Shannon O'Rourke: “I’m not going to do my essay tonight, I’m going to go and punch some pads!”
Exercise has long been recognised as one of the best ways to help you switch off from the stresses of everyday life
Serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins. You’ll probably have heard of the “happy chemicals” and the positive effect they can have on us, but the question is… how do we find the time to indulge in them?
Well, one GCU student is encouraging us all to make self-care a priority.
Shannon O'Rourke threw herself into University life when she was accepted onto the BSc Nursing Studies (Mental Health) programme through Clearing in 2021.
She explained: “I’m really proactive because I love getting involved in different things. I took on a lot of extracurricular activities alongside my studies: I’m a Senior PAL, I’m a Student Ambassador, and I’m always helping the University with different nursing events.
“However, I was finding my life totally revolved around my course, both academically and socially. I felt all I was doing was living and breathing nursing - I wasn’t really getting to enjoy any me time.”
‘Me time’ may lead to your imagination pulling you towards evening strolls in the park or a Netflix binge surrounded by your favourite scented candles; however, Shannon had something else in mind.
“I love UFC and have always liked boxing, even though I’m not a violent person!
“My partner had rejoined the gym in February this year and had really been encouraging me to go. I didn’t fancy it because I didn’t think I fitted into the gym persona. In all honesty, the whole thought of it made me a bit nervous. It’s a Mixed Martial Arts gym, so I knew it would be mainly males.”
Right, I get it, you’re reading this and thinking ‘but what about all those nice things you promised at the start of the article like serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins?’ Don’t worry, we’ll get there…
Shannon said: “I went to watch a Ji Jitsu competition at the gym as a spectator and my husband encouraged me to meet some of the girls that go along to the classes. This was the turning point for me because they were all so positive and really encouraged me to go along and try out different classes.
“I just decided to go for it. Walking in for the first time, I definitely had a preconceived stereotype in my head about what it would be like, but everyone was so lovely. They properly introduced me to the sport and took their time to show me different moves. There’s only a small group of girls that go, but they’ve been so welcoming and even added me into their group chats. I really have been welcomed with open arms.”
Shannon now attends up to four classes each week at the Scottish Hit Squad Gym in Coatbridge and Newhouse.
She said: “I do struggle with motivation at times - I’m a bit of a procrastinator - but when I force myself to go I always feel so much better.”
“The beauty of this particular gym is that I can go to as many classes as I want with my membership. I do Kickboxing, Muay-Thai, Brazilian Ji Jitsu, and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
Shannon added: “MMA is my favourite because it incorporates everything. My coach has actually asked if I’d like to do it competitively and it’s something I wouldn’t rule out in the future, but I’m really happy with what I’m doing just now.”
50% of Shannon’s three year Mental Health Nursing course is spent on placement, which she admits can sometimes prove challenging.
“Doing a degree like this really changes your life because you need to fully commit to it and make sacrifices. You have to be empathetic as a nurse, and I did feel like I was taking everything home with me. I did actually have a moment where I thought ‘what am I doing for myself?” – it’s nice that I’ve now found that.”
With deadlines piling up for many ahead of the Christmas break, Shannon is encouraging students to take some time for themselves.
“I think we, as students, can get blindsided by grades and referencing - I know I do anyway - but it’s important to find a balance.
“This has been amazing for me because it gives me something different in my life. I feel like being a mental health nurse means I should really practice what I preach. Sometimes it’s important to say, ‘I’m not going to do my essay tonight, I’m going to go and punch some pads!’”
By Ross Clark
Got an SHLS or GSBS story? Email me at Ross.Clark@gcu.ac.uk or message me on Twitter