Ireland can be a very stressful place when leaving college and beginning your ‘career’. Last year I finished my degree in Economics, Politics and Law. As I was finishing I really began to feel lost. I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do and I still don’t. Many people in my course were constantly talking, even from the beginning of final year about the big firms they were applying to and how they already had interviews. I remember thinking “wait, these applications are already open in October?”

As the year rumbled on, I starting feeling stressed about the application deadlines that came and went and I hadn’t seen any positions I was really interested in. I applied to one or two places half-heartedly and only because everyone else was doing it. Friends had already begun to accept offers even before the end of semester one.

Finishing final year with no idea what is coming next is weird and scary since it has never happened to many of us. I didn’t want (and couldn’t afford) to do a masters and I didn’t know where I wanted to work. Then, I applied for a position as a Teaching Assistant in my University and luckily, I was successful. This isn’t a job that I ever thought I would be doing but I am very happy to try something different. Though the feeling of stress about my ‘career’ has not totally subsided.

On reflection, it is easy to see why I’ve been so stressed about it. Dublin is a working city. We have so many large important firms here in which many of our friends are going to work in. It is hard not to feel like we are losing ground or that our ‘careers’ and us, will not be as successful, especially with friends working in ‘bigger’ firms. There is also the pressure of having to earn a high salary, with Dublin being such an expensive city. Maybe it is an Irish thing, the pressure some of us may feel about getting into a ‘good’ pensionable job for life, when we are only in our early 20s.

This is not what I want, not right now anyway. Moving from job to job in Ireland is definitely seen as a bad thing. Families tend to react negatively to people who leave a ‘good job’ even if you hate it. Maybe this is why so many young Irish people look to move abroad, to places where there is not so much pressure on careers and you can focus on other aspects of life.

For me and I believe for many others my age, a career is not everything it used to be. Yes of course, I would love to have a job I love and be comfortable, but I don’t want my life to be taken over by work. There is more to living than work. Going through and also finishing final year not knowing what you want to do is okay. It can be painstaking to look through all the graduate openings especially when final year is only beginning, but it is a necessary evil.

The next chapter after college won’t decide the rest of your life. It is just the next step. Be patient. Something will pop up that you think you would like to try and don’t compare yourself to others. Just because they are doing interviews and may be accepting offers before the end of final year doesn’t mean you are falling behind. Not everyone takes the same path.

This article was written by a SpunOut.ie volunteer. Check out our volunteering opportunities here and get in touch if you’re interested in getting involved.

The official Enactus Team Ireland Launch took place at the Bank of Ireland in Grand Canal Square last week, bringing together student social entrepreneurs, business leaders, academics, and Enactus alumni from across the country.

The event celebrated the launch of Enactus Team Ireland who will be heading to Silicon Valley in California next month to take part in the Enactus World Cup from 9 – 11 October.

What is Enactus Ireland?

Enactus Ireland is one of 36 country organisations around the world that take part in the Enactus Programme. The aim of the Enactus Programme is to bring together third-level students, academics, and business leaders who are committed to finding solutions to challenges in local communities through entrepreneurship and business ideas.

Enactus Team Ireland 2018

Earlier this year, Enactus Dublin City University (DCU) competed against teams from colleges and universities across Ireland and were crowned Enactus Ireland National Champions. As champions, the team now have the opportunity to travel to Silicon Valley to compete against 35 other countries in the Enactus World Cup.

Enactus DCU members Conor Greene, Ashling McGovern, Ciaran Kelly, Robert Kelly, Josh Clinton and Kate Dowling all presented the projects that they will take to the World Cup at the launch event last week.

Project 1: Threads

A project that empowers people seeking asylum in Ireland through the upcycling of unwanted jeans to create customised denim clothing.

Project 2: GiveBack.ie

GiveBack.ie is a chrome extension that directs a portion of the money spent in online retailers towards tackling homelessness.

Project 3: Second Scoop

A project that provides work experience, training and mentorship opportunities to people seeking asylum in Ireland though a mobile, pop-up ice cream vendor targeting corporate, social and educational events.

