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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

Arment-My-Nie proved what a time it is to be alive at the 2016 Stagedoor
2016-03-15

Description: 2016 03 KL Stagedoor Tags: Stagedoor

2016 has been nothing short of events that have left students singing the phrase, “What A Time To Be Alive!” This year’s Stagedoor theme had first-year groups re-enacting some of the most memorable times of 2016 and even far into the future.

On 12 March 2016, the show continued with the newly adopted format which was initiated last year, whereby residences are coupled together. With all teams being entered into the finals round, this can be seen as a victory for all, as the crowds of students and parents had the opportunity to see all pairs perform.

Kovsie Church, on the Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State, was packed wall-to-wall with fans and supporters who were high in anticipation of the never-seen-before performances. This resulted in even more excitement for audiences and a tight competition for the residences.

With the theme already set out, the show began to roll, and audiences were enticed with each performance. Audiences experienced the tongue-in-cheek wit of performers, as many scripts had underlying references which left viewers roaring with laughter.

Only three groups could, however, walk away with the top spots. Karee and Arista were third, with Sonnedou and Villa Bravado coming out second, and the trophy was taken by Armentum and Vergeet-My-Nie.

This year, the Arts and Culture office of the Student Representative Council introduced additional categories to the competition. The winners were:

  • McDonalds Jingle – Legatum and NJ van der Merwe

  • Best Actor – Bernie Neser

  • Best Actress – Maynie Knoetze

  • Best Incorporated Theme – Legatum and NJ van der Merwe

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