How to survive and thrive in Canberra as an introvert: Part One
Posted on
Feeling so frayed after another year of hard work that you’ve almost forgotten how to have fun?
Or are you struggling to unwind to the point you can be a functional and carefree soul?
Shifting between the two speeds of hyper-productive or catatonic is no way to live. And reconnecting with yourself demands a bit more than the passive, easy option of Netflix-and-chill. But it is an important intention to nurture as we reflect, nurse, and heal this New Year.
The dangers of social media doom-scrolling, and taking in all the motivational, curated frivolity of friends and inconsequential internet personalities are ever-present. And, somehow, burying your head in a book—luxurious as that sounds—can feel like just another thing to keep your overactive mind busy.
To add insult to injury, everything also costs an arm and a leg, and indulgences like getting your nails done or splurging on a massage just aren’t financially viable like they once were. The guilt of spending more than you can afford can tend to take over any curative benefit of a go-to beauty routine.
Fortunately, Canberra is a veritable paradise for introverts looking for a bit of gentle reflection on a shoestring budget.
Here’s my list of affordable or free things you can do to let go, self-soothe, and relax in solitude.
Nature. An introvert’s escape
Canberra boasts plenty of wide-open spaces for those who either want to walk off the cobwebs or sit back with a coffee or thermos to take in the great outdoors. And you don’t even have to be especially intrepid to get your fill of the Australian scrub’s equivalent of shinrin-yoku, the Japanese concept of forest bathing. Personally, I’ll pack my sunglasses, a small brolly, scarf and light jacket in case of all-weather scenarios.
In no particular order, here are some of the tried and tested parks and reserves near the Parliamentary Triangle that are worth an hour or so of your time. They all boast amenities, a nearby cafe, a pretty outlook and enough space to be amongst others without feeling overwhelmed by a crowd.
Telopea Park
Ditch the fitspo-scene of the Kingston Foreshore and stroll on over to the glorious little reserve a stone’s throw away from Barton and opposite Manuka Oval. At the right time of day, the sunlight filters through the branches of some of Telopea Park’s well-established trees and the sound of a breeze will compete with the water of the stream.
Suddenly, you’re transported to some romantic parkland in Europe. Every time I visit this long strip of green the weather has been temperate and the number of fellow outdoor explorers just right. There’s also a Supabarn within walking distance where you can buy a punnet of strawberries to enjoy outside in the shade of a willow. My tip for nearby coffee is Penny University Cafe.
Weston Park and Kurrajong Point
This area is a great place to pound the pavement, catch a glimpse of some native birdlife, and boasts some great outlooks across Lake Burley Griffin. There’s always ample space on the footpath to share with the occasional jogger or cyclists and families tend to congregate around the playground near Tarcoola Reach.
A real selling-point to escape to Yarralumla’s green realm is the Heritage Nursery and Oaks Brasserie next door, which is a really fun way to spend an afternoon: admiring ornamental trees with a coffee on hand. It’s a popular spot for people to bring their dogs (read: high chance of petting an animal). The lunch there is good too, just beware of the hungry Kurrajongs.
Nara Peace Park and the surrounding Lennox Gardens
Combining the tranquility of Japanese-inspired garden design and various views of Lake Burley Griffin, this delightful green space is one of Canberra’s best-kept secrets. Nestled on the other side of the lake to the Hyatt Hotel, its obscure access is probably what keeps it from ever getting overcrowded.
There are some lovely spots to nestle on your own, think and gaze, including a number of gazebos, picnic tables or anywhere along the lake shore if you have a blanket. An especially wonderful place to visit in the spring and summer, if you’re feeling up for the adventure, the Peace Park is also not too far away from the NewActon precinct where you can buy yourself a cocktail or catch a movie at the Palace Cinema. Who said Canberra wasn’t cosmopolitan?
Old Parliament House Rose Gardens at MOAD
The beautiful, well-cared-for rose gardens at the Museum of Australian Democracy in Old Parliament House are a riot of colour and heady scent in the summer months. If you’re lucky enough, being there when the wisteria is in bloom also channels some serious Bridgerton vibes.
The Courtyard Cafe inside Old Parliament House offers takeaway coffees, so you can make your order, leave from the back of the building and slip into the wonderland of an English garden. It always surprises me how I can spend hours at this place avoiding others.
If you’re planning to spend a while in the garden, maybe consider bringing a packed lunch and a picnic blanket to sit beneath the boughs of giant trees worthy of an Enid Blyton book. My time in this sanctuary always leaves me feeling energised. There’s also the bonus of your pick of nearby cultural institutions from the National Library to the art galleries along the foreshore for lunch.
Self-care cures
Getting enough sleep, regular exercise and eating vegetables not cutting it for you? I hear you. Sometimes these very good, ordinary routines just don’t provide the kind of pampering we need. But what is there left to reach for once you’ve ruled out an expensive trip to the hair salon or luxe massage?
These are a few affordable hacks to self-soothe, chill out on a budget.
Epsom salt scrub
Life without a bathtub is miserable, especially if you’re accustomed to living in a house with one. I was reminded of this recently when I was put up in a hotel in Melbourne for a work trip, and the room had a bath. I almost wept with joy.
For those shower-dwelling renters who have limited choice in the matter, Dr Teal’s has tubs of Epsom salt scrub for less than $15 to offer all the benefits of drawing a long bath. Kind of. Trust me, it’s worth the investment!
Argan oil
Even those among us who are cynical about the lies sold to us by the beauty industry cannot deny the luxurious merits of argan oil. It’s like a non-greasy, Vitamin E-rich elixir of pure heaven which will do wonders for more neglected parts of your body (like ankles, knees and elbows).
Argan oil even has a cult status reputation as a beauty product among devotees of no-frills sorbolene cream. Stop by the small luxury and homewares business Fances Pilley on Lonsdale Street in Braddon where you can purchase a 50ml vial of pure argan oil for $39. A little goes a long way, which is good news in this economy.
Shakti acupressure mat
Whenever my busy mind keeps ticking, making it hard to wind down and fall soundly asleep, my Shakti mat comes to the rescue. This wondrous, restorative product is produced by a social enterprise business that helps families in India with employment and financial independence. A bit more than the size of an A3 poster, this foam mat has a cover with small spiky plastic discs sewn onto the front.
The concept invites you to press your flesh by laying on the spikes (you can start with the light-intensity product), focus on your breathing and work through the mild discomfort until your muscles warm and relax. The effect releases tension and prompts the body to create endorphins, as well as increase circulation.
A perfect tool to accompany those times set aside for guided meditations and sound bath clips on YouTube. Mats sell for about $89.
Curate a playlist of guided meditations that work for you
There are plenty of free and effective guided meditations on YouTube and other apps, which offer a wonderful way to empty your mind and rest in the present moment.
Whether to pick one option over another boils down to personal preference but here are some keywords you can search to find something that works for you: breath, meditation, deep sleep, healing music, finding peace, quieting a chaotic mind, the power of silence.
