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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

Students launch Water Collection Campaign for the province
2016-02-10

Description: 2016 02 Water Project Tags: Water Project
Caption: Water is life: give life by donating water.
Photo: Supplied.

Drought conditions have long been part of the Free State way of life. At present, water supplies are running at an all-time low. Immediate mass action needs to be taken.

In an attempt to win the battle against the water crisis currently affecting the Free State, students here at the University of the Free State (UFS) have launched the Water Collection Campaign, which is running from 8-12 February 2016.

The UFS Muslim Student Association (MSA) and the Central Student Representative Council (CSRC), in partnership with Gift of the Givers Foundation, are urging fellow students and staff members on the Bloemfontein Campus to donate five litres of bottled still water.

“We urge students to take part in this campaign, and help us help those who are in dire need of this vital necessity. Share water, save a life!” said Muhammed Bhamjee, President of MSA.

Make a donation

Date:  8-11 February 2016

Time:  07:45-16:30

Place: SRC offices reception, Thakaneng Bridge.

On Friday 12 February 2016, donations may be made at the Centenary Complex from 15:00-17:00.


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