All posts by Peter Andrews

Lifestyle, Uncategorized, Wellbeing

Are Smart devices truly making us less smart???

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TECHNOLOGY

ARE SMART DEVICES TRULY MAKING US LESS SMART??

6th APRIL 2025 / LILIA MCPHEE/ LEAVE A COMMENT

The use of technology has grown massively over the past decade. Did you know that over 90% of the global population own at least one smart device? It’s no surprise really considering how fast innovation is moving. These smart devices we own like our mobile phones , smart watches and even smart fridges are designed to make our life more simple , faster and bring us more connected to one another.

But here lies the big questions … are these smart devices the downfall for us as humans? making us lazy , distracted and less capable to think for ourselves.

Credit: Eli Savage, Staff Illustrator

In this blog we will focus  in on the ups and downs of the digital world , the impact it has posed on human intelligence and what can be done to reverse the negative side effects that have come from the use of these devices.

How smart devices have evolved us in a positive way 📈

Advancements in technology which has led to the reign of smart devices has really helped evolve the world . Below are three key areas in which they have enhanced human capability.

  • Instant information ℹ️ – The use of the Internet and AI access has helped humans to gain information in lightning speed . Speeding up processes such as gathering information for assignments, work projects or just general knowledge.

 

  • Connection globally 🌍  – Having facilities like FaceTime , Skype and social media has helped people to stay connected wherever and no matter the distance.

 

  • Safety and awareness⚠️ –  Innovations in smart technology gave improved safety for the public. For example, phones can now detect earthquakes , send weather alerts and track  a persons location via apps like life360. Having these facilities has helped to keep people safer and spread word of danger in a more efficient way.

Although while this may all sound like sunshine and rainbows there are big issues that have followed from these smart devices….

The Dark side  📉

Some of the key negatives of using these smart devices are…

  • Dependency 🤖 – With frequent use of these smart devices people have forgot how to think for themselves which is a result from having access to pretty much anything at your fingertips. For example, google and now the likes of chatGPT and Microsoft Copilot can answer questions at a fast pace. This has also been proven to have effects on users memory and retention from these new tools and features on smart devices people no long feel the need to hold so much information or remember it like they used to.

🧠 would you say you rely too much on your devices for simple information that you already know but you are  just too lazy to retain this information?

  • Attention span 🚨 – Humans attention span has lowered dramatically over the last decade as a result of technology and social media in the 2000 it was recorded that the average attention span for an adult was 12 seconds however it recent years it has fallen to 8.25 seconds being lower than a goldfish at 9 seconds.

🧪 Why not find out your own individual attention span through The attention span test . 

  • Losing our ability to think critically 💭 –  we often accept the first thing we see as a fact falling victim to things we hear and see on our smart devices , like social media and scare mongering from fake news shared online through our smart devices.

“Personally,  I relate with the issues touched on above having grown up with smart devices myself. They’ve been both a blessing and a drawback in various aspects of life. Looking back on my childhood, one of my first smart devices was a Nintendo DS. I believe this hindered with my ability to socialise with others during a crucial stage of development as a young person which is something that has followed me into my adult life”.

Watch this short video to see another person’s take on the decline smart devices are having on  us…

Source: YouTube,  CBS Sunday Morning

Mental and physical health decline

Despite making us less smart it also has detrimental impacts on a person health both physically and mentally through sleep , anxiety and social aspects read here for more.

Credit: Aesthetic Apparatus

What can we do?

so how can we reverse these effects before it’s too late ..

  • Designated No tech time 📵
  • Set Screen time limits ⏰
  • Create designated Tech free areas in your living spaces like  bedrooms and dinner tables while eating. This can help with sleep and being present in the moment rather than having the distraction of your phone , laptop, tv and social media. 🧘‍♀️

All these practices are a form of digital detox and mindfulness take a further look into what this really means for you and the benefits of this bellow .

source: YouTube, Bupa Health 

Final thoughts …

Mokokoma Mokhonoana once said…

“Some devices are smart, unlike their owners.”

― Mokokoma Mokhonoana

Let’s change this….

Finding a smart way of using your digital devices could be the reinvention of the smarter YOU 🫵. Remember that when you next go to grab them!

The development in these smart devices has advanced us but this has come with implications on the way we think. The goal is not to fall backwards but instead implement balance by becoming more aware of these issues and work smarter around them.

So the real question isn’t are smart devices making us less smart as a matter of fact its can we outsmart our smart devices?

Striking a healthy balance of using these devices to enhance and not replace our thinking we really can have the best of both worlds.

Credit: Verywell , Laura Porter

As we come to the end of this why not challenge yourself to a full hour today completely tech free and with that, I mean Everything…. Use this time to reconnect with the real world through tasks like reading , drawing , going for a walk or having a genuine face to face conversation with someone.

Then reflect… and ask yourself….

  • Did you feel more focused ? 🧠
  • Would you do this again? 🔁
  • Were you tempted in any way to pick up your phone or any other smart device? 🤳

Leave a comment and share this experience! If you participated in something different from the suggestions above let others know in the comments with the hopes to inspire ideas for future tech free hours.  And if you completed the attention span test go ahead and compare your scores bellow.

 

 

 

Home, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Study Tips, Wellbeing

The £20 Meal Plan: How Students Can Eat Healthy on a Budget

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Posted by Olivia Gregory

Lets be real – university life is expensive. Between textbooks, rent, social nights and the occasional cheeky takeaway, budgeting becomes an extreme sport. Add trying to eat healthy on top of that? You might feel like it’s impossible. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to sacrifice your health to stick to a student budget.

