Beat the Winter blues...
Posted by RSVP on
Cold days, dark at 5.30pm and lots of rain... Winter can push even the most positive person into hibernation but if you're mission this year is to meet new people and expand your social circle, then being a recluse won't get you there!! So, pick yourself up and start making some plans to get out and about... here are some tips that might help you along the way:Join a Winter sporting team
Some sports are made for Winter and can prove a great way to meet new people from all walks of life, some sport ideas include:
- Netball or Basketball (indoor or outdoor)
- Tennis - great game for mixing and mingling
- Football (any of the codes: Rugby Union, Rugby League, Aussie Rules or Soccer)
- Touch / Tag rugby - for the less serious sportsperson who just wants some fun with less running
- Ice Hockey - for the braver members!
If you don't like the idea of team sports you could join a gym or even a 'boot camp' group... you'll still meet people and you'll also earn more chocolate (or beer) credits!
Go to a Footy game
If you haven't already chosen a team to support then get one and become their biggest supporter. Being in a crowd of people all supporting the same winning team can be an exhilarating experience and is the perfect environment for plucking up the courage to make new friends. And there are games every week so this is an easy one!
Get involved in a Book Club
This involves far less physical effort and a much cosier environment and could be just the thing for meeting people with similar interests, not to mention that you have a topic for discussion already set! Most local areas have a book club and these can be found on the internet.
Go skiing (or snowboarding)
The ski season is now open and packed with singles! Even if you can't bear the thought of all the ski equipment and potential humiliation on the slopes, you should definitely consider this for the après-ski. All ski resorts have plenty of après-ski options such as bars, clubs and special resort night events that will guarantee you'll meet new people and have fun at the same time! In Australia we have ski resorts in NSW and Victoria all with good skiing options, otherwise if you're more adventurous you could head for Queenstown in New Zealand or even Japan; that will certainly expand your social network!
Chase the Winter sun up North
If you're living in Southern Australia then you may have forgotten how beautiful the Winter weather is in the North... such as in Darwin or Broome. Grab a couple of friends and pack your best Summer clothes because these places are simply made for enjoying the sun. With fantastic open air bars and seaside social spots to meet new people, you may not be able to swim in the sea but there will be plenty of other reasons to get you out and about meeting new people. The dry-season, as it is known up there, is full of great social magnets such as the night markets at Mindil Beach, Darwin.
Whatever you do this Winter to meet new people remember to start small, even the best laid plans go to waste if they are too ambitious. Set yourself one task a week and before you know it you're Winter calendar will be full!