1. Take a warm shower or bath
An oldie, but a goodie. Let your muscles relax in the warm water with a bath or shower.
2. Unwind with some exercise
Maybe you can shake up your normal routine by trying something new? Or if you normally don’t exercise, maybe now is the time to start. For beginners, you might like to try group fitness classes like Zumba or yoga. Or group sports like Oztag or netball. Doing 3 fast walks a day can actually have the same if not more benefits than a 30 minute run. For the more advanced, maybe shake up your routine and try something new like bungee fitness. Just get your heart rate up and give your brain a well needed break from all the study.
3. Listen to music
Having trouble thinking of your next essay thesis? Why not grab your iPod and take a break by listening to some music. Your brain will continue to think about your work while you take a well deserved break and listen to some tunes.
Here are some suggestions from our fellow Wellbeing Warriors, Tom and Georgia: 10 Uplifting Songs to Get You Through Exams.
4. Get out of the house
Spring is on it’s way so take full advantage by grabbing some rays. You don’t have to go further than your garden. Just 10 minutes in the sun relaxing can feel so great. It also makes a great study break.
5. Watch a classic movie
Why not take a longer break and grab your favourite classic movie and get ready to experience some serious déjà vu. To get the ball rolling, classics could include Zoolander, Toy Story or the Lion King!
6. Try something new
If you feel like you’re lacking motivation to make it through the end of semester, try add something new into your routine so you don’t feel lethargic or that your routine is too mundane. Pop into the Sydney Dance Company which runs classes throughout the week in a variety of dance styles and you might just find a new hobby.
https://www.sydneydancecompany.com/
7. Meditate
Meditation and mindfulness is proven to relieve stress, sleep better and improve physical health. Even swapping just 10 minutes of Facebook browsing for meditation will help improve your focus and help you feel refreshed enough to catch up on those pesky readings. If you find it difficult, there are several apps to help guide you: Headspace, Calm etc.
8. Catch up with friends
Arrange to meet up with friends you haven’t seen in a while. Whether it’s over brunch or drinks, socialising is the perfect way to get some R&R whilst having some fun.
9. Have a quick stretch and tidy up
After sitting in the same position for long hours, taking some time to stretch out your muscles can re-energize you and be more beneficial than you think. As well as this, as we near exams, your study setting may have become a disaster zone without you even realising. Tidying up can be a therapeutic and relaxing means of being productive during your break. It is always easier to study in a clean and less chaotic setting. Also means you won’t waste time scrambling around trying to find stuff.
10. Sleep
At this point in the semester, it is more important than ever to focus on your sleep cycle. Research suggests that adults need a minimum of 8 hours each night. Productivity and alertness is also improved when a sleep routine is established ie. going to bed and waking up at the same time.
5 SYDNEY ACTIVITIES FOR MID-SEMESTER BREAK
Spit to Manly Walk
As the name suggests, this walk starts at the Spit Bridge and finishes at Manly, and I can assure you it is well worth trekking it to the Northern Beaches. The walk goes past stacks of secret hidden beaches as well as a thousand year old Aboriginal rock engravings. This walk will take around 1.5 hours and as it finishes at Manly Beach, you can have a coffee or some food to celebrate at the finish line (and make back all those lost calories). It’s definitely something you have to do at some point and there’s no better time than the holidays!
https://www.sydneycoastwalks.com.au/spit-to-manly-walk/
High Tea
While this one is a bit pricey, it’s made our list because it’s the holidays so treat yo’ self! This experience comes with a triple-tiered platter of scones, desserts and sandwiches, as well as unlimited teas and other drinks of course! The platter would make for not only a great gram, but a super cute outing with your friends, eating and drinking while overlooking the beautiful Sydney Harbor. There are heaps of places that offer their own High Tea but here’s one in the link below.
http://www.novotelnorwest.com.au/en/dining/high-tea.html
After Hours at Art Gallery of NSW
I know the art galleries have a reputation for being filled with old people and design students, but the after hours events are actually really cool! They’re filled with comedy and foreign films and a whole stack more, with the drinks being the cherry on top! There’s something on for everyone and did I mention it’s free entry?? Visit the link below for the Art Gallery of NSWupcoming events and definitely check some of them out while you still have time!
https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/calendar/type/art-after-hours/
POP-UP GLOBE
Thou art more lovely than a summer’s day but art thou prepared for Shakespeare? Fancy yourself some culture? With showings of Macbeth, A Midnight Summer’s Dream, The Comedy of Errors and The Merchant of Venice, you are bound to find your hunger for comedies and tragedies satiated. The directors have promised that the show won’t host ‘dusty’ versions of Shakespeare — rather, performances will be more like a party. Sessions will running until November 4, so you can enjoy this experience during and even after the mid-semester break.