Why Nutrition Matters for Students

University life can be demanding – a whirlwind of lectures, deadlines, social events and part-time jobs. Amid all this, it’s easy to underestimate the importance of eating well. Research consistently shows that good nutrition is directly linked to academic performance, mental health and physical well-being – all of which are vital for student success.

Nutrition Supports:

  • Cognitive Performance: The brain consumes about 20% of the body’s energy, so it’s no surprise that what you eat affects how well you think (Gómez-Pinilla, 2008).
  • Mental Health: Eating high-quality food nourishes the brain and protects it from oxidative stress (Selhub, 2022).
  • Energy and Physical Health: Students who regularly skip meals or rely heavily on takeaways often experience irregular energy levels, poor sleep, and a higher chance of illness (Pengpid and Peltzer, 2020).

Long days of lectures, commutes or part-time jobs demand physical stamina. Nutrient-rich foods help (NHS Health Scotland, 2023):

  • Stabilise blood sugar, reducing energy crashes.
  • Support immune health, reducing the risk of illness after freshers week!
  • Improve sleep quality, which is essential for memory consolidation

Perhaps most importantly, university is often the first time students take full control of their own diet. The habits you form now can last into adulthood, influencing your long-term health, risk of chronic disease and relationship with food.

The £20 Breakdown:

Estimated prices based on Lidl UK (2023):

CategoryItem ExamplesApproximate Cost
Grains & CarbsOats (£1.25), Pasta (£0.75), Rice (£1.29), Bread (£0.79), Frozen Jacket potatoes (4-pack-£1.25)£5.33
Protein SourcesBananas (£1), Apples (£1.25), Frozen Veg (£1.65), Tinned Tomatoes (2x £0.40)£4.70
Fruit & Veg6 Eggs (£1.29), Tinned Chickpeas (2x £0.40), Greek Yoghurt (£1.69), Chicken Thighs (500g – £2.49), Minced Beef (500g – £2.79)£9.05
Pantry StaplesPeanut Butter (£1.29), Oil (£1.25), Baked Beans (2x £0.40), Spices (£1)£3.94
Total £22.32

Note: While this slightly exceeds the £20 goal by £2, you can bring it back under budget by:

  • Swapping Greek yoghurt for a cheaper plain yoghurt.
  • Buying smaller meat portions or skipping mince.
  • Dropping optional extras like peanut butter.

Sample 3 – Day Meal Plan

Here’s a realistic, easy-to-cook plan for students:

Day 1:

Breakfast: Overnight oats with banana and peanut butter.

Lunch: Boil pasta and mix with tinned chickpeas and tomatoes. Add garlic or mixed herbs.

Dinner: Pan-fry chicken thighs with oil, garlic and herbs, serve with rice and veg.

Picture Source: (PixaBay, 2016)

Day 2:

Breakfast: Greek yoghurt with chopped apple and cinnamon.

Lunch: Use leftover chicken and rice in a wrap or with bread.

Dinner: Beef mince stir-fry. Cook mince beef with frozen veg and soy sauce or paprika. Serve with rice or pasta.

Picture Source: (PixaBay, 2016b)

Day 3:

Breakfast: Peanut butter toast with banana.

Lunch: Veggie omelette with toast. Just 2 eggs + frozen veg = power lunch.

Dinner: Jacket potato with baked beans and cheese (optional).

Picture Source: (PixaBay, 2020)

Best Places to Shop for Students

  • Lidl or Aldi – Budget-friendly staples and meat.
  • Tesco Everyday Value / Asda Smart Price – Affordable store brands.
  • Local Markets – Cheap fruit and veg (especially near closing time).
  • Pound Shops / Home Bargains – Good for spices, kitchen tools or tinned goods.

Tip: Sign up to loyalty cards (e.g., Tesco Clubcard) for more deals and always bring your own carrier bags!

Save More with Meal Prep & Smart Swaps

Meal Prep Tips:

Plan Ahead: Know what you’re eating before you’re starving.

Batch Cook: Make dinner, save half for lunch the next day.

Freeze Leftovers: Works well with pasta, curry, soup and rice.

Picture Source: (Dreamdecko, 2025).

Ingredient Swaps:

  • Use lentils to bulk out mince.
  • No lentils? Use chickpeas or beans.
  • Alternate meat days with plant-based protein like eggs or beans.
  • Buy cheaper cuts like drumsticks or chicken thighs.

Cooking doesn’t need to be perfect – it just needs to work for you.

Bonus: Mindful Eating = Better Living

It’s not just about eating cheap – it’s about feeling better. Cooking your own meals:

  • Reduces stress
  • Helps you focus
  • Saves you money
  • Builds confidence

If you can prep a week’s worth of healthy food for £20 now, imagine what you can do with a full-time salary later.

Tip: Try pairing your meals with a short walk, water bottle refills, and decent sleep. Small Changes = Big Wins!

Student Voices

“Meal prepping saved me at least £15 a week compared to eating out! Now I find it easier to save money to spend on things I enjoy”

– Josh, 2nd Year Psychology Student

“I Stopped skipping meals once I knew I had food ready in the fridge. Meal prepping helped me become more organised and less stressed”

– Amelia, Final Year Nursing Student

“I used to skip breakfast to save time and money, but once I started prepping overnight oats, I noticed I had more energy for my 9am lectures”

– Cameron, Third Year Physio Student

Try this £20 Meal Plan This Week!

Want to see how far your food budget can stretch? Try this 3-day plan and tag your creations with #StudentFuelChallenge. Let’s normalise healthy eating on a student budget.

