| College is a very important and exciting | | | | intensity of all of these challenges and take |
| period in your life. During these years you | | | | the time to evaluate how you are doing and |
| are going to experience a lot of new things, | | | | what you need. |
| meet new friends who you will hopefully keep | | | | |
| for life, and do a lot of the things that | | | | For all of these reasons it is important that |
| will help define who you are and more | | | | you do some form of physical activity while |
| importantly, who you are going to be for the | | | | you are in college. Exercise gives you |
| rest of your life. As with all big things in | | | | confidence and a sense of control over you |
| life however, with all the opportunities and | | | | life. Whether or not you have been active in |
| chances that college offers, it also brings | | | | high school, you should aim to be in college. |
| an element of risk, and no small amount of | | | | If you took part in a lot of sport during |
| stress. | | | | school then it is always a shame if you let |
| | | | these stop simply because you are in a new |
| There will be pressures on your from all | | | | setting. You do not have to be the star of |
| directions. Your parents and family will be | | | | the team or anything, but find some people to |
| expecting you to do well in your studies. | | | | play your favourite sport with, or go for a |
| Your tutors will also want to see clear and | | | | run or a swim or a bike ride or even a |
| fresh thinking from you and may expect a | | | | regular walk. If you haven't been very active |
| level of commitment that you are not used to. | | | | up till now, then starting a new life at |
| You will have a lot of social pressures as | | | | college is an excellent time to begin. |
| you make new friends and find your place to | | | | |
| settle in to your new life. You may have | | | | You may also notice that your lifestyle has |
| financial pressures as you struggle to meet | | | | some unhealthy elements at college, such as |
| bills and pay for everything, perhaps for the | | | | eating a lot of fast food and drinking more |
| first time in your life. Even just moving out | | | | alcohol than you are used to. Rather than |
| of home and having to cook and look after | | | | resorting to all sorts of drugs to relieve |
| yourself can be a big pressure for a lot of | | | | stress and anxiety give exercise a shot. You |
| young people. Don't underestimate the | | | | will not regret it. |