Enactus World Cup

Enactus Team Ireland will be competing against 35 other teams at the World Cup event in October. Terence O’Rourke, Chairman of Enactus Ireland, said: “We are very proud to send the Enactus DCU to Silicon Valley to represent Enactus Ireland on the world stage. The projects the team have worked on this year have been very successful in bringing about change in their communities. The team has shown how they can use their entrepreneurial skills and talents to positively impact others.”

Speaking about the World Cup event coming up in October, Liam Redmond, Country Manager of Enactus Ireland said, “Silicon Valley is the home of innovation, and where better to showcase and celebrate their achievements than the world stage."

An bhfuil scéal agat gur bhreá leat a roinnt nó tuaraim go bhfuil tú ag iarraidh níos mó daoine a chloisteáil? Tugann ag scríobh do SpunOut.ie an seans foirfe duit chun do scéal a chuir amach ansin. Má tá tú idir 16-25 in Éire ba bhreá linn cloisteáil uait.

Tá suim againn in aon ábhar atá suim agat ann agus a cheapann tú go mbeadh suim ag daoine óige ann. Seo roinnt smaointe:

Scoil agus an choláiste:

An bhfuil aon comhairle agat do daoine ag dul isteach san idirbhlian, ag staidéar don Ardteist, ag rognú ábhar don Ardteist, ag tosnú sa gcoláíste, srl.? Céard a rinne do laethanta scoile nó coláíste go maith nó go dona? Aon scéal gur mhian leat a roinnt?

Meabhair Sláinte:

Cén fadhbanna meabhair sláinte atá tú ag déiléal leis faoi láthair? An bhfuil tú ag lorg tacaíocht le haghaidh do fadhbanna meabhair sláínte? Cén comhairle a dtarbhfaidh tú do daoine eile atá ag déiléail le fadhbanna cosúil le do cheann? Céard a déanann tú chun aire  a thabhairt do d’intinn?

Fostaíocht:

Céard a chabhraigh leat do phost a fháil? An bhfuil aon comhairle agat do daoine atá ag dul isteach go h-agallamh? An bhfuil tú ag streachailt post a fháíl? An bhfuil fadhbanna agat le an post atá agat faoi láthair nach bhfuil tú cinnte conas déiléal leo?

Polaitíocht agus cursaí reatha:

Céard a cheapann tú maidir le polaitíocht na hÉireann, san Eoraip nó sa domhain? Cén cursaí reatha agat suim agat ann? Conas a mbíonn tionchar (dearfach no diúltach) ar polaitíocht agus cursaí reatha ar do shaol agus daoine cosúil leat?

Caidreamh:

Ba mhaith linn bhur scéalta ar caidreamh tábhactach i bhur shaol – le bhur chlann, cairde, pairtnéir srl. a cloisteáil. Conas a bhí tionchar ar na caidreamh seo ar do shaol? An bhfuil aon comhairle gur fédir leat a thabhairt do daoine eile?

Aon rud eile?

Muna bhfuil tú ró-tógtha le na smaointe seo, is féidir leat do ábhar féin a sheoladh isteach ar aon topaic go bhfuil suim agat ann. Má tá tú ag iarraidh scríobh faoi, tá muide ag iarraidh é a cloisteáil!

Céard a dhéanann mé anois?

Léigh ár treoirlíne aigneacht roimh a thosaíonn tú. Má ta aon ceisteanna agat, is féídir leat rphoist a sheoladh chuig [email protected] agus gheobhfaidh tú freagra chomh luath is a féidir. Ba cóir go mbeadh na altanna ar fad faoi 1000 focail, agus is féidir leat aighneacht a chur isteach anseo.

Ceisteanna eile

Living with limited mobility or using a wheelchair can make it more difficult to take part in traditional forms of exercise. If you’re unable to stand, or can’t stay standing for long periods of time, then it may feel like most forms of exercise are unavailable to you.

However, there are a number of exercises you can do sitting down either on a chair or in a wheelchair. Whether you want to strengthen your arm or leg muscles, increase your flexibility, or get your heart racing with cardio, there are plenty of options to choose from.

These kinds of exercises can also benefit people who have a chronic illness that restricts their ability to exercise, or if you have suffered an injury that prevents you from being able to do your regular exercise.

If you want to put together a workout routine, consider breaking it down into the different parts of your body that you can exercise while sitting. If you’re new to exercising, it might seem difficult at first. Ease into it and remember that it gets easier the more you do it.