Question for the readers: What’s your go-to cheap and healthy meal at uni? Drop it in the comments below!

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Read More!

Student recipes | Good Food: The £20 Meal Plan: How Students Can Eat Healthy on a BudgetMeditation and Sleep Made Simple – Headspace: The £20 Meal Plan: How Students Can Eat Healthy on a BudgetSave the Student – Student Money, Discounts and Jobs: The £20 Meal Plan: How Students Can Eat Healthy on a Budget
Fitness, Wellbeing

Stronger mind stronger body, the power of the gym.

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Have you ever thought about why so many people go to the gym?

 

I have, the gym is a safe place for people to work out their stress from the day and clear their mind. While going you become stronger physically and it also helps your mind become stronger which is a hidden side effect. It can help you if you are a student working on essays or if you have a job and working and need some mental rest and the gym can be your sanctuary.

The hidden bonus of the gym

When we first think about the gym you think about like bodybuilders or influencers. While these are great outlooks for going there are other benefits to going to the gym.

There are physical benefits that get attention and noticeable to others, but the mental health benefits need attention as well, because this gets overlooked.

When exercising you brain is working to the same level you are. According to Dr Wendy Suzuki “Exercise is the most transformative thing you can do for your brain today”. Dr Wendy Suzuki is a neuroscientist at New York University.

In a world where anxiety and burnout are on the rise. The gym has now become more than just a place to build muscles, it is becoming a tool for mental clarity, and daily stress relief. When you become stronger so does your mind.

 

Personal experience

So, my own personal experience in the gym was that when I was younger, I chased the gym to get fitter and personally look better, so was chasing a better look and not a better mental state. Then after a few weeks of going to the gym I was able to sleep better, my mental clarity was better and when in a stress environment like exams I was able to think clearer. This was a huge help when it was in exam season with all of the stress of grades and getting into university or getting into 6 forms.

Now gym for me personal has now become less able achieving abs but feeling strong mentally and physically whilst looking better.

Why it all works – The science behind the sweat

So, the reasoning and science behind how it make us feel so good is that it goes down to the fundamentals like the brain chemistry and biology.

Research 

According to different clinical research it shows that a 30 minute exercise 3 times a week can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. That would lead to helping improve mental strength.

A psychiatry study has found that if you exercise regularly it can reduce you bad mental health days by 43%. 


The endorphins and chemicals

When exercising the brain realises natural chemicals which effect the body in a positive way. The hormones that are released are dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is also knowns as noradrenaline. These are all neurotransmitters that affect the body mood, attention span and its motivation.

Minimising stress hormones

The main stress hormone is cortisol, and when you do any physical activity, it helps minimise it. So regular workouts means that it trains your body to be more effective at handling any pressure or stress that you endure.

Growing your brain

Sound impossible right? To grow more brain cells but it is completely possible. To achieve this all that is needed to do is aerobic exercises. Examples of this is cycling, running, swimming these are only a few examples that will help grow some new brain cells within the hippocampus.

The hippocampus is part of the brain that controls the memory and learning.

There are also some studies that show that regular workouts can improve memory and cognitive function over time.

The way it makes you sleep better

Sleep and your mental state are closely related, because when you sleep it processes your memories from the short term to the long-term storage.

Working out is one of the most effective way of getting the best sleep naturally. This would mean that deeper sleep and better-quality rest would mean clearer thinking and a better mood. The best rest would also lead to not burning out.

Boots focus and eliminates brain fog

After a workout you get a post-workout clarity, or I personally do.

When exercising it increases your heart rate which elevates blood flow, this leads to more blood flow around the brain which increases your focus and will improves your reaction time.

All of these would improve your ability to make decisions which especially helps in high pressure situations like work deadlines and exams.

Video

Below is a video on more for the brain chemistry and how exercise will help your mental well being.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFbeFLLJbWo

Challenge yourself

You have now read some science of it, you have heard my story, so now it is your turn. It doesn’t matter if you have never been to the gym or getting back into the routine of the gym. Just what you need to remember and keep in mind everything you do regardless of if it is running or weights is investing in your mental heal and mental strength, and not just your muscles.

So, just start with half an hour a few times a week, even just walking for 30 minutes. After than you will definitely notice how you sleep, think, feel, and act different. Remember you don’t have to train for perfection just improvements.

Your brain will thank you in the end remember.

Summarise

To summarise this blog the gym isn’t just for muscles it’s a tool to increase your mind. Then regular exercise releases feel-good chemicals like endorphins and dopamine, reduces stress, and increases new brain cell growth. It improves your sleep which makes your memory increase and boost your mental health and wellbeing. So regardless of why you’re going to the gym whether you’re dealing with stress, brain fog, movement is going to be your medicine.

Make your goal feel strong mentally and physically.

Please leave a comment below about your thoughts of the blog, and if any of it helped.

 

Travel, Uncategorized

Saving the world, one flight at a time

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Leave a comment at the end!

Source: Unsplash.com

If you’re like me, then you’re starting to find it hard to justify getting on a plane and jetting off on holiday with the current eco-crisis. This blog is here to help put your mind at ease, so you can go away and enjoy your time guilt-free. It will highlight the most eco-friendly airlines right now and show you what companies are doing to make air travel more sustainable—helping you do your part to save the world for the future.

The problem

 

Source: Statista

 

Traditional airlines have been under scrutiny for carbon emissions with the global warming effect becoming a serious issue. Currently, the aviation industry is responsible for 2-3% of global Co2 emissions and with the rise in popularity of air travel across the world this figure is only set to grow. There are however a few airlines who are taking this issue upon themselves and finding solutions.

