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12 October 2020 | Story Arina Engelbrecht | Photo Supplied
Arina Engelbrecht
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

News Archive

Kovsie Xtravaganza with Lize Beekman
2008-11-22

It's Kovsie Xtravaganza time! Kovsie Xtravaganza: Xmas Festival with Lize Beekman will be held on Saturday, 22 November at 19:30 in the Sand du Plessis Theatre.

This year promises to set the benchmark with performances by the cream of Kovsie talent. Singers that will be performing include Caroline Haasbroek, Sanli Jooste, Thabo Hlongwane, Chizano Mathediso (Spontaan Winner), Klitsgras and Karpos.

Lize Beekman (website) who is known for songs like Sonneblom uit Bethlehem, Draadkar oor die See and the new title song for the television programme Pasella will be the guest artist. Old-Kovsie Hanno van Heerden, who has made a name for himself on South African stages and also won the 2006 ATKV Songwriters competition, will also make a guest appearance.

Tickets cost R90 and are available from PACOFS.

Contact the Kovsie Culture office at x2819 for more information.

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