Arms and upper body strength

To strengthen your arm muscles and improve your upper body strength, there are a number of exercises you can do that don’t require standing at all. This can include arm circles, using weights, and using a rubber band.

Arm exercises

Hold your arms straight out from either side of your body and begin moving them in a circle shape one way for 30 seconds to a minute, and then reverse the direction of your circle for the same length of time. Continue to do this a few times in a row.

You can also move your arms up and down or forward and back, and introduce weights (or even just hold a full water bottle in either hand) while you do the movements. You could also use a rubber band for resistance when doing your exercises.

To do a bicep curl with your weights or water bottles, hold your arms down by your side and bring your hands up to your shoulders and back down again.

Legs

If you can move your legs while sitting, there are some exercises you can do to strengthen the muscles and stretch them out. Doing leg exercises can also be a great way to strengthen your abdominal muscles, as you will need to use your core muscles to hold your back up straight during the movements.

Leg exercises

This exercise is done using a rubber band or a resistance band. Place your feet flat on the floor, hip width apart, and at 90 degree angle. Wrap the band around your legs and tie it just below the knee. Sit up straight and hold onto the edge of your seat as you begin to pulse your knees away from each other. Keep pulsing for 60 seconds, then rest for 15 seconds. Do this four times.

Flexibility

There are plenty of ways to increase flexibility even from a chair. Taking time to do stretches can be great for your body, and will help you to feel better overall.

Stretches

Sitting in your chair, hold both hands over your head. Grab your left wrist with your right hand, and lean to the right to stretch the left side of your body. Hold for a few breaths, then come back to the centre and do the same thing on the other side, holding your right wrist with your left hand.

You can also do some head rolls, simply rolling your head in a circle one way for a few seconds, and then reversing the circle to go the other way.

Here are some stretches that you can do in and out of your wheelchair. If you’re not in a wheelchair, you can still do many of these stretches sitting in a chair.

Yoga

Yoga is not only a great way to stretch and increase flexibility, it also helps to relax the body and the mind, reduce stress and anxiety, and boost your mood. Being in a wheelchair or having limited mobility doesn’t mean you can’t also do yoga.

Cardio

Cardio exercises are important for your overall health and wellbeing. When you do cardio, your heart rate increases, your breathing becomes heavy, and you will sweat. It helps to burn calories, strengthen your heart and lungs, and improves your metabolism. 

Try to exercise at an effort that still allows you to have a conversation (this is known as the Talk Test). If you are doing interval training, you can work a bit harder than this for short bouts with breaks in between.

Cardio exercises

If there’s a cardio exercise you think you might be interested in, find out if there’s an adapted version out there. For example, if you think you might like to take up boxing, contact a gym and ask if one of their trainers would be willing to work with you on an adapted version of boxing. You could even do a zumba class, following along with the arm and upper body movements while you sit in your chair. Think about what you might like to try, and find out if there are options available to you.

An arm ergometer can be a very good option if you are in a wheelchair, as it allows you to get your heart rate up by using your arms in a cycling motion and you might even be able to join a spinning class while using it.

Joining a club

If you are in a wheelchair, why not look into taking up a wheelchair sport? There are a number of sports you can take up with clubs across the country, including basketball, rugby, and even table tennis. Have a look at the wheelchair sports teams you can join in Ireland here.

Joining a gym

Do some research to find out if there is a wheelchair accessible gym near you. If the gym is accessible, it should include wheelchair accessible equipment such as resistance machines and cardio machines, and there should be staff members there trained to help you. The Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) have a gym with a range of equipment and a number of trained staff members. Find out more about the IWA Gym here.

Blind/vision impaired tennis is for blind or partially sighted people. It is played on a smaller court, with lower nets and using an audible ball so players can hear it bounce and being hit. The audible ball normally has a bell inside it. There are tactile markings on all the lines on the court, except the service box line, that players can feel with their feet. Depending on the player’s sight level they can have up to three bounces of the ball before they must return it back to their opponent.

In May 2018 Ireland hosted the World Blind Tennis Chamionship at Shankill Tennis Club, Dublin. 13 countries competed in the championships and the Irish time team came third in the medals after Britain and Mexico. The first blind/vi tennis team in Ireland was set up by Liam O’Donohoe, president of Lenister Tennis, at Shankill Tennis Club and since then teams have been set up in Cork, Sligo, Navan, Dundalk, Dublin( Shankill and DCU) and Belfast.

