Managing Stress: A Guide for College Students
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Exercise: Sticking to an Exercise Program
couple exercising Now you’ve figured out what you want to do and have a plan, but how can you maintain this plan?

Find a regular time every day – you may want to do short times of activity several times a day. Look ahead at your classes, meetings, and other commitments – when do you have 10 or 15 minutes for a quick walk, a little dancing in your living room or walking a few staircases?

Keep a daily log or diary of your activities. Build in a reward system for reaching your goals – gold stars on your calendar, sign up for a massage, get a facial, go out to a movie, or just take time to read a book!

Check your progress. Can you walk a certain distance faster now than when you began or is your heart rate slower now?

Focus on the benefits of physical activity. Notice that you feel relaxed, energized, and refreshed, and that your concentration and sleep have improved.

Post your goals where you can see them each day.

Get support from your family and friends by telling them about your goals or enlisting them to join you.

CALCULATE YOUR TARGET HEART RATE RANGE
pulse positionTo determine your target heart rate range, you must first understand how to take your pulse rate accurately. Pictured at right is where the radial pulse can be located. You will need your resting heart rate to calculate your target heart rate range. The ideal time to find your true resting heart rate is in the morning, before you get out of bed. Count your pulse for one whole minute to find your resting heart rate.



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EXAMPLE OF A PHYSICAL ACTIVITY DIARY




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