How to Get Through A Long Shift

I guarantee some people will have read the title wrong, haha! 

I work in a leisure centre, I work as a lifeguard/swimming teacher. That means I have to be on a hot poolside, sat by myself for a while watching people. I obviously don't just chill out but you get me. I also have to work in the bar sometimes when it can be extremely busy. I have to clean the changing rooms, fill the vending machines, clean up, set up parties, set up sporting activities. ETC. 

Drink Water

The temptation to drink fizzy drinks or coffee is real. I feel you. I worked a night shift, 10pm-6am and I had four cups of tea within like an hour, and I had a massive caffeine rush at 3am and had the shakes and I felt AWFUL. So just keep drinking that water, it'll keep you hydrated in a nice way.

Get a Good Night Sleep
Everyone laughs at me when I say I need a long night sleep, they think I'm like a puppy or baby or something. But if I have to get up at 5:30, I go to sleep at like half past 9/10. That gives me 8ish hours and I can focus a little more in the day. Believe me, there's nothing worse and getting in at like 12ish and being tipsy when you have to be in work at 6:15am... Trust.

Make a Good Lunch
There is nothing better than thinking "Yes, lunch break is in half an hour and I have the best food EVER." and then everyone else has food envy over your food. There is also nothing worse than thinking "Hm I mean it's alright.. oh my god your food looks incredible" and then watching someone devour their food in front of you. Honestly, sounds like a stupid idea but it works!!!

Have Something to Look Forward to
I always think it's something nice when you're sat in work bored to think "Aw well, i've got this later!" Even if it's just having a bath and some chocolate when you get home. always think of what you're going to do afterwards.

I've had this post in my drafts for so long to think of more tips but I just want to get this out there! Let me know if you want a part two. :)

It's Okay Not To Have A Plan

This year I have already made big decisions. I've made the decision to apply for University and leave my full time job. I haven't left it yet, I'm waiting to hear back from the places I've applied and then I will be leaving in September to go. But the main post of this post is,

IT'S OKAY NOT TO HAVE A PLAN.

I'm a 20 year old girl, I like things that normal 20 year olds like, partying, sleeping, going out for food. But when I was in my final year of sixth form, and it was the time that everyone went on our own little journeys. I was the 'deviant' one, shall we say. In my school, everyone went to university. They'd enforce it, most likely for the reputation of the school. But only about three of us, left school to go to jobs. In my friendship group, all went to University, all studying different things. Bar me and a close friend. She went to college instead. I was the only one not applying for university.

At the time, I panicked. I just didn't know what I wanted to do, I was living in the moment and not thinking about the future when I should've been. I went to work full time, where I before worked part time. I'm a lifeguard and swimming teacher, so it's not a bad job. There were a lot of shifts to be covered, it just worked.

I don't regret not going to University at the time, because I didn't know what I truly wanted. But, I wish I did a bit of forward thinking. My parents said they were never worried because they knew I'd go eventually.

It's not essential to go, unless you want to go into Medical. (Hint Hint, I'm applying for a Healthcare profession) So please, don't panic if you're like 18 year old Katie. My friends are much older than me and they are now wondering what to do with their lives. We find out what we want to do when it comes to us, regardless of our ages. Heck, I know 40+ year olds changing profession.

I've had a good two years out of education, I did a lot. I grew a lot. The pictures I've included are all from my school days, I do miss them a lot, but it's time to embrace the next chapter!

5 Things to Help You Stick to the Gym

As I've been the member of the same gym since I was 13, and I'm 20, I feel as if I am rather experienced in the gym world. The fact I'm a Gym Instructor helps aswell really doesn't it? Now it's the start of the year when most people start saying "This is the year I'll get fit!" They go to the gym once or twice, put an Instagram picture of their new trainers and then they're back to not exercising and watching Netflix. Don't deny it, we've all been there! I've discovered things that do and don't work when it comes to exercising and I figured I'd share them with you. 

1. Get a Work Out Buddy!

I love going on a Monday morning with my best friend, Georg! She picks me up at an early time because she has University at 1pm, and then we'll head straight to the gym. It's so good to go with a friend for a longer session, I tend to go more than once a week but my long session is always with Georg. What's better than a catch up over a treadmill?

2. Work Out in the Morning

Following on from my last point when I said I go to the gym Monday Morning, I love to go on Mondays in general. I get up, get ready and go. I instantly feel like my day has been productive and it sets a good mood for the rest of the day, whats better than that?

3. Treat Yourself to New Gear

I always say to people starting the gym, it's always worth buying a decent pair of trainers. The amount of money you spend constantly having to repurchase ones from Primark, you could've paid for a decent pair from Nike. They're made particularly for training, it will benefit you! I always find that if I buy new gear, I want to go to the gym and show it all off. Today my new trainers came, I went to the gym a couple of hours later!

4. Get a Decent Nights Sleep

I get it, it's 2am, you've just finished the last chocolate in the box, and you're about to press play on another TV show episode. But, what if you plan to go to the gym that very next day? I can guarantee you, you will hate hearing that alarm even more. Drink a glass of water, get to sleep and you'll wake up wanting to squat! 

5. Make a GREAT Playlist 

There is nothing worse than scrolling through your phone and just seeing songs like "Daniel Merriweather-Bad Day" start playing. (This happened to me today!) Make a playlist in advance of songs that you know you will work that little bit harder for. Beyonce, Little Mix and Justin Bieber are some great artists I listen to, to get me moving. Alternatively, my gym has WiFi, so I leave all the videos in my subscription box until I get there, I can get there do what I'd usually be led in bed doing, on an exercise machine!

I hope these things come of use to you, some of them are kind of obvious and raved about. There is a reason for that, it works. Remember, exercise can be done in many other different ways to the gym and even walking to work, rather than driving, can massively benefit you! 

See you soon!