Blind/VI Tennis

Sight Classifications for Blind/VI Tennis

For more information on the sight classifications for blind/vi tennis click here. 

Rules of VI Tennis 

Bounces

In blind/vi tennis the ball is allowed to bounce multiple times depending on the players classification of visual impairment:

Volleying

When serving the ball all players must use the “ready” “yes” “play” procedure to allow their opponent know that they are about to serve the ball. They will ask their opponent if they are ready, confirm that they have replied “yes” and announce that they are about to begin play before serving. 

Court size and net height 

Depending on the players level of visual impairment the size of the court and the height of the net will change. For more information on the court dimensions and net height click here. 

Where can I play VI Tennis in Ireland? 

Blind/vi tennis groups currently run in Cork, Sligo, Navan, Dundalk, Dublin( Shankill and DCU) and Belfast.

If you are interested in finding out more you can call Liam O’Donohoe at the Shankill Tennis Club on 086 261 8931.

Below there is an information video on Blind/VI tennis classes in Ireland, created for Tennis Ireland by the RTÉ Nationwide programme.

For more information on Blind/VI tennis you can read an interview with blind tennis player Naqi Rizvi here. 

If you are looking to take up an exercise class but aren’t interested by the regular options which gyms offer there are other choices for you. Circus based exercise such as aerial dance and acrobatic classes helps to develop a strong core and overall body tone by learning different combinations of moves and athleticism while in the air. Classes will start at beginner level so if you do not feel you have the strength to take part don’t worry, most people can’t climb or pull when they first begin but this is built up over time.

What can be taught in an aerial class?

Verticals: Fabric & Rope (also known as tissu or silks or corde lisse)

This is a type of performance where one or more people perform aerial acrobatics while hanging from a specially made fabric or a rope. The performer climbs the fabric/rope, relying only on their training and skill to ensure safety. The fabric or rope is used to wrap, suspend, fall, swing, and spiral their bodies into and out of various positions.

Support: Trapeze / Hoop (also known as static trapeze and lyra)

This is a trapeze or hoop act where one or more performers move around the bar/hoop and ropes, performing a wide range of movements including balances, drops, hangs while the hoop itself stays generally still. The difficulty on a trapeze/hoop is making this look easy.

Doubles: Involves working on the apparatus as part of a duet

This can be done on vertical (fabric/rope) or support apparatus (trapeze/hoop). Two artists work together on the same apparatus to perform figures and bear each other’s weight. A lot of time is spent developing trust and confidence in the partnership.

Aerial Classes around Ireland

Taking Flight, Dublin

Taking Flight is an education and performance studio in Phibsborough, Dublin. They specialise in the teaching of Verticals (Fabric and rope) ,Supports (trapeze, hoop, cocoon) and Doubles. They offer classes across three levels; Explorer, Improver and Skilled. For more information on class times and pricing click here.

The Irish Aerial Creation Centre, Limerick

The Irish Aerial Creation Centre in Limerick offer classes in Fabric, Mixed Apparatus and Hoop and Trapeze. The classes are offered across Explorers, Improvers and Skilled levels. Click here for full information on classes and pricing.

Circus Factory Cork

Circus Factory is a community-based circus training and creation space in Cork. Their goal is to promote circus and street arts, and provide teaching for all ages and levels. Circus Factory offer weekly training session for all levels. The sessions include group warm-up, taster workshops and  time to play and skill-share. No experience required and classes run on Wednesdays from 7-9pm.

For full information on all classes and workshops click here.

Galway Community Circus

Galway Community Circus offer Adult Aerial courses which run for the duration of the term alongside their youth classes. The Adult Aerial courses are designed for people aged 18+ years. Classes are for explorer, improver and skilled level students.

They also run Senior Circus classes are for young people aged 15 to 20 years. These classes give participants a chance to learn a variety of circus skills. The areas of circus they focus on are balance, manipulation, acrobatics (including aerial) and performance.

For more information on classes, pricing and times click here.

When people think of racket sports, they often think of tennis. While tennis is one of the most popular forms of racket sport out there, it’s not the only option available.

