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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
State of our campuses #1
2017-02-22
After yesterday’s disruption of academic activities on the Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS), a memorandum was handed to the UFS management by members of the Transitional Student Council (TSC) and the Free Education Movement (FEM) in the late afternoon.
Some disruption of classes occurred last night and again today. The university management handed a response on the memorandum to student leaders this afternoon.
Contingency plans for the safety and security of staff and students are still in place and members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) are on standby. The senior leadership continues to monitor the situation with the support and assistance of the SAPS and will deploy all lawful means to minimise disruption and maintain the academic programme.
The academic programme continues as normal. Any updates will be shared on the university’s communication platforms.
A voice clip has been circulating among UFS students since yesterday. The clip did not originate from the UFS. It has been in circulation at universities in the country for at least the past 12 months. UFS staff and students should not feel threatened by the content thereof.
Disruption of academic activities: 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