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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
Social entrepreneurship important to eradicate poverty
2012-03-30
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Here are Rhoda Kadalie and Mark Lotter at the Business School
Photo: Stephen Collett
30 March 2012
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Renowned South African human activist and popular columnist Rhoda Kadalie recently visited the Business School to lecture on social entrepreneurship.
Ms Kadalie has been the Executive Director of Impumelelo since 1999. This organisation rewards innovative government and civil society initiatives that improve social service delivery in the eradication of poverty in South Africa.
She was accompanied by Mr Mark Lotter, Fundraiser and Marketing Manager of Impumelelo. Mr Lotter did a presentation on ground-breaking achievements using best-practice South African case studies, e.g. the Mariannhill Landfill Conservancy, Phelophepa Health Train and mothers2mothers.
They elaborated on the principles underlying the work and contributions of Impumelelo to the future well-being of the nation. It was clear from the lecture and the discussions that followed by MBAs, under- and postgraduate students from different faculties, as well as members of the university community, that the debate on social entrepreneurship is highly relevant, much needed and very important.