Source: Unsplash.com

 

Meet the airlines

The most eco-friendly airline in the world is United Airlines, the American company primarily offers flights from major American cities to major European cities. Their CEO claims “We’re embracing a new goal to be 100% green by 2050 by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions by 100%” without relying on carbon offsets, the first in the world. It looks like they are on the right track, in 2024 the airline invested $200m into start ups trying to decarbonise air travel. If you are interested in flights to the states then consider this airline. Here is a direct link to their website: https://www.united.com/en-gb/flights-from-united-kingdom.

Here is a video that goes more in depth on United Airlines efforts:

https://youtu.be/BcLcyo21NIo

 

If you’re in the UK then you would like an airline close to home. Luckily for us British Airways also makes efforts to make their airline more eco-friendly. The global airline runs an initiative called BA Better World which highlights their roadmap on how to become net 0 by 2050. Additionally, they aim to reduce cabin waster, become more fuel efficient and are investing into a biofuel plant. British airways flights can be discovered here: https://www.britishairways.com/travel/home/public/en_gb/ .

Here is a video that goes more in depth on British Airways efforts:

https://youtu.be/DQhlijmZ5dI

 

What does the future look like?

Source: Unsplash.com

As we can see, there are measures being taken to reduce carbon emissions—but what about completely new approaches? Eco-conscious travellers should keep an eye on ODYS Aviation. ODYS are developing technologies that not only produce 0% emissions but also increase air travel efficiency. Innovative VTOL (vertical take off) technology is being used on commercial passenger jets for the first time, eliminating the need for runways and the vehicles required for taxiing and monitoring take offs and landings. This company can already replace 52% of current US domestic air routes and many more globally, handling both regional and international flights. Furthermore, without needing a runway, these flights can land in more places than conventional airlines, better connecting communities.

Leave a comment to tell me where you’re flying off to with these airlines!

Saving the world, one flight at a time
The problem
Meet the airlines
What does the future look like?
Fitness

Attention Athletes! Real Life Super Soldier Serum?

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Make sure to leave a comment at the end!

How athletes can produce super human performances:

Source: Dreamstime

What if I told you there’s a legal super soldier serum for athletes? You’d probably think it’s a steroid or some made-up scam, right? But actually, there’s a supplement—heavily tested and already naturally made in your body—that boosts performance… just by drinking more water! Sounds good, right? Keep reading to learn more.

So, what is the secret?

The wait is over—say hello to creatine! It’s a natural compound your body makes in small doses to fuel your muscles during intense workouts or heavy lifting. You can get a bit from fish and red meat but for peak performance, supplements are best. It’s actually “One of the most heavily researched supplements around” so there is no need to stress about side effects. Creatine’s job is to help your body make more adenosine triphosphate (ATP)—the stuff your cells use for energy. When you’re doing short, explosive exercise, your ATP runs out quickly and that’s when you feel fatigued. Taking creatine boosts your phosphocreatine stores, letting you hold more ATP and regain it faster. I’ve used it in my own training, in boxing and weightlifting lifting and it’s helped me build strength and size without the unwanted fat. The recommended dosage is 20g a day for 4–7 days to load up, then 3g daily to keep levels steady. Since creatine pulls water into your muscles, it’s important to drink more water to stay hydrated and avoid cramps or bloating. Creatine also comes in the form of gummies and tablets for convenience. If you’re into the good science stuff like amino acids and formulas then check this out: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/586.

Source: Unsplash.com

Benefits

Creatine is most popular for building muscle strength and size so athletes and lifters who use it can gain between 5% and 30% more strength and muscle than those who don’t. It’s great for bodybuilding and powerlifting, but it’s not just for those sports, creatine also boosts performance in Sprinting, CrossFit, and any sports with short bursts of energy. Plus, research shows it helps reduce muscle damage after workouts, speeding up recovery and lowering the risk of injury. But creatine isn’t just for muscles—it’s good for the brain too. Since the brain also needs ATP, creatine can help with mental fatigue, sleep deprivation, and interestingly to support brain health in conditions like Parkinson’s.

Source: Shopify.com              Source: Unsplash.com

Any risks?

There are no medical risks for healthy individuals taking creatine. Individuals with kidney problems should consult a doctor before taking the supplement as they should before taking any supplements. The only real drawback of creatine for athletes is the temporary increase in weight which can be an issue in sports with weight categories.

Source: Unsplash.com

Conclusion

I think a great new idea to experiment with creatine is in its delivery system. Developing a wearable patch that delivers micro-doses in response to your bodies needs would be great for athletes performances and eliminate risks such as forgetting to take the supplement. What do you think to this idea? Let me know in the comments!

To end, if you are looking to easily improve your athletic performance, creatine is the super soldier serum for you! Try it now!

Attention Athletes! Real Life Super Soldier Serum?
So, what is the secret?
Benefits
Any risks?
Conclusion
Study Tips, Wellbeing

Master Your Studies: Essential Tips for Success at Hull University

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Have you been thinking about studying Business, Marketing, or Digital Marketing at the University of Hull? This blog will give you essential study tips to ensure your success during your studies. Whether you’re just starting your undergraduate journey or coming back for a master’s, this is your one-stop guide on creating positive study habits for success at Hull. Did you know that around 20% of students are distracted while trying to study? (Walck-Shannon, Rowell and Frey, 2021) If this sounds like you, then look no further.. As a second-year marketing student at Hull University, I’m sharing the best study tips that I didn’t know before starting university, so I’m giving them to you to make sure you are ahead of the game.