Many racket sports require at least two players, but the number of players can sometimes be four. If you think you might like to take up a racket sport, try out a few of the options available and find the one that’s right for you.

Benefits to playing a racket sport

While there are different versions of racket sports you can play, many of these will have similar benefits.

Some of these benefits include:

5 racket sports in Ireland

Below are five of the most popular racket sports available to play in Ireland.

1. Badminton

Badminton is a sport played by either two or four players. It’s a bit like tennis, but the rackets are a different shape, and it uses a “shuttlecock” instead of a ball.

Badminton is played on a court with a net in the middle. It can be played by one player against another player (singles) or two players against two players (doubles). Points are scored by hitting the shuttlecock over the net, so it lands in your opponent’s court.

You can find a list of badminton clubs in Ireland here. If you’re a student, your school or college may also have badminton clubs.

2. Squash

Squash is a fast-paced sport that requires speed and agility, making it an exciting game. It involves hitting a small, hollow rubber ball against a wall in front of the players, rather than over a net like in other racket sports. The rackets and balls are also a different size. It can be played between two people (singles) or between four players (doubles).

There are lines on the wall and the floor to determine where you can stand and where the ball can and cannot hit. Learn more about how to play squash here and find places to play in Ireland.

If you can’t find a partner to join you, you can always take time to practice squash yourself once you have a ball and a wall, so this is something you could do solo too!

3. Racquetball

Racquetball is another popular sport available in Ireland. It is similar to squash in that it’s a fast-paced sport played by hitting a ball against a wall, but there are a few key differences. Aside from things like racket (or racquet) size and the type of ball used, one of the key differences in racquetball is that you can hit the ball off any wall, rather than just the wall in front.

Many people feel racquetball is less restrictive than squash, with more freedom around where you can stand and where you can hit the ball. The court size is also larger in racquetball.

You can learn more about racquetball and where to play in Ireland on the Racquetball Ireland website.

4. Tennis

Tennis is probably the most well-known out of all the racket sports out there. Using tennis rackets, players hit the tennis ball back and forth over the net in the middle of the court. Lines and boxes drawn onto the court determine where the player can stand at certain times during the match, and where the ball can land.

The aim in tennis is to hit the ball in a way that prevents your opponent from being able to hit it back after it has bounced once inside their side of the court. If your opponent fails to return the ball, after it has bounced, you will gain a point.

There are a number of tennis courts around Ireland. Find a tennis club to join here.

5. Table tennis

While table tennis might not be the first activity that comes to mind when thinking of racket sports, it is a sport. Players use paddles to hit a small, lightweight ball across a table. The table is divided by a net in the middle. Players must allow the ball to bounce once on their side of the table before they can hit it to return it back to the other player. If your opponent fails to return the ball, you gain a point.

Table tennis can be a fast and exciting game, requiring quick reflexes and concentration. Find a table tennis club near you through Table Tennis Ireland.

Running can have huge benefits for both physical fitness and mental health. It’s something that can be done alone, with a friend, or as part of a group or club. It’s also something you can fit into your own schedule, choosing a time that suits you best instead of having to be available at a certain time for a class.

There are lots of benefits to running, but sometimes it can be hard to know where to start. 

Benefits of taking up running

If you’re looking for a reason to start running, here are some of the benefits it can have:

How to get started with running

The hardest part about running can often just be showing up, especially when you’re new. If you’re planning on starting to run, or if you tried and found it was harder than you expected, here’s some advice to get you going, and to keep you going.

Start slowly

The best thing you can do is start slowly, and set a manageable distance. When you start out, begin with walking for a few minutes. Then introduce a few minutes of running, and switch back to walking. Continue to alternate between walking and running. Eventually, you can increase how long you spend running each time. Always start and end with walking.

The best way to use this method is to download the Couch to 5k app. This will guide you through the run/walk method each time you go out, and by the end of 9 weeks, you’ll be able to run 5k with no problem.

Setting goals

Setting goals is a great way to motivate yourself to get out for your run. When you’re starting out, make sure to make these goals manageable. If you have one big end goal, set smaller goals to reach before then to help you build up to it. Completing Couch to 5k is a good goal to begin with.

