"So Ben what time are you waking up tomorrow?” asked my dad during one of the few holidays we had this year. It has been a year full of reading and reading.

Oh my, I couldn’t get any time to rest. I am sure I was not alone reading under sizzling pressure from the whole family.

I happen to realize that most of us are going to be depended on by our various families tomorrow when we grow up to become ‘stars’ in all we do.

Thus many of us were out there reading and researching about a lot: A Chinese idiom that runs ‘Every parent wants their boy to be a dragon and their daughter a phoenix.

That is why most of our learned parents like it when their kids are under this sort of pressure, forgetting that there has to be time for relaxing. Through play, we, as teens (and children) learn how to communicate and share as well as solve conflicts.

These are absolutely skills that cannot be taught from a book! Doing exercises not only burns calories and boosts metabolism, but also helps us to think better.

So, just because you are supposed to be expanding your mind in college does not mean your belly and hips have to follow. Before the typical party fare of pizza and beer gets the better of your body and brain, try the following tips;

• Walk to class.
• Set aside 30-60 minutes every day for weight trimming.
• Enroll in a fitness class.
• Use the stairs.
• Take walks between classes or if not, walk around your neighborhood.
• Learn how to dance.
• Play intramural sports.
• Tell yourself you are the best as you follow your exercise routines.

With the above, certainly by the time results of nationals come, what do you know, you are the best! And I will not be surprised to see a fit and healthy ‘academic giant’ in the newspaper headlines. Thanks to pressure! Good luck.

Ends