Why Choose Hull?

Hull offers students excellent academic support through lecturers, the Hubble portal, and the library team. (University of Hull, n.d.). As well as this, the City of Culture 2017 offers affordable living for students while offering a city packed with culture and opportunities. Fun Fact: Hull is ranked the 12th cheapest student city by The Times (Bhardwa, 2017).

  1. Plan Your Study Schedule Early

Uni Life is busy from lectures to assignments to social events and even work, planning is essential to avoid drowning under the pressure of work. A great way to create a schedule is by using planners such as Google Calendar or Microsoft Excel, as these help keep you afloat and under control.

Personal Tip: I break down big assignments into smaller tasks and take regular breaks, as it helps the work feel less daunting and a chore to get started with.

2. Make use of the University’s Study Resources 

The Brymor Jones Library is much more than any old Library, with a dedicated skills team and the social seventh floor as well as all the books you could dream of. But that’s not just it, the Library website has access to dozens of databases to support your studies.

3. Find your Ideal Study Space

Everybody studies differently; it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. What may work for somebody else may not work for you. At the University of Hull and the surrounding areas, there are many different environments to test your perfect study atmosphere.

4. Manage Your Time Like a Pro

I know from experience that uni deadlines come up fast, so you need to develop good time management skills so you can stay ahead of the game. These skills are essential as they can be transferred into careers post graduation.

Recommended methods

Pomodoro Technique- Work for 25 minutes- break for 5- (Learn  more – watch this quick video).

Use apps that lock your phone to keep focus ( Forest).

Set Weekly Goals for work you need to complete.

5.  Work With Your Classmates

As a second-year student, I can tell you that group work is common across all business-based courses. You will need to develop teamwork skills as these are essential to come out with good grades. Here are some opportunities to develop them.

Joins HUBS ( Hull Uni Business Society)

Attend Hull uni HEY! Marketing ran events

Collaborate on assignments and share lecture notes.

Personal Experience: Once you break the ice with your group members, you can end up with a tight-knit group of friends.

6. Look After Your Physical and Mental Health

Academic success comes from more than just studying. Keeping healthy is essential.

The University of Hull has the Allam Sports Centre, which features a state-of-the-art gym and numerous courts to play sports on.

For mental health, practice mindfulness with apps such as Headspace or Calm.

As well as this, Sleep, nutrition, exercise and resting time are just as important as your deadlines.

Personal Tip: If you feel yourself getting stressed out or mentally fatigued from work, go to the gym to let off some steam and feel refreshed.

7. Use Technology to Your Advantage

As a marketing student, I quickly learned how powerful digital tools can be. There are many different tools that you can use, you may not know where to start so I have listed the ones I use the most.

Grammarly– this can help polish your assignments by improving grammar and flow, as well as suggesting different words to use.

Chatgpt- this AI chatbot can help you start your long essays by giving you key ideas that you could develop in your work. As well as this, it can help rewrite parts that don’t make sense or suggest things that could be better.

MyBib– This tool is a reference generator, essential for getting references correct.

Five Useful Apps For Students!

1. Notion– Good for keeping all your notes in one Place- Free (Save the Student, 2024)

2. Simple Mind– Good for organising your Thoughts through mindmaps- Free (Save the Student, 2024)

3. AppBlock– Good for staying focused when you’re trying to study- Free (Save the Student, 2024)

4. Microsoft 365– Good for accessing your work anywhere across multiple devices- Free with uni office accounts(Save the Student, 2024)

5. Google Calendar– Good for planning study schedules- Free

 

Final Thoughts: Success Starts Now!

Studying at the University of Hull is a fantastic opportunity to build not only your specialised skills for your degree, but you will also grow your confidence, independence, and career skills!

Here’s a small infographic summarising some of the tips I have discussed in this blog. Generated by (ChatGPT,2025)

By following my essential guide for surviving university, you will be planning, making use of resources, staying healthy, and using technology, you’ll be ahead of the game and be on track for success in your Business, Marketing or Digital Marketing degree.

Call to Action

Are you a Hull Student or perhaps a student across the UK with your study hack?

Don’t be a gatekeeper- Drop a comment below and share your best tips!

Do you want to swap and learn other people’s study strategies or connect with fellow UK Students? Add me on LinkedIn– Let’s build a network of support.

We Thrive Off Your Feedback

Was this blog helpful? Got a tip I missed and you want to share it?

Please leave a Comment below- your feedback leads to greater quality blogs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uncategorized

5 Fun Ways to Get Fit Without a Gym

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Whilst a gym is a great place to work out, it’s not always the easiest or cheapest option for everyone. However, when it comes to exercising from home, it can be almost impossible to motivate yourself. At Exercise.co.uk, we believe that being creative whilst getting fit is a key factor in inspiring you to keep working out.

So we will be looking at these 5 fun ways to get fit without a gym!

Want to skip ahead? Jump to the specific part below:

  1. Skipping
  2. Hula Hooping
  3. Dancing
  4. Trampolining
  5. Try a Sport

Skipping

Skipping is a fun and straightforward exercise that comes with numerous benefits. It is a great way to get into home workouts and is easily personalised to what you need. Skipping allows you to set the pace and work at your own level, but will also become easier with practise. Eventually, once it is part of your routine, you can begin to change speeds, include tricks, and even make fun routines to your favourite workout songs. If you are looking for a tougher workout, be sure to purchase a weighted skipping rope for a more intense burn.