Signing up for races is also good way to stay focused on a goal. Begin with a 5k race and work your way up to longer distance races. You can also set a goal to finish within a certain timeframe, giving yourself more time to start off, and making it shorter as you continue to take part in races.

Warm up

It’s important to take the time to warm up before you break into a sprint. This can include walking for around 10 minutes before you start your run, or taking time before you start to stretch by doing lunges, stretching out your thigh muscles, and stretching your side muscles.

This is really important to avoid leg cramps or a stitch in your side, which will slow you down or bring your run to a halt completely.

Cooling down

Just as warming up is important before you start, cooling down is equally as important when your run is over. If you come to a sudden halt when you have reached your target, your body won’t have a chance to wind things down after working so hard to keep you going. Doing a cool-down gives your heart a chance to reach its normal tempo, your muscles can relax, and your breathing can go back to its normal rhythm.

As your run comes to an end, start to slow down the pace, and continue to slow until you are walking. Spend at least ten minutes walking after running, and try to also fit in some stretches.

Wear the right shoes

Wearing the right shoes when running is important. You might think any old pair will do, but your feet with thank you if you make sure to wear proper runners. Find a pair with good support that feel comfortable on your feet. Wear good, breathable socks – your feet will sweat and you want them to feel comfortable in your socks too.

What to eat

Your body needs the right food to keep you moving. You’ll want to eat something that’s got enough carbs and protein to give you energy, but try not to have a large meal. You don’t want to feel hungry going out there, but you don’t want to feel like you’re too full either.

A high-carb, high protein snack or light meal 1-2 hours before your run should be enough to keep you going. Something like toast with peanut butter and banana, a small bowl of porridge, or some yogurt and granola are good options.

Stay hydrated

It’s really important you are properly hydrated before, during, and after your run. Dehydration causes headaches, tiredness, and muscle cramps along with other, more serious problems.

Not only should you drink some water before you go out, it’s best if you can keep up your hydration levels throughout the week. Bring a water bottle with you on your run and drink whenever you’re thirsty. Continue to keep drinking water afterwards to avoid feeling dehydrated a few hours later.

Get motivated

Figure out what the best motivation is for you when it comes to going for your run. Doing something like creating a great playlist to listen to when you’re running can encourage you to get out there, and it also helps to keep you going. Other people find that joining a running group or having a friend to go running with is the best way they can make sure they’re going to do it. Find out what the motivation is for you.

Take rest days

Taking rest days is part of a healthy training schedule. When you run, your body is working hard from the top down, with different muscles and organs performing different jobs. Exercising causes body tissues to break down, and rest days gives your body time to recover. While running will make you stronger overall, if you overwork your body, it won’t have time to restore itself, and you’re more likely to get injured.

Know it gets easier

Starting to run is not always as simple as you might think. You might find after a few minutes into your first run that it’s more difficult than you expected. You will find it tough the first few times you get out there, but if you stick with it, you’ll notice improvements each time.

 

Taking a fitness class or going to the gym can be a great way to get exercise, but it can be very rewarding to get outside now and then and breath in the fresh air while you’re keeping fit.

Although the weather can be unpredictable in Ireland, there are plenty of activities you can do outdoors. Even in the rain, with the right clothes or equipment, there’s no reason why you can’t take part in an outdoor activity.

Outdoor activities in Ireland

Here are just some of the outdoor activities you can take up in Ireland.

Hiking

Hiking is a great way to get out in nature and appreciate some of the amazing views that Ireland has to offer. It helps to improve your fitness levels, boost your mood, and reduce stress and anxiety. There are places all across Ireland to explore, with easy trails for beginners and more strenuous trails for experienced hikers.

Learn how to get started with hiking here.

Orienteering

Orienteering involves finding your way from one point to another on foot, using only a map, a compass and your brains. Orienteering is usually done in the woods, hills or parks. There are pre-determined courses for you to follow, and you’ll get instructions on where you need to go, but it’s up to you to figure out how to get there.

This is a way to explore outdoors, visit new places, and have some fun, all while getting your exercise. Learn more about orienteering here.

Horse riding

It may not seem like it, but horse riding is a form of exercise, and a good way to get outside and explore an area. It’s a great way to improve balance, strengthen core muscles, and boost your mood.

There are centres around the country where you can take a horse riding lesson. Find your nearest centre here.