Did you miss it?
One of the toughest things about being a student is your limited budget. As Wellbeing Warriors, we completely understand your plight so here is a crazy cheap, $7, movie ticket recommendation! In the heart of Sydney, Dendy Opera Quays Cinemas at Circular Quay will be screening these great releases with limited sessions available every day for an entire week! The key releases you’ll be able to catch this Mid-Sem are BlacKkKlansman starting on September 20 and Crazy Rich Asian from September 27.
10 UNIQUE AND INTERESTING SOCIAL SPORTS AND CLUBS AT UNSW
It’s halfway through Semester 2 and the tedium of university is setting in once again. It’s the perfect time to get involved in something new and unique, and give yourself that emotional boost you need!
All clubs mentioned are open for anyone to join – students, staff, alumni and the public. The clubs cater for the novice and experienced, and are amazing opportunities to foster new friendships! For the competitive – the clubs offer social, local, regional, state and national competitions. So test yourself and compete within UNSW and against other universities!
UNSW Aikido
Aikido is a modern form of Japanese Martial Arts, which teaches you how to use your opponents’ energy against them. Aikido is a great way to improve timing, balance and fitness while learning invaluable self-defence skills! The club also maintains close ties to Japan with annual training camps run by the founders of UNSW Aikido. Classes are run at the UNSW Fitness and Aquatic Centre every Tuesday 8 – 9.30 pm, Wednesday 12.30 – 1.30 pm and Saturday 10.30 – 12pm. The first class is also free!
Contact thery79@yahoo.com to sign up
Find out more at http://www.unsw-aikido.org/
UNSW Lacrosse
“Lacrosse is not only the fastest growing sport, it is also the fastest sport on two feet.”
Lacrosse is a mixture of football, hockey, basketball and volleyball where players carry, pass, catch, and shoot the ball into the goal. The UNSW Lacrosse club offers free learn-to-play practices and a social league for mixed lacrosse as well as box lacrosse. The club runs practice every Monday 5pm – 7pm, Wednesday 6pm and Sunday 10am – 12pm at the UNSW Futsal Court and UNSW Village Green (Sundays). Equipment is provided; only sport shoes and most importantly, yourself required!
Contact j.heller@unsw.edu.au to sign up
Click https://www.unswlacrosse.com/ to find out more!
UNSW Kendo
Kendo is defined as “The way of the sword”, and is a form of Japanese Fencing, with roots ageing back to over 1000 years ago. It is an awesome way to develop fencing skills in a safe and protected space while learning about Japanese culture and values of discipline, honour and sincerity. Training is conducted at the UNSW Unigym (UNSW Fitness & Aquatic Centre) on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8:15 – 9:45pm.
Contact information@unswkendo.org to sign up
Prices vary for beginners and experienced Kendo fencers, so check out http://unswkendo.org/ to find out more!
UNSW Taido
Taido is a Japanese form of Martial Arts that focuses on agility, strategy and counter techniques in three dimensions to defeat opponents. Taido is suitable for all ages and sizes as Taido techniques have an emphasis on evasion through skill and anticipation rather than blocking and shielding. No experience training sessions run on Tuesdays at 7:30pm – 9:30pm (Function Room, Sam Cracknell Pavilion) and Sundays 6pm – 8pm (Unigym/YMCA Judo Room and Court Side Studio). For the advanced, training sessions are on Thursdays 8:15pm – 10pm (Unigym/YMCA Court Side Studio).
Contact taido@unsw.edu.au to sign up
Check out https://www.arc.unsw.edu.au/sport/taido if interested!
