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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

Wayde van Niekerk sets new African record

2015-06-11

Wayde van Niekerk

Eight years before Wayde van Niekerk was born, Gabriel Tiacoh set a record of 31.74 in a 300m race. Now, 7 June 2015 has been marked as the historic day when the University of the Free State student sprinted 300m in 31.63 seconds at the Diamond League meeting in Birmingham.

Van Niekerk improved on his 2011 personal best 300m finish of 33.32 seconds, set in Stellenbosch. The African championship silver medalist said setting a new African record was “a blessing that I cannot really explain. Everything I achieve is God’s work.”

“What drives me is my family and friends, and the fact that I know my gift comes from God so running is my way of thanking the Lord,” he added.

Odessa Swarts, his mother, expressed how proud she is of her son. “I believe and trust with his faith in our heavenly father he is destined to become one of the greats South Africa has ever produced.”

His coach, Ans Botha, expressed her satisfaction, although she described his feat as “a little bit unexpected.” She said Van Niekerk’s achievement indicates that they are in the right track en route to the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Championships in Beijing.

Van Niekerk is at present preparing for a 400m Adidas Grand Prix event in New York this Saturday.

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