Kayaking or canoeing

Kayaking and canoeing are two different types of water sport, that involve rowing through water in small boats. Kayaking and canoeing are similar, but involve different types of boats and oars. It’s a great way to strengthen muscles, especially in your torso and legs, and reduce stress.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=qYG8uxnZqng%3Frel%3D0

Learn more about kayaking and canoeing here.

Cycling

Cycling is another great activity to get outside for a while, and can be a fun way to explore a new place. There are many parks and greenways around Ireland with protected bikeways, and this is a good option if you don’t have the confidence to cycle on the roads. It’s great for working your leg muscles and improving your overall fitness levels.

If you are going cycling, always wear a helmet, and make sure you have lights on your bike and a high-vis jacket.

Cycling doesn’t have to be something you do on your own. There are plenty of cycling clubs all around Ireland, and you can even take part in races if you have a competitive edge. Use the Cycling Ireland club locator map to find a club near you or google clubs in your area.

Running

Going for a run can also be an opportunity to spend time outside. You can run almost anywhere, but finding a park, beach, or quiet area means you can enjoy being in nature while getting your exercise. Running is an excellent way to get fit, and is great for boosting your mood too. It’s something you can do on your own or with a group, and there are also regular events around the country, like weekend park runs, that you can sign up for.

Learn how to get started with running here.

If you are a wheelchair user and would like to take up a sport the best option for you is to become a member of Irish Wheelchair Association -Sports. The IWA-Sports have a network of 21 sports clubs located around Ireland as well as a gym and currenlty employ approximately 2300 people around Ireland. IWA-Sports is primarily funded by Sports Ireland and is also largely supported by volunteers. IWA-Sports currently have basketball, rugby, swimming, archery, table-tennis, athletics, power-lifting and junior sports clubs around Ireland.

If you would like more information about joining the IWA-Sports you can contact their Regional Sports Development Officers here. 

Wheelchair Sports Clubs in Ireland

Basketball

Rugby

Multi-sport Junior Clubs (ages 5 to 17 ) 

Other Wheelchair Sport Clubs in Ireland 

Irish Wheelchair Association Gym Clontarf 

Irish Wheelchair Association Gym in Clontarf, North Dublin is open to IWA members, the general public and have special rates for students & older adults (65+). The gym accepts referrals through the HSE GP Referral programme, from physiotherapists and as follow-on out-patient referrals after cardiac rehab.

The majority of the gym equipment is fully accessible for wheelchair users with a wide range of equipment available for all areas of training (health, general fitness, sports performance etc.) & rehab.

If you would like to add a wheelchair sports club to this list please email us at [email protected].

So in the last few years there has been talks and thoughts about removing History as a compulsory subject. In my opinion, I think history should stay on the curriculum for the following reasons.

Learning from the past

How will we know how the world and society came to be what it is today? The world wouldn't be the same if certain events didn't happen. I have heard lots of people’s opinions and most of them are “It’s in the past, leave it there” or my favourite “you can’t change it.” While, that may be true, we can change the future. How would we know we're not going to make the same mistakes others have made if we’re not taught about it.

I’ve finished my Junior Cert year and don't have to worry about it as I am doing History as a leaving cert subject. But I do have two sisters who will be affected because if they don't choose History they will not have a clue how we got to where we are today.

Cultural amnesia

Another reason I think it’s important to keep history as a mandatory subject is that if we remove it we are creating a “cultural amnesia”. We will forget or may not understand our  culture, traditions, and history. History helps us understand the progress and changes (both good and bad) in society. What would machinery be like without the Industrial Revolution? What would art and architecture be like without the Renaissance? Learning about these can show us how humans have evolved and changed throughout time. Imagine what life would be like if society did not change. There would probably be no internet, no machinery, no appreciation for art or music etc. All of these advances are important to learn about and to appreciate how we got to where we are today.  

History helps you develop useful skills

You develop useful skills while studying History such as critical reasoning and analytical skills when looking at the causes and outcomes of past events. It can also help with developing your capacity for solving problems as you may be thinking about how someone could have done something differently in the past. You also learn to think for yourself because you need to do detailed research for your exams.

In the past I had thought that we should be taught something more useful than World War One and Two, but that was at the start of this year and since then my perspective has changed.

