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04 October 2024
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Story Dr Cindé Greyling
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Photo Supplied
Scan the QR Code to unlock 30 days of exciting challenges to enhance your mental well-being.
During October this year, the University of the Free State (UFS) Department of Student Counselling and Development (SCD) invites all staff and students to play an active part in their own mental health. Every day. You can do one small thing each day to improve your mental health. That is why the campaign is called DoDay – do something today and make it a do
day.
For 30 days, doable mental health activities will be shared on the UFS and SCD Instagram and Facebook pages. You will be invited to participate in the activity and to share your experience online. We encourage you to take up the challenge and share the skills for better mental health.
Be successful
As we approach the mid-year exam when staff and students are experiencing added pressure and anxiety, it is the perfect time to dedicate 10 to 15 minutes daily to your mental health. Each week we will focus on five different mental health building blocks: social wellness, emotional wellness, intellectual wellness, physical wellness, and spiritual wellness. By participating in the different activities each day, you will cover all the different wellness areas.
Be informed
During the campaign, we will also release insightful podcast interviews with experts who share their personal and professional experiences with each wellness area. It is no secret that communities are stronger together. Let us all work towards collectively improving our mental well-being and supporting one another on this journey.
Be happy
Improved mental health supports your professional and academic performance. It also helps you to make better decisions and enjoy life more. Improving your mental well-being has never been easier than following the DoDay calendar. You will receive clear guidelines on what to do each day, and you can mark off your progress and share your activities as you go.
Be a DoDay-er
Remember that maintaining mental well-being is like brushing your teeth, so we recommend it daily! Join the UFS Mental Health DoDay drive and take one small daily action for 30 days towards better mental health. Download your 30-day DoDay calendar – and remember to share and inspire others. Make every day a Mental Health DoDay
UFS Paralympic athlete Louzanne ready for Rio
2016-09-12
Rufus Botha (coach, left), Louzanne Coetzee,
and her guide Khothatso Mokone during a training
session for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
Photo: Johan Roux
“Coetzee is someone with a lot of perseverance. She is becoming a world-class athlete with the help of her guide, Khothatso Mokone.” These were the words from Rufus Botha, the coach of 23-year-old Louzanne Coetzee.
Coetzee, who works at the Institute for Reconciliation and Social Justice at the University of the Free State (UFS), said that the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro was never a big dream for her, because she never thought she was good enough to make it, but God had a different plan for her life.
Louzanne and her formidable team
Coetzee said that she still struggles to come to terms with the fact that she is competing at the Paralympics and experiences a rollercoaster of emotions. “I am excited, nervous, and confused all at the same time.”
According to Botha, who has been her coach for the past four years, Coetzee and her guide have such a unique rhythm and work together well. “After Mokone, also a former Kovsie, stepped into the picture, everything just escalated.”
The 2016 Paralympics and beyond
“Coetzee is someone with a lot of
perseverance and is becoming a
world-class athlete.”
“Making the Paralympic team is already a bonus. The next target we are aiming for, is for her to reach the finals in the 1500 m,” Botha said.
Coetzee and Mokone were included in the South African team to participate in Rio from 7 to 18 September 2016. Her heat takes place on 15 September 2016 and the finals of the 1500 m on 17 September 2016.
Coetzee’s main goal after the Paralympics is the World ParaAthletics Championships in London 2017.