It is not only fun to skip rope, but it also comes with many health benefits. Skipping can burn as many as 1,600 calories in just an hour and is a great alternative to running or jogging. It is also categorised as a cardio exercise which includes a great number of advantages such as heart and lung health.

For more information on cardio exercise, check out our article The Benefits of Cardio Exercise.

Hula Hooping

Hula hooping is another fun and easy exercise that can be done from home. Not only does it help burn calories, this exercise focuses on the core muscles, resulting in less abdominal fat and a toned stomach. It’s a great way to not only stay fit, but also includes other benefits such as a healthier heart and lungs, improves balance and helps the immune system.

However, hula hooping is not just about the health benefits. With some upbeat music on, it can be easy to complete a fun workout  that incorporates creative routines and changes of pace.

In order to get the full effect on how fun hula hooping can be, it’s important to make sure you have the right music playing, so be sure to check out our article on How to Make the Best Exercise Playlist. 

Dancing

Dancing is one of the most fun ways to stay healthy. To incorporate it into your routine does not necessarily mean you need to join a dance class, unless, of course, you want to. However, with new interactive apps and websites it is now easy to get the most out of dancing!

YouTube has a variety of guided dance workouts available, therefore if there is anything specific in mind you wish to incorporate, for example, a favourite musician or album you like to workout to, there is a strong chance there is a video perfect for you. To search for some fun dance videos be sure to include key phrases such as:

  • 20 min dance workout
  • Dance workout for beginners 
  • Dance workout full body no equipment

If you are not a fan of YouTube, there are many apps that provide a visual guided workout experience. Whilst not all fitness apps include dance routines, many still incorporate fun workouts and can be very beneficial when trying to stay fit without a gym. 

If you would like to see our favourite exercise apps, make sure to check our list of Fitness Apps That Can Make Exercising at Home Easier.

Trampolining

Trampolining is a great and easy way to stay fit and with an indoor trampoline, this can be achieved at home. It can quickly get your pulse racing and is great for those just beginning their workout journey without a gym.

Working out on a trampoline focuses on your leg muscles however, different moves can be incorporated into your workout to make sure the full body receives attention. An indoor trampoline also includes the ability to start with low impact exercises so you can warm up to a high intensity workout. You can get started and see the progress for yourself with our Marcy Fitness Trampoline here.

For a more guided tutorial on how to use an indoor trampoline, check out our 5 Exercises You Can Do On a Trampoline to get the most out of your workout.  

 

Try a Sport

If you struggle to motivate yourself, finding a sport you enjoy is a great way to stay on track, especially if you are a competitive person.  Playing a sport helps you commit to a fitness routine and makes sure you get your active hours in during the week. However, sport is also beneficial because you can get fit and stay healthy whilst having an invested interest in something more than just losing weight.

If you are nervous about starting a new sport, make sure to bring a friend to play with or join a team. As long as you are staying active and having fun, it does not matter if you are particularly talented at the sport or not. 

If you are unsure on which sport might be for you, then check out our information on boxing. As an individual sport its great for building strength and staying fit so be sure to read our Boxing Techniques for Beginners and check out our boxing equipment here.

So…

If your workout routine needs some refreshment, or perhaps the gym isn’t for you, then these 5 fun ways to get fit without a gym is a great place to begin. Enjoying your workout is vital for staying motivated, so if you lack the commitment be sure to invest in these fun exercises. 

Before beginning your exercise journey, please be sure to consult your doctor and always be safe when using equipment.

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Keeping Fit and Healthy as a Busy Student on a Budget

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Being a student it can be hard to get into a routine of healthy exercise, even more so when balancing University work alongside. A look online will bring up a wide range of articles and fitness classes to read and take part in. In this blog I want to offer some guidance as to how you can keep fit and healthy as a busy student on a budget.

My housemates have been trying to get me participating in workouts with them however, I have always had the same feelings when asked. There has always been a high financial commitment attached to joining the gym which has always been off putting for me. Even with the more competitive price of the University gym, I still find the gym as too high of a financial commitment. However, the gym is not the only place to effectively participate in a work out, there are many low cost options of staying fit and healthy that can be considered.

With the introduction of lock down last year I soon found myself looking for ways that I could stay active during those times. Home workouts soon found themselves established into my daily routines. Here are a few of the best ways that I have found to start your health and fitness routine!

Stay Hydrated

Glass of Water by Manu Schwendener on Unsplash

Staying hydrated is an extremely important way of keeping healthy. The NHS recommends that we drink around 6-8 glasses of fluid per day.  The easiest way to do this is to just simply have a glass of water with you whilst you’re studying. I have found this to be an extremely easy way of keeping healthy whilst I am at University. If you are not a fan of water on it’s own you can always add no sugar fruit juice or even a slice of lemon.

Water can also be useful in other areas of fitness such as being used in weight loss treatments, more information can be found here.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Keeping a healthy diet has just as much of an impact on your body as exercise can. If you are exercising you need to maintain a healthy diet otherwise all the hard work being put in is being wasted with a poor diet. Here is a link to an article where there is more information about how eating a balanced diet complements exercise.

When looking to change my diet, I found that one of my favorite ways of satisfying my hunger was through snacking. Everyone loves a snack, I probably love them a bit too much if I am being completely honest. To incorporate more of a balanced diet into my lifestyle, I have tried to start swapping out my snacks for a piece of fruit instead.

It is also important for you to eat properly before and after a workout. Here is a short blog on what you should eat before and after a workout. I would recommend giving this a read before attempting any workouts to ensure that training is effective.

