Australians have a reputation for being laid-back surfer dudes and dudettes, with a “No worries, mate, she’ll be right” outlook on life. But life’s not always barrel waves and sunshine. “When it hasn’t been your day, your week, your month, or even your year,” you need to relax. I’ll be there for you— starting with a list of 5 ways to de-stress in Melbourne!
Note: The Smash Room sponsored this post!
1. Break something (on purpose!)
Are you ready to have a smashing good time? Enjoy the cathartic relief that comes from breaking TVs, dishes, computers, and PlayStations (without any post-breakage cleanup) at The Smash Room in Keilor East.
Photo courtesy of The Smash Room
Visit The Smash Room solo or on a date night, or book your next birthday party or work bash in their group room. For $50 per person, you’ll get up to 40 minutes of smash time, a selection of breakables, and a speaker to pick your own smashing music.
I’m planning my visit for April and am working on a playlist that includes:
- Smash Mouth
- The Smashing Pumpkins
- Smash by The Offspring
- Break Stuff by Limp Bizkit
Get all decked out in protective-yet-stylish gear (helloooo 80s windbreakers!), grab a bat or a crowbar, and step inside the neon-retro smash rooms for a fun, safe, stress-relief session.
Photo courtesy of The Smash Room Melbourne
Need a break from breaking things? Check out the UV Glow in the Dark table tennis and arcade gaming machines!
2. Go out to a secret bar with friends
Alcohol doesn’t solve problems, but a night out with friends is a cure for the worst days!
Can you keep a secret? These hidden bars in Melbourne are a great place to begin a fun night out with friends. I mean, how often can you sip a cocktail in a bathtub or walk through a freezer door in a sandwich shop without getting weird looks?
Berlin Bar secret bar Melbourne bathtub
Sip a cocktail or two, spill your worries to your friends, and you’ll feel a whole lot better!
3. Get out of town
City living is great— you have everything you could ever need at your fingertips. But there’s something special about nature that soothes the soul.
When daily responsibilities are too stressful, get away from the hustle and bustle. A change of scenery can change a lot!
Go on a road trip on the Great Ocean Road.
Soak in the hot springs of Mornington Peninsula.
Peninsula Hot Springs Hilltop Pool Mornington
Take a weekend getaway to the Yarra Valley.
Can’t get out of town? Take a walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens or Fitzroy Gardens and pretend like the city isn’t just a few trees away!
4. When in doubt, sugar is always the answer
I’m not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV, so this is very much not medical advice.
However, when I’m having a bad day, sugar is always the cure. Whether it’s an OTT freakshake or a fairy-floss-topped brunch, food always makes me smile!
Sweet Espresso Mentone Willy Wonka and Cookie Monster freakshakes
This option does come with a (non-medical) warning: Melbourne has SO MANY fantastic foodie options that it will be tough to choose where to eat. Don’t worry. You’ve got plenty of time to try them all!
5. Give back
When the going gets tough, the tough get perspective and give back to others!
Choose a cause you’re passionate about, and find a way to give time, talents, or money. Giving back is a way to get out of your head, while making the world a better place for others. Volunteer with animals, shop at op shops that fight social injustices, or support charities that work with the unhoused population.
There are plenty of reasons to stress out. Take care of yourself and make the world a happier, sweeter, better place.
Pin this post for a time when you need to de-stress in Melbourne!
