Cole Guilbert, Kodiaks track athlete, performs a shoulder press as part of his afternoon strength training workout in preparation for his 2022 to stay physically and mentally fit.
College can be stressful for many students.
Between busy schedules and looming deadlines, finding ways for students to look after their mental health can be a challenge.
Cole Guilbert, Lethbridge College second year Natural Resource Compliance student, says joining the Kodiaks indoor track team and being involved in sports has been beneficial for his mental health.
Guilbert says athletics have helped by enabling him to connect with the community, learn what makes him feel good and ultimately help push him to be better.
He also believes participating in sports have built positive habits which help him in his everyday life now will continue to help him going forward.
“Playing sports as a kid and playing sports now really taught me how to live a healthy lifestyle,” says Guilbert.
Guilbert feels participating in athletics have forced him to look after his physical health by getting him outside, ensuring he’s eating right and helping keep his sleep on schedule.
He feels all these things make him feel better mentally, too.
“I usually find that participating in sports is beneficial for my mental health.”
Lori Harasem, health promotions coordinator with Wellness Services at Lethbridge College says exercise is proven to be beneficial to physical and mental health.
“I think everybody assumes you know when you’re being active that it benefits our bones and our muscles and what not but our mental health too,” says Harasem.
Harasem feels many of the non-physical benefits of exercise are often overlooked.
“Exercise is very related to lowering stress levels, building up resiliency and even our immune system, so overall being involved in sport is good for our wellbeing. There’s a lot of research that shows it’s benefiting us mentally and physically,” explains Harasem.
Guilbert feels there are a lot of lessons, skills and connections that have been presented to him because of his participation in physical activities.
“A lot of life skills you learn from sports can be applied in life. Taking care of your mental health and eating right can also help your work when you eventually move on to your work.”
Cole Guilbert and the rest of the Kodiaks’ Track and Field team started their indoor training last week in preparation for their first meet this December.
Lethbridge College students, staff and community members can get started participating in physical activities to improve mental health by visiting the on-campus recreation services centre or participating in the Be Fit for Life fitness program.
Students looking to participate can get started by visiting lethbridgecollege.ca/departments/be-fit-for-life to learn more about how to get started.