I think it’s important to keep History as a compulsory subject. I think we should at least do it for the Junior Cert cycle. Some people may then decide to drop it for the Leaving Cert but I think that would be a shame as you’d miss the opportunity to explore and learn about our shared past.

With tens of thousands of new students starting college this month, it’s understandable for many to freeze up at the difficulty of lecture slides, get lost along corridors, struggle to break the ice with person after person, and feel their consumption of coffee increase fivefold. Whether your next step after the Leaving Cert is a PLC, college or university course, it’s important to know that the transition from secondary school to higher levels can be tricky. A lot of us have been through these changes before, so we can help you if the going get tough.

At first, it may all seem overwhelming, but after a while, it gets easier. You’ll hopefully be in the swing of things in no time and see how great college is. By following a list of guides throughout my four undergrad years, I graduated successfully from a once overwhelming course, with good grades, new friends, and many pleasant memories.

Plenty of people and services to help you

No matter what’s on your mind – whether you have questions about college fees, had something personal happen at home which is stopping you from going to lectures or  assignments, want to opt in or out of certain modules, or simply just talk to somebody about your wellbeing – universities and colleges not only have helpful student information desks, friendly lecturers, heads of department and tutors, they also have student counselling services which normally free of charge. There are endless lists of students who attend counselling sessions for whatever reason, and can really benefit from the services.

Tutorials are extra classes or lectures given by more experienced students to help you understand the subjects ahead of assignments. Tutorials are popular for newer college students as you might not be used to researching or judging the course yourself. It’s in your best interests as first or second year students to go to tutorials, as tutors are aware of what style of questions comes up regularly on exams or in assignments. Attending tutorials is also a way of meeting fellow eager students, who may be willing to study with you or help you with assignments in future.

You can also check out your university/college website for older students who advertise themselves for grinds at reasonable rates.

Work life vs. college life

If you’re like me and will be holding down a part-time job as well, you’ll know it’s not easy. College can be extremely tough alone, never mind with the responsibility of bringing in an income on top of that. I can’t recommend quitting your job, or even reducing your hours, but sometimes speaking to your manager can be helpful.

For example, after talking about the stress I was under keeping up both my grades and my work hours, my manager and I reached the compromise of reducing the number of days I had to work, but increasing my hours for the days I came in. That way I had more evenings off to catch up with my assignments and spent less time commuting. If you speak to your manager and still feel overworked, speak to your personnel manager (if you have one), or a friendly colleague who may advise you or have more knowledge of your rights. In general employers can be very accommodating of students.

Preparation for concentration

Eating healthy, for me, was my college success. When I prepared my meals for the week on a Sunday morning, I could always expect a stress freeweek. When I skipped a weekend of preparation, the following week was never as easy. Meal prep meant saving money by avoiding spending ridiculous amounts on smaller portion sizes, unhealthy eating, and wasting time leaving campus to find healthier options. When I prepared my meals, it really helped helped with my study i.e. I spent more time in the library because my lunch breaks were shorter and I able to focus more during my lectures and labs because my healthy snacks were accessible and eaten right before I attended them.

Career fairs

For students who don’t have a work placement during their undergrad, sometimes your first encounters with employers is during college ‘career fairs.’ Whether you’re in the first or final year of your course, I’d really recommend going to these events. Speaking to recruiters face-to face is better than through email. Many companies attend these fairs, and a lot of companies welcome graduate applications from different courses. It was at the careers fair that I spoke to a recruitment consultant from my current employer, who guided me through the application stages which eventually led to me being hired straight out of college. By attending the fair, I also learned important skills for improving my LinkedIn and I was offered advice on which information to highlight most on the website to stand out from the crowd.

Perspectives always change

I remember not enjoying my undergrad course at all for the first few weeks; I found myself stuck in a general science course when I really only wanted to study journalism. After a lot of encouragement from family, friends and university staff, sticking with the general course ended up being the best thing for me as it allowed me to gradually discover my interests and end up focusing on what I’m very interested in – human anatomy. General courses are good because they leave you with arange of employment options and can lead to wide range of masters or postgraduate courses. The take home message is that at first, you may not think what you’re doing is for you, but I speak from experience when I say give it a chance and invest all that you can into it – you will be pleasantly surprised!

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