What makes us happy? That’s the question all of us ask ourselves during our lives. Though, what do we do in order to make ourselves happy? Happiness can involve many things and all of us who travel interpret happiness in our own unique ways. Many of us pursue happiness through travel experiences or food dining and fun activities. I know I do!
Happiness can be found everywhere through experience, though there are some locations around Victoria that are actually dealing it out. Here are just a few of those destinations where happiness is on the itinerary.
Join the Laughter Club at Federation Square in Melbourne
Try getting out into the sunshine and get your giggles on at Melbourne’s Laughter Club at Federation Square. Laughter is indeed addictive – in a good way – and we can all count the times when we’ve broken out into laughter when others around us do. Laughter is a fun way to warm the chills from our bodies, too, and studies have documented the benefits of laughter and how laughter gives our bodies and minds a boost. No skills or equipment is required. All you need is belly full of chuckles and a free, lazy Sunday. Plus, it’s a fun way to meet new people.
The Laughter Club happens on the first and third Sunday of the month from 11.00am to 11.30am at the Swanston Street Forecourt, Federation Square, corner Flinders and Swanston Streets, Melbourne Victoria 3000. Participation is free. For more information or more meet-up locations around Victoria, visit the Laughter Club’s website.
Happily devour a meal at Serotonin Eatery in Burnley
Eating is one of the simple joys in life, and it’s a fulfilling feeling to savour a delicious meal at a favourite outlet or even at a destination on our wish-list. Serotonin Eatery in Burnley is a plant-based café dealing in meals especially crafted to help regulate neurotransmitters and hormone activity. Serotonin Eatery sources organic ingredients from local farmers where possible to deliver meals that assist with keeping our guts and moods happy.
Many options on the menu follow the rainbow philosophy of including foods that represent a spectrum of colours, all crafted by talented chefs and under guidance of nutritionists and psychologists. Serotonin Eatery has also expanded the happiness by incorporating large windows for natural light and personal training sessions are available onsite, along with regular wellness talks to be introduced later down the track.
Serotonin Eatery is located at 52 Madden Grove, Burnley Victoria 3121. Phone: 0421 233 150. Hours: Wednesday to Friday 7.00am to 4.00pm, Saturday and Sunday 8.00am to 4.00pm.
Book in for the Ultimate Happiness weekend retreat at Kadampa in Monbulk
The Dandenongs is dotted with secluded villages and lush, forested hills that are capped with mist at this time of year. It’s one region where those looking for an escape can head to and is easily accessible by road. Conveniently, Monbulk’s indigenous name ‘Monbolloc’ translates to ‘hiding place in the hills’.
This fruit-growing village is also home to Kadampa Meditation Centre, Australia’s national centre for Kadampa Buddhism. Kadampa Meditation Centre hosts its Ultimate Happiness weekend retreat regularly throughout the year. Travellers can learn from Buddhist teachers about the path to enlightenment. Daily meditations and teachings feature, as well as nutritious vegetarian meals, tailored to help attendees travel along the path to happiness.
Visit Kadampa Meditation Centre’s website for future dates, costs and bookings for their Ultimate Happiness weekend. McCarthy Road, Monbulk Victoria 3793. Accommodation options are available too.
Participate in a Happiness Retreat at Peninsula Hot Springs in Fingal
Peninsula Hot Springs in Fingal on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula is already a must-do for many day-trippers to the area. Rest, rejuvenation and relaxation are key here, and we can reap the benefits of a lengthy soak in any one the complex’s bath house of natural thermal mineral pools. There are also massage facilities on site so the relaxation can be spread over more time before a blissful and floaty car-ride home.
Peninsula Hot Springs is hosting its Happiness Retreat on Tuesday, September 8. A three-hour happiness workshop with wellbeing and mental health advocate Dr Jodi Richardson is on the agenda, along with bath house bathing and morning tea within its own luxurious Moroccan tent. You only need to travel a mere 90 minutes from Melbourne to partake in the happiness.
The Happiness Retreat will be held at Peninsula Hot Springs, Springs Lane, Fingal Victoria 3939. Phone: 03 5950 8777.Cost: $195 per person. Bookings are essential by phone or email [email protected] . Further details can be found at the website.
