of Farmer Manie, his son Neelsie, his cow Bella and the evil Tersia Tandeheks, a witch who tries to turn the entire world’s milk sour by using magic. Her conniving plans create chaos on Madeliefie Vlei, where all the characters live.
The four actors, Heinrich Keogh (Boer Manier), Ilne Fourie (Tersia Tandeheks), Mart Kotzé (Bella de Vries) and Walter Strydom (Neelsie) clearly have a passion for acting. They climb into the bodies of their characters – something they have to learn when studying at the Department of Drama and Theatre Arts.
According to Keogh, who also directed “Boer Manie se melk word suur”, the play receives positive feedback.