Head Out For a Walk

Walking by Arek Adeoye on Unsplash

Walking is one of the easiest and cheapest ways for keeping fit and healthy as a student. Going out for a quick walk has been one of the best ways I have used to stay fit and healthy as a student. A full walking routine does not even have to be implemented into your day, simply walking to the shops instead of driving has the potential for huge benefits to your well being.

I have personally seen improvements to my mood since walking to the shops rather than driving. Being out in open space for a small amount of time is a nice change of scenery which has been a real boost for my mental health. More information on walking and mental health can be found here.  There are other perks of walking too as you get to discover the local area, opening up potential to find new walking routes to try out in the future.

Do not worry if you do not get the chance to go out for a walk. In the next section we are going to look as home workouts as an alternative way to keeping fit and healthy.

Home workouts

Home workouts are another great way that you can stay fit and healthy in your own time. There are an abundance of products that you can try with various workouts that can be used in conjunction with the products. As this blog is more focused on sticking to a budget, products suggested will have multiple uses to maximize the costs of the products.

  • Resistance Bands are a cheap and versatile way of easing into home workouts. Prices start at £15.99 with different prices being found dependent on the resistance of the band. The bands can be used for a full-body workout which I will link here.
  • Dumbbells are another low cost way to start home workouts. Prices start at £13.75 for 2 x 1 kg Dumbbells with prices increasing as the weight increases. Dumbbells can be used for any level too so whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced gym goer, an effective workout can be achieved with dumbbells. I will link a 6 week beginners dumbbell workout here and I will link an arm and upper body workout here.

Dumbbells and Resistance Bands by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

So, here are some really easy and simple ways you can begin to get yourself into a really good healthy routine. Sticking to the new routine will be hard at first, but stick at it! The benefits in the long run are worth it over the initial breaking into the new routine period and you will begin to feel so much better.

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Digital marketing

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Digital marketing

Target customers

The product revolves around home fitness. During its popular period, people pay more attention to sports health, which brings unlimited potential business opportunities. The target customer group for millennials aged 18-24 is the main consumer group. In-depth understanding of their consumption habits, increase online purchase channels, improve adaptability, to obtain more fun and better course combinations, create a high frequency of use among millennial customers, and attract more customers to join the home fitness program.

Clients between the ages of 18 and 24 pursue fitness and a strong body. At this age, they are in the golden stage of physical development, and their bones are fully mature and strong. This type of customer group recommends fitness exercises and equipment. According to the different needs of customers for fitness, the system is suitable for customers’ fitness programs and equipment. Need to understand the customer’s self-positioning, ideal goals, nutritional arrangements, fitness frequency and other information. The purpose of the exercise is to give priority to anaerobic training, supplemented by aerobic training. This is the mature physiological function of men and women aged 18 to 24, with a high level of metabolism and strong secretion of growth hormone. This age group is the golden stage to improve strength and shape. It also satisfies the psychological satisfaction of the 20-year-old age group and the pursuit of bodybuilding.

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On the other hand, they are also a high-risk group of obesity, reasonable exercise to lose weight and a healthy diet. It is recommended to match with equipment, fitness is mainly to increase muscle strength, exercise is relatively large, and at the same time, pay attention to science and comprehensiveness, and it is suitable to choose growth fitness equipment. For example, multifunctional home fitness series, tensioners, grips, dumbbells, supine support, dumbbells, multifunctional treadmills, etc., to obtain the best muscle condition. Healthy recipes, leading users to complete at home, need protein powder and supplements for muscle training to achieve the goal of healthy weight loss.

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Digital user platform

Social networking, fitness at home after getting off work, is not only a way of life but also a way for people to socialize. The main users of the APP are young people, in line with the product’s digital marketing channel, which integrates all equipment information, coach records, new product promotions, nutrition and fitness knowledge. Establish a communication community for fitness users, and users are located in the community. Divided into three parts, the first part includes sports dynamics, sports rankings and sharing with friends. Users who reach established fitness goals or use fitness goals frequently will be rewarded, which can be used to exchange coaching courses or as gifts to friends. In the second part, all family customers who have purchased fitness equipment have an APP account to record the customer’s weight, body fat, muscle content, fitness goals, fitness recipes and other customer information. In the third part, users adapt to the forum, satisfying the sharing desire and sense of honour of modern young people. They share and exchange fitness photos and results. These photos will attract fans and likes from different users and users who created influencer.

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Fitness trainer

Tailored for the user, a variety of fitness training for you to choose training under the guidance of the coach at home, not limited by space. Fitness is done at home to avoid boredom and boredom. Provides different fitness combinations and guides. Coaches and employees need to form a team in the background. This is especially important for new users, beginners and users who need to lose weight. To urge users to reach their goals, they can share food photos and sleep time and other information exchanges every day. Fitness plans are tailor-made for customers with different needs and arranged according to customers’ equipment and fitness needs. The recording and broadcasting of star coaches are lively and interesting and provide personalized and personalized services according to the characteristics and needs of the crowd. Celebrity coaches need to be established on the platform to attract more fans and clicks. Operate fan management to better interact with users and understand their needs, to meet user needs.

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Data usage

The existing digital marketing SES (Search Engine Service) has created the company’s celebrity coaches and celebrity members from the media to increase media traffic and exposure. For example, young people such as Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, and TikTok use advanced social platforms to encourage users to share fitness photos and experiences on different social platforms or cooperate with companies to create fitness network celebrities. Customers who are between 18-24 years old and have little work experience or fitness experience are novices. Different work experience is required, and you can use this method to work with them. Promote the company’s products on social platforms first. Secondly, use the fan effect to promote the equipment and recruit more fitness fans, which can turn them into potential users, and establish free coaching and nutrition guidance course services.