UNSW Underwater Rugby Club
A fast paced, three-dimensional team sport where players jostle underwater to get the ball into a basket at the bottom of the pool. However, this club is more tailored to swimmers since underwater rugby is traditionally played in a 5m deep pool (the UNSW club also plays in a 2m and 4m deep pool). The club offers social and competitive games, and skilled players have the opportunity to play for the Australian team at the World Championships! The UNSW Whales A team is currently ranked #1 in Australia!
Contact unswuwr@gmail.com to sign up
Check out https://uwrugby.wordpress.com/ to learn about pricing, pool sessions and more!
UNSW Outdoors Club
Rock climbing, hiking, kayaking, caving, camping, mountain biking and more! If it’s outdoors, it’s probably included – UNSW Outdoors Club offers a huge variety of outdoor activities. For a $60/year or $40/semester membership, get free attendance AND gear for all club trips, and cheap hire rates for club gear when you go on your own trips. But wait, there’s more! Membership gives you reduced rates at various places and stores, including 30% off at Macpac, and $8 sessions at the Ledge rock climbing on USYD campus.
Follow the instructions at http://unswoc.org/wordpress/join/ to join!
Find out more at http://unswoc.org/wordpress/
UNSW Ultimate Frisbee
With high action and super fun gameplay, it’s like a cross between netball, touch and gridiron, but played with a plastic plate that can fly. Train casually with the team and friendly coaches, or play competitively at Uni Games! It’s a super welcoming community for people of all sporting (and non-sporting) backgrounds, something about playing a weird sport really builds great community spirit.
Follow the instructions at https://unswultimate.wordpress.com/membership/ to sign up!
Find out more at https://unswultimate.wordpress.com/
UNSW MODSOC
One of UNSW’s two major dance societies on campus, MODSOC (Ministry of Dance Society) offers dance classes and competitions for a wide variety of music genres and dance styles. Whether you’re a complete beginner with 0 coordination like me, or a long-time dance expert, there’s something for everyone.
To join, just rock up to any class and ask around, they’ll be happy to have you! Class times can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/unswmodsoc/
UNSW D2MG
The second of the two major dance societies on campus, D2MG (Dance DJ MC Graffiti, alternatively Dance 2 Meet Guys/Girls), focuses on hip-hop culture and dance. Open to all skill levels, D2MG is the place to be if you love hip-hop and want to learn how to move like the pros.
To get involved and check out class times, visit D2MG’s Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/d2mg.hiphop.unsw/
UNSW Handball
Unfortunately, this is not the handball you played at school.
Nevertheless, it’s still incredibly fun! It’s a fast paced sport open to all levels, a combination of netball, indoor soccer and pure chaos.
To get involved, send an email to unswhc@hotmail.com
For more information, check out https://www.facebook.com/UNSWHC/
5 FUN GETAWAY DAY TRIPS FOR THE SEMESTER
1. Palm Beach
(Northern Beaches, 1 hour drive from Sydney CBD)
This is the perfect option if you’re looking for a cost-efficient weekend getaway! You’ll be captivated by the lush bushland, golden sand and pristine blue of the Pacific Ocean. There’s plenty to see and do here. For those who love the water, you’ll be able to surf, relax in the rockpool, kayak and/or go sailing. For those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, this is the perfect place for a picnic under the pine trees.
2. Kangaroo Valley
(2 hour drive from Sydney CBD)
For those interested in a bit more adventure, Kangaroo Valley may be just the place for you! If you consider yourself a bit of a foodie, there are wine-tasting opportunities at the Yarrawa Estate and a chance to attend ‘Flavours of the Valley’, a cooking school that sources seasonal ingredients from local farmers. You can also go bushwalking, horse-riding and participate in valley yoga – the possibilities are endless!
3. Jenolan Caves
(3 hour drive from Sydney CBD)
This is one of the largest, oldest and most spectacular tourist attractions in Australia! Not only are these caves rich in history – each cave is also unique, so you’re in for a real treat! If you decide to venture to the Lucas Cave, you’ll be able to explore the Cathedral Chamber and experience its famous acoustics. Meanwhile, for those who visit the Baal Cave, a lovely sound and light show awaits. Above ground, there are opportunities to explore Carlotta’s Arch, Blue Lake and the Jenolan River.
