By Justin Phipps
In response to Glass editor Jacinta’s Touch grass article, Justin explores a different means of self-care in the form of self-challenge. His goal is to forget the stress of university, if not for just a day.
The phrase ‘touch wood’ is yet another saying re-popularised by Gen Z and is used as a superstitious expression to avoid bad luck, usually mentioned after someone says something positive or hopeful, to prevent jinxing their good fortune. It’s the type of thing that probably shouldn’t be taken so literally… or should it? As Jacinta wrote in her latest Ritualistic Self Caring article titled Touch Grass, “It’s essentially a plea for these weirdos to breathe in some fresh air and to touch some grass” or in this case wood. If during these last few weeks of the semester you’re feeling tired, burnt out and overworked it might be time to get outside and touch some wood… No, not in that way you animals.
‘Touching wood’ can be a little bit more difficult than ‘touching grass’ in Brisbane, especially balancing university, work and having a social life during semester. The idea is to challenge yourself to explore more of the world and all it has to offer.
So, that leads us to what does ‘touch wood’ look like, how can QUT students do it and what are the benefits? The ‘touch wood’ experience is in essence about escaping the city for a day and exploring somewhere out in nature, ideally switching your brain off from the stress of everyday life. Its estimated at least 43% of the Australian population have experienced issues with mental health in their life, with 22% experiencing this sometime within the last year. Our brains are so fine-tuned to focus on the nuances of everyday work life, we’ve forgotten to appreciate the world around us. Several key mental health issues people face can all be eased by spending some time out in nature, and combining nature with exercise is a recipe for therapy.
Now the ‘touch wood’ experience can be as challenging or as easy as you’d like it to be. Whether that’s climbing a mountain or going on a leisurely walk in a forest, it all helps escape the stress of everyday life. In fact, studies show spending 20 minutes a day in nature can have the same pick me up effect as a cup of coffee due to the serotonin your body releases. Imagine what a whole day can do for your mental health!
As an avid hiker of Brisbane’s surrounds, I can confidently say a day out in the wild is the best escape from the stress of everyday student life. While it can be as simple as going to your local park or walking along the river, to get the best results try and challenge yourself to explore somewhere new and exciting! Brisbane’s surrounds have something for everyone, whether that’s mountain scrambling, a simple rainforest walk or swimming under a waterfall, ‘touch wood’ is primarily about escaping to nature and leaving everyday behind to ease your mind.
So, if you or one of your friends drives a car it might be time to hit the gas, escape the hustle and bustle of Brisbane and discover some hidden gems just stone’s throw away from the city. I’ve listed some of my favourite spots for you to check out next time you need a break from the fast-paced life of a student.
- Mt Cordeaux
Located on the beautiful Scenic rim, Mt Cordeaux boasts some of the best views for hikers and nature lovers alike, with the distant Brisbane city on the horizon. This hike is relatively easy for beginners and will take you through lush rainforests full of amazing wildlife and flora.
- Lamington National Park
Nestled in the Gold Coast hinterland, Lamington National Park is a haven for nature lovers. With its lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, this park offers numerous trails for all levels of hikers.
- Mt Beerwah
One of the more challenging options, however a key demonstration that hard work does pay off. Beerwah will have you scaling and scrambling your way to the top, pacing amazing sandstone cliffs and caves on the way to a beautiful 360-degree view of the Sunshine coast with Brisbane city on the horizon.
- Purling Brook falls and Twin falls:
Situated in the beautiful Springbrook national park, these hikes are easily accessible for beginners and provide a world class waterfall experience. After walking through lush green rainforest, you’ll be confronted with a 60m waterfall which you can swim under. Some of my best memories with friends is making a day trip out of visiting these falls.
- Kondalilla falls
Located in the Sunshine Coast, Kondalilla falls is another great option for an escape to nature day trip. Featuring another beautiful rainforest filled with wildlife, beginners can easily complete the circuit which features yet another world class waterfall you can swim under.
- D’Aguilar National Park
Just a short drive from Brisbane, D’Aguilar National Park offers a variety of trails through eucalypt forests and along ridges with spectacular views. Mt Nebo and Mt Glorious provide a range of different trails which trek through a range of different environments.
- Mt Barney Summit trail
For those who are seeking a challenge, we’ve landed at the big one. The Mt Barney summit trail is not for the faint-hearted, you’ll be climbing 1364 metres altitude throughout the day and requires strong levels of fitness and climbing ability. The entire route takes a minimum of seven hours return to complete, if you do this all within a day. However, if you’re up for the challenge the summit route provides you with some of the best views of the scenic rim and surrounding mountains.
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