What to do on a weeknight in Melbourne rather than watch TV

We all know the feeling – you get home from a long day at work and just want to flop in front of the box.

Two hours later you wake up, dribble down your chin and a cold cup of tea on the coffee table.

But there’s a better way to spend your night: one that leaves you intellectually fulfilled, re-energised, and wallet intact.

Here are five reasons attending weeknight seminars are good for you, and where to catch the best talks in Melbourne.

Minimise physical health risks
You wouldn’t think that chatting, listening, and enjoying a complimentary drink could minimise health risks. However, according to educational and developmental psychologist Kelly-Anne Allen, it can.

“Loneliness and social isolation has been found to be a health risk factor as significantly bad for you as smoking or heavy alcohol consumption,” she says.

“Engaging in social opportunities should be prioritised alongside having a healthy diet and exercising regularly.”

Minimise mental health risks
Not only could attending talks be good for your body, but your brain too.

Despite being able to connect with millions of people at the touch of a button, we’ve reported feeling increasingly lonely and depressed.

However, by attending talks and meeting new people, we can mitigate some of these feelings.

“Social connectedness has been found to buffer the effects of depression and anxiety…it is a protective factor for our mental health,” Allen says.

Learn and grow
Melbourne Knowledge Week ambassador and Melbourne startup community leader Laura Anderson says attending talks and seminars builds character and identity.

“A benefit (of talks and seminars) is learning and growing with the community,” she says.

“By listening to a variety of different perspectives and having an open mind, we continue to grow the sense of self.”

Connect with the community
Networking doesn’t have to mean stiffly standing around trading business cards – it can mean getting involved in an interesting, exciting dialogue, and making connections with people you would have otherwise stalked past on the street.

“There’s an an evolution we’re experiencing as a community, and it starts and ends with people,” Anderson says.

“There’s a tapestry of conversation – and it all starts with opting in.”

Improve social skills
How many times have you neglected to go out, concerned you don’t feel at the top of your game? According to psychologist Dr Brock Bastian, pushing through and going anyway can not only improve your social skills, but minimise social anxiety.

“With social anxiety, it’s the perception of risk that shapes behaviour. By engaging in the risky thing, we understand it’s not as bad,” he says.

“This leads us to accommodate and adapt.”

It turns out even socialising follows the golden rule – practice, practice, practice.

For nervous first-timers, Melbourne Knowledge Week Ambassador Laura Anderson has a few tips.

“Walk in with a sense of wonderment; use all your senses; smile; and don’t be afraid. It’s your unique perspective … that can add value. Let your inner light shine!”

Free, enlightening talks:

• Melbourne Knowledge Week (held in May)
• Melbourne University’s year-round free public lectures
• A Pint of Science (held in May)
• The NGV, with year-round discussions and events
• Or online at Meetup.com