Overview
This year has taught us many things, but one of the best lessons has been how to find joy in the little things. With big moments that normally punctuate our lives — like overseas holidays, massive parties and gigs — stripped away, we've had to look elsewhere for those dopamine kicks that improve our day-to-day. But it wasn't as hard as we thought. Even in this altered state of 'normal', our city is brimming with quick pick-me-ups — if you know where to look. To give you some inspiration, we've teamed up with Oporto to bring you a 'small win' for each day of the working week. Give these a go and the weekend will be here before you know it.
Andrew 'Boy' Charlton Pool
MONDAY: TAKE AN EARLY MORNING DIP
Monday mornings are rough. After two full days of sleep-ins, socialising and sipping cocktails, you now have to face five days of full-blown adulting. And while this suggestion will require you to sacrifice a bit more of that precious sleep, we swear it's worth it. There's something restorative about submerging yourself in cold water (and if you don't believe us, believe Gwyneth) making it the perfect way to start the day and week. Whether you decide to parlay this activity into your weekly exercise quota with a few laps at Andrew 'Boy' Charlton Pool, do a little snorkelling in Clovelly or just have a bob in Bilgola's ocean pool, it'll make popping on your business attire or customer service smile much less painful.
Ritz Cinemas, Kimberly Low
TUESDAY: CATCH A CHEAP MOVIE
Thanks to streaming services, going to the cinema has increasingly felt like a novelty over the last few years, but never more so than now. Rather than turning straight to your Netflix queue after work, take advantage of the long-running discounted ticket deals on Tuesdays and see the latest blockbuster for less. Not that keen on any of the big-name new releases? Hit up one of Sydney's independent or smaller cinemas, like The Hayden Orpheum, Ritz Cinemas and Palace Cinemas, which often screen more obscure titles, film festival favourites and retrospectives.
White Rabbit Gallery, Kimberley Low
WEDNESDAY: GET YOUR MIDWEEK CULTURAL KICKS
If last night's film didn't quite fill your cultural quota for the week, we suggest spending your lunch break immersed in art. At the Art Gallery of NSW, you can catch Some Mysterious Process until September 13, before the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2020 exhibition opens on September 26. Meanwhile, October 2 sees the unveiling of Lindy Lee: Moon in a dew drop at the Museum of Contemporary Art, and Chippendale's White Rabbit Gallery is still running its huge retrospective And Now (which you can check out for zero dollars). Can't make it anywhere in person? Check out Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre's digital program, which includes a 3D virtual tour of Pulse of the Dragon, backstage tours and archive footage of past events and interviews.
Chinese Garden of Friendship
THURSDAY: EAT LUNCH IN A PARK
When the endless emails, looming deadlines or impolite customer interactions have you feeling a little jaded, take a proper midday break. Remind yourself that there's beauty in the world by having an impromptu picnic in the park. We're partial to the serene Chinese Garden of Friendship, which feels like a true oasis within the city. If you can't justify the entry fee, the Royal Botanic Garden is, of course, free and just as beautiful. A bit further out of the CBD, we recommend Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden in Lavender Bay, the sprawling Centennial Park or Camperdown Memorial Rest Park. All of these spots are within walking distance of an Oporto, so make your to-go lunch the new Halloumi and Chicken Rappa, packed with fresh, flavourful ingredients including grilled halloumi and chicken, creamy mayo, mixed lettuce, avocado and tomato capsicum relish.
Cork & Chroma
FRIDAY: FLEX YOUR CREATIVITY
There are two things we all want at the end of a long week. The first is to see our mates, and the second is to turn off our work brains ASAP. Combine the two by planning a catch up with your crew over a creative class, where you can put those weary feet up, chat about fun stuff and let your creative juices flow. There are plenty of options to choose between — from boozy painting classes at Cork & Chroma and ceramics workshops at The Pottery Shed to cheesemaking classes at Omnom.
Check out Oporto's full Rappa Range here, then make tracks to your closest store — or order online.
Top image: White Rabbit Gallery, Kimberley Low