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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
Student protests at the Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State
2017-02-24
I am writing to you about this week’s student protests at the Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS), regarding access to higher education.
It is understandable that parents and/or guardians are concerned about the situation on campus, the safety of students, and the impact of the protests on the academic programme. Although disruption of some classes occurred on Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 February 2017, academic and other activities continued this week.
Be assured that contingency plans for the safety and security of staff and students are in place. Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) are on campus and the situation is monitored with their support and assistance. The necessary authorisation has also been obtained for action by the SAPS in support of our endeavour to ensure the safety of staff and students on all our campuses.
We are committed to do all in our power to ensure stability and safety on campus, and an uninterrupted academic programme. All lawful means will be deployed to achieve this.
Kind regards,
Prof Nicky Morgan
Acting Vice-Chancellor and Rector
University of the Free State
State of our campuses #1 (22 February 2017)
Memorandum handed to UFS management on 21 February 2017
Released by:
Lacea Loader (Director: Communication and Brand Management)
Telephone: +27 51 401 2584 | +27 83 645 2454
Email: news@ufs.ac.za | loaderl@ufs.ac.za
Fax: +27 51 444 6393