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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
UFS appoints new Vice-Rector
2007-12-04
The Council of the University of the Free State (UFS) has recently approved the appointment of Prof. Driekie Hay, currently Dean: Academic Development at the Central University of Technology (CUT), as Vice-Rector: Academic Planning at the UFS. Prof. Hay will commence with her duties on 1 January 2008.
Prof. Hay is appointed in the place of Prof. Magda Fourie who accepted a position at the University of Stellenbosch.
Before her appointment at the CUT in March 2004, Prof. Hay was the Director of the UFS Centre for Higher Education Studies and Development (CHESD) for a number of years. She was also involved with the Grow Our Own Timber project of the UFS. She obtained her Ph.D. in 1997 and has a strong research profile.
“Prof. Hay obtained valuable experience in senior management the past four years at the CUT, among others as acting vice-rector. Her understanding of academic planning and her exceptional expertise in staff development and
teaching-learning development makes her a very suitable candidate for the position,” said Prof. Frederick Fourie, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS.
“She also indicated that she has an exceptional talent for handling diversity and service delivery. She has an understanding of transformation in the context of the UFS and can play an important role in the university’s transformation process,” said Prof. Fourie.
Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za
4 December 2007