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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
Academic Reboot Pack 2.0: aid to successfully complete 2016 academic year
2016-10-28
The University of the Free State (UFS) is committed to completing the academic year in the interest of our students who want to complete their studies, as well as the country which desperately needs graduates to grow the economy.
The UFS has developed a strategy to rescue the academic year, which will allow students to continue with their learning and achieve outstanding assessments (assignments, tests, and exams), whether they are on or off campus.
As part of this strategy, the UFS has developed the Academic Reboot Pack 1 and now Academic Reboot Pack 2.0. The aim of Reboot Pack 2.0 is aimed at providing students with practical steps on how to:
- Get information on what they need to do,
- Access online material – and where appropriate – printed material in the most cost-effective way,
- Prepare effectively for academic assessments (tests, assignments, and exams),
- Manage their time,
- Manage stress and where they can get support.
Academic Reboot Pack 2.0
Academic Reboot Pack 1.0
If students have any question or queries regarding the Academic Reboot Pack, they can send an email to: advising@ufs.ac.za
Related articles:
UFS provides support network in each faculty
Keys to good time management
Remain positive, keep an eye on the finish line
Achieve academic goals with an online presence
