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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

New building for Xerox underway

2012-08-29

Architect illustration of new Xerox Building.
30 August 2012

Construction on a building for Xerox, which is currently housed in the UFS Sasol library, will start later this year, as soon as the budget is finalised, says Nico Janse van Rensburg of Physical Planning.

The UFS Sasol library is in the process of re-allocating existing space to make it more efficient for users. Services that are not directly associated with the library, like Xerox, will be moved to another site.

An easily accessible site near the Provisioning Building in Rector’s Avenue has been identified. The building will provide for the printing of documents, storage of documents as well as a reception desk where documents can be collected.

The design proposal also endeavours to incorporate green concepts such as passive ventilation, efficient daylight use as well as light steel building construction with higher rated insulation capacities in the brickwork.

The building is expected to be completed in March next year.

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