If tomorrow never comes

Next week, next month, next year. We are always putting things off. ‘I’ll do it tomorrow,’ I say. But tomorrow never comes and suddenly, as the week slips out of my hands, I think, I’ll start next Monday.

Monday. It’s a little bit like Groundhog Day isn’t it? Not exactly the most inspiring day of the week. But you have to start somewhere so why not today? Why not Monday?

With Operation Transformation dominating our television screens and an unprecedented focus on health and fitness in the media; it’s hard not to be sucked into the world of treadmills, squats and lycra.

If you’ve never considered yourself a gym bunny before it might be time to reconsider. With the ever-increasing stresses of college assignments (yes, FYP I’m talking about you), work or whatever else might be going on in your head; sometimes the best thing to do is get out of the house, get out of your head, get lost in the music blaring out of your headphones and exercise. Take it out on a treadmill. Literally. Pounding the treadmill, or the roads as it may be, is a sure fire way to release any stress or anger you may be carrying. As well as keeping your heart healthy and pumping oxygen into your system, exercise also helps deplete stress hormones while also releasing mood-enhancing chemicals. It’s a win-win situation!

Just do it!

The all too common excuses such as ‘I’m tired’ or ‘I’m stressed’ should be seen as motivation and not a deterrent.  Too often we get caught in a vicious cycle of all work and no play. We become too tired, too lazy and totally overwhelmed at the thought of actually getting up and moving. In reality, it’s not as bad as you might think. While I’ve been gradually getting back to some sort of level of fitness over the past few weeks, it hasn’t been easy. More often than not I have a mental battle in my head over whether I’ll bother go to the gym today or give it a skip. Sometimes my willpower wins and I go and I feel better, happier, less stressed and more energetic. Sometimes the latter wins and I waste away my evening watching mindless TV programmes, feeling sorry for myself and wishing I got up off my ass and went.

Watching people run a charity 10k, or even a half-marathon, can often leave you wondering how you will ever get to that level of fitness. It can leave you a little envious and a little disheartened. However it’s important to remember that everyone has to start somewhere. Even the likes of Sonia O’Sullivan had to struggle, puffing and panting, before she ever got into the swing of things. The truth is, if you stick with it, running, swimming, football or whatever it may be, does get easier and you will get better. One day you’ll be exercising and you’ll suddenly realise that it’s not as painful or uncomfortable as you once thought it was. Pigs might fly and you might even start to enjoy it! 

Pictures c/o: Pinterest, Twicsy and Indulgy. 

What to say when you have nothing to say...

It’s like running a marathon; you don’t go in unprepared. You train. You go running with the club, you do what you’re told, you practice outside of training. You eat the right foods; stocking up on carbs and saying goodbye to alcohol. You do all the right things and take all the right steps, but sometimes it’s just not enough. Every distance runner’s worst fear is ‘hitting the wall’. It can happen anyone, at any stage of a marathon, no matter how diligently you train and eat. And, sometimes, there’s absolutely no reason for it.

Writing’s like that sometimes. At least I feel writing’s like that right now. I’ve been struggling with what they call writer’s block for the last few days and I just can’t seem to shake it. I’ve well and truly hit the metaphorical wall. And, right now, it seems ten feet tall. I’m wondering will I ever get over it.

It’s not that I have nothing to say; in fact it’s the opposite. I’ve plenty to say but I just can’t seem to transport it from my brain on to paper.

I sat down yesterday to write and I had nothing to say. I literally had nothing to say. For anyone that knows me, really knows me, then you will know that this is quite unusual. I always have something to say. I love debates and people challenging my opinion. I love justifying why I think or feel a certain way. I thrive off stimulating conversation. But yesterday the creative juices refused to flow.

I had loads of potential things to blog about. I agonised over a couple of different issues making the news at the moment wondering which one I would go with. The ongoing debacle over the Irish Water charges, the irony of wifi outage at the Web Summit, Eva Longoria’s much-publicised trip to Dublin and the Anti-Victoria’s Secrets Runway Show that took place in New York last weekend were all topics I toyed with whilst staring at a blank screen.

