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Being physically active and mentally well

12 October 2020 | Story Arina Engelbrecht | Photo Supplied

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

Law students get advice from leading law firms in SA

2012-05-02

Law students were equiped with knowledge on the legal practice by representatives of 13 firms that exhibited at the Faculty of Law’s Career Fair.
Photo: Stephen Collett
2 May 2012

Large South African law firms such as Bowman Gilfillan, Adams & Adams, Naude’s and Symington & De Kock exhibited at this year’s Career Fair of the Faculty of Law. During the event, students and exhibitors were addressed by Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector. “Lift your ambition, study hard and aim high,” he told the students.

“Factors such as political loyalty and race should not matter to you as students, but rather passion and dedication for the field in which you will work. As students you should have a different work ethic. Work differently and work harder,” Prof. Jansen said.

Prof. Johan Henning, the Dean of the Faculty of Law said the higher admission requirements and mathematics as a compulsory subject means the calibre of law students at the university cannot easily be equalled. “We develop the best of the best here at the UFS,” he said.

Representatives of the law firms were impressed with the calibre of students at the Career Fair.

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