A guide to joymaxxing in Canberra
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Everything is being taken to the max at the moment, but in a world that’s all about optimisation, why shouldn’t we take a moment to prioritise joy?
Sleepmaxxing, proteinmaxxing, and even looksmaxxing – it feels like every time we open our social media feeds, there’s something new that we would be hyper-optimising. But as the maxxing trend continues to take over our daily lexicon (poopmaxxing, anyone?), what about prioritising creating more joyful, meaningful and memorable moments?
For those who haven’t come across the suffix before, it essentially means to ‘maximise’ an area of your life, health or wellbeing. There’s no doubt that some maxxing trends are problematic, but overall, the concept can be a beneficial – and even fun – way to shift your mindset and focus.
So, with that in mind, here’s our guide to joymaxxing in Canberra.
You never know, it might even help you reconnect with your inner child.
Savour the ordinary
This also comes under the umbrella of romanticising your life, but taking the time to enjoy the small moments is one of the easiest ways to spark joy. It might be as simple as taking the time to get a coffee or matcha from your local café or soaking in the views of Canberra’s iconic landmarks on your commute into the office. What about sitting in the sun by Lake Burley Griffin? Or walking to the local shops to pick up ingredients for dinner?
It’s the small, simple habits – and viewing yourself as the protagonist of your own story – that force you to live in the present and create memorable moments.
Explore Canberra’s natural wonders
Canberra is known as the bush capital for a reason. Home to bushwalking tracks, secret gardens and wildlife reserves, there are plenty of opportunities to go offline and get back to nature.
Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary is always worth exploring, while the National Arboretum is home to one of the world’s largest living collections of rare, endangered and culturally significant trees. Mount Ainslie offers iconic views from its peak, and just 45 minutes from the city, Corin Forest offers a year-round alpine adventure.
With so much on our doorstep, there’s no shortage of natural gems to uncover.
Try a new hobby
Whether it’s fitness, art or something else entirely, exploring a new hobby is an easy way to spark joy. From perfume making at Instala DIY Studio to learning how to make and bake authentic focaccia from scratch in Whitlam and photography workshops at photo access, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Start doing some research to see what resonates with you!
Enjoy unstructured play
Even adults need to play. Considered to be a very important part of child development, unstructured play is simply an activity without set rules or specific goals – and when was the last time you did something just because you wanted to?
If you need some examples, think browsing local bookstores, going for a walk just because or playing with clay without the aim of creating a masterpiece. For those looking for something a little more active, Pickleball, bouldering or disc golf are some suggestions. The only limit is your imagination!
Listen to live music
Whether you’re into underground jazz or heavy metal, Canberra has a vibrant live music scene. Assembly, Fun Time Pony, Smiths Alternative, Molly, and Dissent Café and Bar are just some of the venues in the city, while The Baso, Gang Gang Café, The Dock and Rose Cottage are shaking things up in the suburbs.
With something happening every week, there’s sure to be one show you’ll enjoy – and even if you don’t, it will still be a memorable moment. Remember, joymaxxing is a practice, and it’s not meant to be perfect!