The cursor blinked back at me from the screen willing me to type something, ANYTHING. I closed my eyes and magically wished that when I opened them there would be 500 words dancing across the screen. Of course there wasn’t. But I at least hoped I would have been struck with some sort of inspiration. Like the animated light bulb going off inside my head.

For someone who (hopefully) anticipates a career centered around reading, writing, reporting and investigating, this is a weakness I really can’t afford. Writing my way through writer’s block is a work in progress as I try to figure out the best ways of overcoming this tricky and oh-so-inconvenient situation. I’ve learned that the best written blogs come from articles you’ve read, stories you’ve heard or things you’ve experienced. Forcing yourself to write something for the sake of it, on a topic you’re not particularly interested in, is a recipe for disaster. I learned this the hard way after forcing myself to write an excruciatingly soul destroying article on a topic I had zero interest in.

I also find that literally stepping away from the laptop is a good idea. Writer’s block is often symptomatic with stress and sometimes you just need a break. Taking your mind off the task at hand by going for a walk or meeting up with a friend is a really good way of refreshing and re-energising your mind. If you have a deadline to meet though you may not have that privilege.

Sometimes the well really is dry and I have nothing to say. But, deep down, of course there’s always going to be something to say. There will always be politicians making controversial decisions, celebrities dominating headlines and events taking place that need to be covered. There will always be something to write about. I’m a journalist after all, isn't that what I do.

Facing the fear of final year

They say college years are the best years of your life and, after breezing through the first two or three years in a haze of parties, adventures and good times, the intensity of fourth year kind of knocked me for six. Now, over five weeks into my final year I’ve started to notice a couple of things.

1. Socialising has become a rare occurrence

Catching up with your friends and classmates now only happens on the walk in to college or on the walk home from college. Sneaky pints after class or heading out every Tuesday and Thursday night is, for the time being, a thing of the past.

2. Caffeine is my best friend

 The answer to all of life’s problems and stressful issues is, of course, to have a cup of tea. Or coffee. Or cigarettes. Just whatever gets you through the day as a functioning, intelligent college student.

 

3. Sleep has become a distant memory

A 24-hour-day just isn’t enough when you’re expected to attend lectures, labs and tutorials while also being bogged down with assignments, exams, presentations and final year projects.

4. There’s no room for procrastination

Although we’ve been good friends for the last few years and maintained a strong bond, I realised soon into fourth year that procrastination and I would have to part ways. I was quick to realise that watching re-runs of Friends episodes I’ve seen a hundred times or cleaning the house from top to bottom won’t write my 2,500 word essay for me.

5. Being healthy requires a lot of effort

Finding the time to make healthy snacks and nutritious meals as well as exercising every evening takes up precious time us final year students don’t really have. While staying fit and healthy is key to reducing stress and illness, finding the time to do that is not so easy. It’s all a vicious cycle.

6. The future is looming

As I edge ever so closer to finishing my degree the possibility of being thrown out into the big bad world scares the life out of me (and probably every other final year student). Thinking properly about what you’re going to do after college, applying for jobs and going for interviews are now all part and parcel of an already stressful year. That dreaded question being asked all too often; “So, what are you going to do after college?” instils the fear of God into me and probably will, until I figure out what the hell I’m doing with my life.

Although final year imposes many challenges and difficulties and, despite all the stress and pressure that the year inevitably brings, the important thing to remember is that it’s only temporary. Or so I keep telling myself. Yes it will be a demanding and tough year. Yes there will be tears and tantrums and thoughts of throwing the towel in but we will get through it, we will pass our exams with flying colours and next summer we will graduate (hopefully!)

Top Ten Tips for College

Moving away from home for the first time is no easy feat and the transition from school to college life can be a tricky one; even for the most confident, self-assured students. Starting a new university, moving into a new house and living with random people is a big change and many first year students experience loneliness, stress and anxiety when they first leave the comfort of their home. However once you get your bearings and find your feet you will soon realise how much university has to offer.  Undoubtedly college years are the best years of your life; a time to seize opportunities, socialise, make lifelong friendships and work hard for your dream job. Here are my top ten tips for making the most of the best four years of your life!

