Overview
Feeling like a bit of low-key self-improvement? Want to change the way you approach each day? Or, do you just need a bit more balance in your life? We agree that it's important to bring positive changes into your life, but why start with the big stuff? Vincent Van Gogh once said, "Great things are done by a series of small things brought together." So, start with the small.
To help you out, we've teamed up with our mates at Coopers to bring you a list of 'easy wins' — small things you can do to make your day, your week and your life just that little bit better. And, yes, savouring an easy drinking Coopers Dry is a good start.
MONDAY: ATTEND A COMEDY NIGHT
Need a good laugh? Well, local comedy nights are guaranteed to get you cackling. Sure, you might have some hit and miss moments, but small-scale comedy nights are a great way to check out your area's comedic chops. Plus, it's an easy date idea that's not just 'going for a drink'. Who knows, you might even be inspired to get up there yourself (but only if it's in open-mic format, please). On Mondays, laugh the blues away at The Comedy Lounge at Cafe Lounge in Sydney, Quick Bites at Boney in Melbourne or The Sit Down Open Mic Club at Newmarket Hotel in Brissie.
TUESDAY: WATCH THE SUNRISE
We know it's tough, and it doesn't have to be Tuesday, but pick one day a week — maybe when you have a late start or a bit of extra time — grab yourself a takeaway coffee, and watch the world wake up slowly. Living in Australia, we're blessed with a ton of easily accessible scenic views in and around most of our major cities. Start a day an hour or so earlier this week, and welcome the morning with a view. By the time everyone else is rushing off to start the day completely stressed out of their minds, you'll be calm, relaxed and focused. Great spots for this include, Wendy's Secret Garden in Sydney, Brighton Beach in Melbourne or The Redlands Bayside in Brisbane. While it's a little too early for beer, earmark the spot and head back after work for a sundowner.
WEDNESDAY: WALK TO WORK
Now, if your commute is massive, we're not suggesting you load up a supply donkey and trek through the night — but if there's a point you can walk from, do it. If your walk to work is half an hour or less, try to make this choice a couple of times a week. It's a great way to break up the monotony of the working week and stay fit and healthy. And, you'll actually look forward to going to work — hear us out — since you won't have to join the squished sardines on the train, you can stretch your legs and pump up the volume on your motivational playlist. Fresh air, exercise and good tunes — it's a winning formula. Plus, fewer cars on the road means peaceful streets and lower carbon emissions — an easy win, for a brighter future.
Riley Street Garage, Sydney.
THURSDAY: PUT AWAY YOUR PHONE ON DATE NIGHT
There's no denying that the smartphone is an invaluable part of modern life, but it's far too easy to get lost in the pixels and waste away a day (or night) on your phone scrolling and swiping and tapping. So, you've booked a nice restaurant for you and your partner (or bestie) to enjoy together? We reckon it's time to ditch the phones and focus on each other — just like the good old days. Give your dining partner your undivided attention instead of staring aimlessly at your feed and scrolling into the Insta-abyss. You'll be surprised how easy and rewarding this is.
FRIDAY: GO TO THE THEATRE
Sure it's great to veg out, watch every new original Netflix series that's been released and completely disengage. We get it, it's important to turn the mind off. But, it's also important to keep it stimulated — our parents did say too much TV would turn the brain to mush, right? Look to the theatre. It's like IRL television and it doesn't have to be inaccessible, overly artsy and incredibly dull. There are multitudes of theatre companies both mainstage and independent doing exciting, hilarious, terrifying and incredibly entertaining work. Check out your local theatre and catch a mid-week independent show, support emerging artists and indulge in the thrill of live performance. Great examples include The Old Fitz in Sydney, Red Stitch Actor's Theatre in Melbourne and La Boite in Brisbane.
SATURDAY: INVITE YOUR NEIGHBOURS FOR BARBECUE AND BEERS
If you're stuck in that uncomfortable smile-and-wave phase with your neighbours, we have a solution. Ditch the awkwardness and invite them round for a low-key barbecue. Grab a case of Coopers Dry to break the ice, and knock the froth off a couple with who could be your new best mates. Meeting new people is a great way to build confidence and sharpen your social skills, and where better to do it than in the comfort of your own home. You'll gain some new friends that are literally a stone's throw away. NB: we do not condone the throwing of stones at neighbours.
SUNDAY: PLAY A GAME OF POOL
Everyone likes pool, even more so when it's free. The pool table is a great leveller and icebreaker, chuck a few coins down, grab some beers, and get to know some new mates down at your local. Brush up on your skills or just have a laugh — the free pool is usually available on quieter nights in most venues and always makes for a nice night of mild-mannered fun. Make it a weekly thing and, who knows, you might discover your hidden talents as a pool shark. Best spots for cheap (or free) pool on Sunday are The Rose Hotel in Sydney (free), The Rainbow Hotel in Melbourne ($2) and Tomcat in Brisbane (free).
Kick off your 'easy wins' by enjoying a Coopers Dry, or two, with your mates.