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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
SRC drawing deeply from the African continent’s well of wisdom
2013-06-01
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Some of the SRC members who are visiting Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya. From left are: Tshepang Lenka, Johan Steyn, Thabiso Molawude, William Clayton, Sibongile Mlotya, Tshepo Moli and Pieter Coetzee.
Photo: Thabo Kessah
14 June 2013 |
The student representative councils (SRC) from the Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campuses are currently visiting Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya as part of the university’s Global Leadership Programme (GLP). The student leaders left on 9 June 2013 for a two-week trip to these countries, meeting with NGO’s, businesses and political leaders to gain insight and leadership skills. Their trip will also include a visit to the Kigali and the Nyamata Genocide Museums.
The University of the Free State has a long history of mentoring and fostering student leadership through international partnerships.The GLP was established in 2011 by Prof Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector. The programme identifies the need for dynamic and innovative leadership in a country faced with many challenges.
During 2011 the SRC had the opportunity to tour the United States, but this year’s aim shifted to partnering with African Institutions. The focus is currently on the African continent and the lessons that can be learned from each of these countries. During the students’ visit to Rwanda – where they will spend six days – they will pay special attention to elements of leadership and reconciliation. This theme ties closely into the process of transformation and reconciliation at the Bloemfontein Campus.
The SRC has a travel-blog where they constantly post information, facts and their experiences during their visit to these African countries. They are set to return on Sunday 23 June 2013.
- Everyone is welcome to follow their exciting journey by clicking on this link:
http://www.travelpod.com/dashboard