The best way to make new friends!

Get Involved 
College life is not just about academia and extends a lot farther than the lecture halls and classroom walls. During the first few weeks everyone is in the same boat; no one knows anyone and everybody is looking to make new friends and just have the craic. Clubs and societies are a huge part of college life and most universities have an abundance of clubs and socs to choose from. Throw yourself into everything during the first few weeks, join clubs that suit your interests and hobbies or, instead, learn new skills. Fresher’s week will also be jam packed with activities including UV nights and silent discos so make the most of everything thrown your way.

Mind yourself
Looking after number one in college is harder than you might think. There is no mammy looking after you, ensuring you’re eating all your vegetables and getting eight hours sleep every night. Do yourself a favour from the get go and start as you mean to go on. It is all too easy to slip into bad habits in college and before you know it you think eating leftover pizza for breakfast is acceptable. It’s not and never will be. Most colleges have gym and sports membership you can avail of at a student discount so make the most of what’s on your own doorstep. Try to get enough sleep and eat healthy as well. Your body will thank you for it.

Orientation

Getting lost is inevitable but orientation will help!

A must do for all incoming first year students. Orientation usually occurs a week or so before college
officially starts and it gives students the chance to take in their new surroundings and familiarise themselves with their new home for the next few years. Orientation guides are on hand to help with any questions or difficulties you may have so don’t be afraid to ask, no matter how silly you think your question is. Do your best to attend all the events going on throughout orientation week and utilise the free offers of pens, notebooks and food.

Plagiarism
For anyone who might not know, plagiarism, in its simplest form, is copying someone else’s work and claiming it as your own. From the moment you step into a lecture hall your teachers and tutors will warn you against it. Please take heed of what they’re telling you and never, ever try it, no matter how under pressure or caught for time you may be. Lecturers will spot it a mile off and will feel no remorse awarding you an “NG” or “F” grade.

Travel
One of the most exciting opportunities college presents you with is the chance to travel and explore the world. A lot of courses require students to take up an Erasmus or study abroad semester. An increasing number of students are readily availing of student summer visas to the States, while other students are taking up TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) in countries such as Thailand, Japan and China. Your college years are the perfect time to be selfish, so say yes to new opportunities and experiences. It is only the things you don’t do that you will end up regretting.

Attendance
In the midst of socialising, joining new clubs and societies and making new friends, it is easy to forget the real reason you’re in college. While going to that 9am lecture might not seem too appealing make an effort to attend and keep on top of your assignments. Slacking off lectures and tutorials and constantly playing catch-up is no fun and just makes life a whole lot harder for you.

Budget
Learning to budget your money is one of the hardest things you will learn during the first semester of college. The first few weeks are always the most expensive and, for many people, it is the first time they are in control of their own finances. No one wants to be living off toast and beans by the end of every week/month so do your best to budget your money. It makes life that little bit easier, trust me.


Buying books
Speaking of budgeting…buying books second hand, or not buying them at all, is one of the best tips I can give in relation to saving money. University textbooks cost a small fortune so, if the book is a must have, then go to the Students’ Union and see if you can get it second hand. Chances are there will be previous students only dying to get rid of it. Now, some lecturers will tell you that certain books are compulsory and you need to have them, but this is not always true. If you can source the book out in the library or find extracts of it online then you might get away with not buying it at all and save yourself a few extra dollars.

Trying new thing
There is no time like the present and no better place than university to try out something you’ve been putting on the long finger. College is where you find out what really makes you tick so seize the moment, experiment with new ideas and discover who you really are.

Home sweet home
Just as it is a huge change for you, it is also a huge milestone for your parents. Don’t forget to check in with them and let them know how you’re getting on and what you’re up to. No one worries more about you than your mam and dad so keep them in the loop and everyone will be happy.