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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

Twenty Rag finalists announced
2012-10-12

The 20 Rag CS finalists for 2012/2013.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs
17 October 2012

Our university has been part of the rich tradition of Rag CS (community service) since 1948. During 2011/2012, KovsieRag CS distributed R2 million to charities.

 

Rag CS will continue the tradition next year. The process began as early as March this year when Rag CS received and processed more than 100 applications and chose 50 women and 25 men as semi-finalists. The men and women had the opportunity to collect money until October. A total of R400 000 was collected. The 20 debutants (10 men and 10 women) who collected the most money were chosen as the 10 Brutal Fruit Rag CS finalists and the 10 Mr Rag CS finalists for 2012/2013.

 

These students were recently treated to a breakfast at Bain’s Game Lodge. Every finalist chooses a charity for which they will collect money.

 

Mr Rag CS 2013 and the Rag CS Queen will be chosen at the Crowning Ball on 15 February 2013.

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