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Conclusion

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the extension of home fitness habits will gradually enlarge, and the audience will continue to change in the future, which will accelerate the popularity of online fitness and gradually form a sense of identity among users. The future epidemic will pass, how to plan the strategy facing the home fitness market in the future. There is a surge in users. With the addition of professional and semi-professional users, the existing fitness content can no longer meet the quality and quantity needs of “critical” users. Two groups of non-deep users and semi-professional users are testing the “diversified” content construction capabilities of online fitness. In the future, the industry will continue to provide home fitness users with integrated and innovative solutions for weight loss and fitness through fitness equipment in the form of a more refined division of labour.

On the other hand, the ability of the public to identify high-quality fitness content and services has been strengthened, making high-quality content and service provision stand out, accelerating the continuous optimization and upgrading of online equipment, coaching content and recipes. We will move towards a more benign model and development direction in terms of user conversion, content and service upgrades, diversified monetization models, and efficiency improvements.

 

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The best ways to stay mentally and physically prepared for your profession.

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Living in the unprecedented times that we currently do, the pandemic has forced many people to put their careers and professions on hold, in particular the Musical Theatre industry; a high intensity, hard working and extremely physical job.

For me and many other fellow performers it has been a matter of making sure our mental well-being and physical health has been looked after in preparation for theatres to return again so we can go back to pursuing our career just like many others will have had to do in other professions, such as personal training or other sporting careers.

Key motivators for your profession that can be specific to YOU…

As hard as staying motivated is during these times where motivation has to be driven by yourself and nobody else, there are many ways to keep positive and stay motivated for when your profession returns such as:

  • Setting realistic physical achievements that will enhance and improve your performance when you return to work such as walking 5000 steps per day or joining in a live workout three times a week to build up stamina again.
  • Make the physical exercise you are doing specific to YOU and your profession. As an example on a long walk I would listen to music from the musical I am going to be working in next to motivate me and help me enjoy the physical exercise more. Make. It. Suit. You.
  • Make a story board or a mood board with pictures of all of the things you would like to achieve or things that inspire you that you can set as your Lock Screen on your phone to remind you daily of where you would eventually like to be in your career.

Here is an example of mine…


An interview with Musical Theatre professionals…

Here is a clip of fellow Musical Theatre performers Alex Steele, Maddison Rowe and Esme Bacalla-Hayes answering some of my questions on how they are staying mentally and physically healthy in preparation for when the industry reopens again. Including advice and insightful information as to how and what YOU could do to improve mental well being, motivation and physical performance in preparation for YOUR profession…

An overview of general tips the girls suggested that help with mental health that everyone can benefit from…

  • Make a to do list for the day ahead and check things off as and when you do things, great for peace of mind and to relieve stress.
  • Make your bed and tidy your room, as silly as it sounds it really does make you feel a whole lot better.
  • Try to keep yourself in a routine throughout the day, it keeps the mind occupied and focused.
  • Most importantly, KEEP GOING, YOU’VE GOT THIS. A positive mental attitude is key.

Physical exercise and its effects on your mental well-being…

It becomes very apparent after talking with three professionals that are awaiting their career to restart that physical exercise can have a huge impact on not just your physical health but your mental well-being and motivation too which are both huge factors to keep in mind during the current circumstances where mental well-being and motivation can be affected the most.

Things physical exercise can help with in particular are:

  • Positivity.
  • Feeling more alert and energised.
  • Relieving stress.
  • Sleeping better.
  • Increase in self confidence.

So here are some tips on how to specifically stay PHYSICALLY prepared for your profession…

At home workouts!

At home workouts are a great way to start getting physically prepared for your career again. It is something you can do at your own pace within the comfort of your own home, without feeling like you have to keep up with anyone else. It is also a FREE and easy way to keep active without needing much equipment.

Setting 3 workouts per week on specific days would be a great place to start to enable your body and mind to adapt to the changes that are being made in regards to physical exercise, when you feel ready you can build the quantity of workouts OR how long you workout for.

‘Short on time? Hate the gym?  Too tired to exercise after work? 10 minute workouts are just what you need.’ NHS.uk.

If you’re struggling to find the right ones for you here are some of the workouts I like to use for some inspiration…

  • Gabby Allen workouts.
  • Courtney Black workouts.
  • Joe Wicks workouts.

These are all FREE and available on either YouTube, Instagram or Facebook so go and have a try!

 

A simple walk can work wonders!

’Walking is simple, free and one of the easiest ways to get more active, lose weight and become healthier’ NHS.uk.

Walking is one of the most underrated forms of exercise yet it is so beneficial for both the mind and body. Taking a long walk can be just as beneficial as a short workout in regards to burning calories. A great way to track how far you have walked and how many calories you have burned is buy using the ‘Fitness’ App on either your phone or Apple Watch if you have access to one.
Here is an example of a walk I went on and just LOOK at how many calories I burned… from a walk!

REMINDER!

However with this all being said this is just a reminder to everyone that it is very much OKAY to have days where you don’t feel motivated or don’t feel like you want to workout and be your most productive self. It is OKAY to feel anxious or stressed about the future and how your profession will be affected by this pandemic. It is OKAY to rest and take a day to look after your mental health in other, more comforting ways. Do you know why? Because we are human and each day is never the same for many reasons. The most important thing is that we have the tools and knowledge to come back from these more trying and difficult days, knowing that the simple walk or workout may make you feel that little bit better…

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/

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