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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

UFS celebrates multi-campus system

2013-06-01

Qwaqwa Campus, Bloemfontein Campus, South Campus
Photos: Sonia Small
04 June 2013

The University of the Free State is celebrating 10 years of the multi-campus system this year.

Uniqwa – as it was known when it was still part of the University of the North, was incorporated into the UFS in 2003, becoming the Qwaqwa Campus.

Following shortly on this event, a satellite campus of the Vista University also became part of the UFS family and was renamed to the South Campus.

The multi-campus system enables the UFS to offer a comprehensive choice of study programmes. “Our multi-campus system offers greater access to higher education with the Qwaqwa Campus offering tuition in the faculties of the Humanities, Education, Economic and Management Sciences as well as Natural and Agricultural Sciences,” says Dr Choice Makhetha, Vice-Rector: External Affairs.

“On the other hand,” Dr Makhetha continues,“the South Campus strategically covers learners let down by the South African school system by offering them extended programmes that would ultimately help them enter the mainstream programmes successfully.”

The formal festivities on the Qwaqwa Campus will kick off on Friday 7 June 2013.

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