winter Archives - Study Anywhere

Feeling the chill? Four tips to make the most of your winter

The article is written by Maddison Reynolds

Oh summer – it felt like you would last forever! The cool change has finally come around and its that time of year again that has us reaching for our ‘uggies’ (ugg boot/slippers). While it might feel like there’s little to do but rug-up and enter hibernation, the winter months are some of the best to explore new regions, start new activities and best of all, do all the things you’ve forgotten to do because you were at the beach. Turn off the heater and grab your scarf – here’s four things that are sure to make the most of your winter!

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1. Hit the slopes!

Remember your winters in Val Thorens? Skiing all-day, partying all night. If the Australian sunshine had you distracted last European winter, never fear -Australia has plenty of slopes and après-resorts to fill that Charmonix sized hole in your heart.

The Kosciuszko National Park is home to Thredbo, one of Australia’s most popular ski resorts. Thredbo also has the largest vertical drop of any Australian ski resort, at 672 m. Ski packages start at $171 per person, per night. Head to their website for more details.

Still thirsty for more adventure? Take a short flight over to the adventure-sport capital of the world, New Zealand. Flights from Sydney in July start at just $250 return.

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2. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough

Remember all those hikes you googled in summer but never got around to? Winter is the perfect time of year to explore your cities array of national parks and coastal walks

With cooler weather and less crowds, that waterfall you’ve saved pictures of in your Instagram collection is bound to be 10x more beautiful up-close.

Winter is also the perfect time for overnight hiking. Visit your state’s national parks website for all the information you need to know before heading out.

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3. Get Gigging

Splendour in the Grass is arguably the highlight of the year for Australian music. If you missed out on tickets to the four-day extravaganza, be sure to check out the Splendour side-shows taking place in capital cities around Australia.

The Wombats, Marmozets and Ben Howard have already announced their tour dates, but event organiser, Secret Sounds, says there is plenty more to come.

Keep an eye out for updates as tickets are sure to sell-out fast!

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4. Shred for Summer

Still dreaming of those warm-nights and sun-drenched days? Get your body moving so you’re summer ready!

Winter is the best time to invest in your health so start a new sport, join a new gym or get yourself to a class you’ve been dying to try. Get training for August’s City to Surf fun-run, give Pilates another go, or check out F45 to see what all the hype’s about.

There’s no better way to warm up than to work up a sweat!

If you’ve tried and tested this list and you’re still feeling chill-ish, grab your favourite bikini and head north. It might be winter, but it is always warm somewhere in Australia.

6 tips on how to stay positive over the winter

The article is written by Pamela Choo

Winter is upon us in the land down under, and if you’re the kind of person who can’t function without the sun and warmth (believe me, I feel you), here are some ways you can beat the winter blues and be productive, happy and healthy during the colder months.

Study Anywhere_Stay Active 1. Stay active

This is probably my number one go-to method on keeping your energy levels up when you’re feeling a little down in the dumps. It might be the last thing you want to do, but we all know the benefits of exercise and how it leads your body to release endorphins. Trust me when I say you want to be good buddies with endorphins because they trigger positive feelings and will help you feel heaps better.

It can be the hardest thing to bring yourself to go outside when you’re not a fan of the cold. But you’ll be surprised how a quick run or walk in the mornings will lift your mood. If you don’t want to be active outdoors in the cold, hit the gym or a fitness class. That way you’ll be able to work up a sweat without feeling the chills. When you start exercising, your body will also begin to feel warmer!

Study Anywhere_Have hot food and warm drinks

2. Have hot food and warm drinks

Use this time to treat yourself to comforting foods such as stews, soups, and curries. The other day I got myself a cup of kale and lentil soup for lunch and it instantly warmed me up. Yes, there are healthier options out there if you feel that dishes such as curries can be a little heavy for those with sensitive tummies.

Hot beverages are amazing as well. Nothing like a hot cup of tea on a cold night, or a hot chocolate when you need to satisfy a sweet craving.

Study Anywhere_Try to maintain a healthy diet 3. Try to maintain a healthy diet

It can be easy to indulge a little too much during winter. Reaching for a sweet treat or having more carbohydrate-rich foods is only natural when we need to cope with the cold.

Try to incorporate good nutrients in your diets, such as adding some greens to your stews or a side of salad with every meal. You can also opt to add more protein or good carbohydrates to your meals to fill you up, such as sweet potatoes, chicken, and fish.

Study Anywhere_warm clothing 4. Wear enough warm clothing

When I moved away from home to a colder country when I was a teenager, I struggled with the cold and often felt very down. In hindsight, I realized that a big part of it could have been that I didn’t know how to dress appropriately for the winter.

Everyone copes with the cold differently; some may not be as bothered by it and for others, the cold can affect their daily lives. Your friend may be able to wear a coat and a pair of tights, but you might need more layers than that. Don’t be afraid to bundle up with a couple of extra layers and scarves so that you feel cozy and comfortable when you’re outside in the cold. Better to look a little puffy on the layers than to let the cold get you down.

Study Anywhere_social activities 5. Keep up with social activities

As much as I love staying indoors, having a cup of tea and reading a book on a cold night, I have also found that it’s important to make the effort to meet your friends and family even if you don’t fancy the cold weather. Meeting up with people can lift your spirits (and maybe even distract you from feeling cold), and maintaining your social relationships will make you feel better and happier.

Study Anywhere_do what you love 6. Take up a hobby or engage in something you love

When you have a job, class or activity that you absolutely love, it’ll give you something to look forward to throughout the week. If you love playing music, reading, writing or drawing, make it a point to carve out some time to be creative. Take up a new class in something that you’re interested in. It can also be fun to bring a friend along so that you’ll have good company as well.

Dealing with the winter can be a struggle, for some more so than others, but know that there are ways you can help yourself to feel better. Sometimes it’s about trying different things out and finding ways to cope with it that suits you best. Before you know it, you’ll be a pro! Now, time for a cup of hot peppermint tea…