4. Camden Valley
(1 hour drive from Sydney CBD)
Camden Valley is filled with farmyards, mansions and churches – it’s the perfect getaway from the bustling city environment. For a truly unforgettable experience, it’s best to explore this place with Balloon Aloft – they’ll provide you with a bird’s eye view of the picturesque landscape, and potentially, if you opt to set off in the early morning, a beautiful sunrise too!
5. Hyams Beach
(Jervis Bay, 3 hours drive from Sydney CBD)
Have you ever wondered where you can find a beach with the whitest stand in the world? Well, look no further than Hyams Beach! This is an area surrounded by bushland, so if you’re lucky, you may even be able to spot some kangaroos and king parrots. This is a great place to go surfing, snorkelling and diving. You can also go on bike rides to further immerse yourself in the wonderful scenery.
7 POST-UNI ADVENTURES TO GET EXCITED FOR THIS SUMMER BREAK
Kiama
You’re probably familiar with the blowhole that has made Kiama an Insta-friendly destination for day trips and adventures in Sydney’s backyard. But this coastal town has a lot more under its sleeve than you might think; just a short drive from its city centre, one can find lush subtropical rainforests at Minnamurra, where a newly-installed suspension bridge walkway meanders for 1.6km through the lush forest canopy. Top that off with a day at Jamberoo and plenty of local markets and festivals, and you’re set for a sweet summer trip with your friends.
Glenworth Valley
About an hour’s drive from Sydney, Glenworth Valley offers an unrivalled landscape for exploring the very best of the Central Coast. Embrace the extra and spend a day riding horseback through sandstone gullies, or kayak your way down the Popran Creek through acres of protected national park. Camping facilities and walking tracks through the forest make this area even more attractive if you want to spend a few nights out in the stars.
Blue Mountains
Who said the Mountains are only good for winter? As summer brings ever-warmer temperatures to Sydney itself, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains are a fantastic place to beat the heat without travelling too far. Trains from Central can take you right to the heart of Katoomba, from which no less than 81 graded walks provide fantastic experiences for all skill levels. My tip: skip Scenic World, and explore the many lookouts for yourself. The dramatic valleys make for a fine place to vent off steam from exams and finish the semester (and the year) in style.
Glow Worm Tunnel
If you’ve grown weary of light shows like Vivid and the New Year’s Eve fireworks, turn to nature for a more enchanting display. Hidden in Wollemi National Park is a 500m disused railway tunnel which you can now freely walk through. Though the steam trains have long passed this place, huge colonies of bioluminescent (read: glow-in-the-dark) worms have reclaimed the entirety of the tunnel, allowing visitors to witness a natural miracle. Unlike most glow-worm caves, this pitch-black tunnel is completely free and accessible to the public during the day; the cool subterranean environment provides welcome respite if you’ve been sweating it out through the Sydney summer.
The Bridge Climb
Most people have probably seen Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge more than they’ve needed to but the uni break could provide you with the perfect opportunity to experience our iconic landmark from new heights. It’s been on our bucket lists since we were 12 years old so take this opportunity to live out those primary school dreams before trimesters kick in. There is no better way to finish a year than getting into those grey and blue jumpsuits, gathering a few of your mates together and heading up to one of the most breathtaking views our land down under has to offer.
Jervis Bay
A natural wonder in its own right, Jervis Bay offers the perfect escape from the busy city life. Offering white coastlines and crystal clear waters, the bay is swarming with fun-filled recreational activities including kayaking, dolphin watching tours, surf schools and stand-up paddle boarding. There are even beach huts available to hire out for a relaxing picnic and the ultimate winding down session. Jervis bay also boasts a gorgeous national park and diving spots with nooks and crannies that will allow you to reconnect with nature on an intimate level. With so many adventures awaiting, say g’day to Jervis Bay.
Cockatoo Island
Right in the heart of Sydney Harbour awaits a 5-star glamping adventure that is world-renowned. Take a ferry out to this majestic island that offers exemplary adventures through nature, specialised sunrise tours and haunted history treks that are sure to spice up your uni break. Another great avenue to consider is the New Years Eve Glamping packages where you and your mates can settle into this UNESCO world-heritage listed campsite and enjoy Sydney’s incredible fireworks display. Can’t think of a better way to welcome in the new year.
