What is a microadventure?
Microadventures are short and straightforward, local, (mostly) affordable but still enjoyable, exciting, and challenging. As the global population becomes increasingly urabanized, busy and stuck behind an electric screen, microadventures provide a realistic escape from the monotony; They offer an opportunity for adventure to the people that have little-to-no outdoor experience, and can work as a great steppingstone towards taking on some bigger adventures. Or even simply, a breath of fresh air.
By finding different ways to step outside and soak in some nature, you are benefitting your life in more ways than initially thought. Researchers at Yale have created and facilitated multiple different studies to prove the benefits of nature; And without getting into too much detail.. It works in our favor in SO many ways.
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Easy Microadventure Ideas
Spending time outdoors does not need to be a complicated task. As simple as climbing a tree, we each have full access to nature, all we need is some direction, and some time. Below are some ideas to get the brain grooving, and before you know it, you’ll be on your way to obtaining all the benefits nature has waiting for you. Oh, and I’m sure you’ll be able to add some of your own creative ideas for microadventures as well!
Biking/walking
Do you have any idea how easy it is to literally just step outside and go? With minimal amounts of gear, you can quite literally step into the outdoors, pick a direction, and start walking, jogging, or biking. Heck, I’d even be willing to bet that everyone has access to a trail within walking distance, giving us the opportunity to step away from the concrete jungle for a bit (even if it is less than a stone’s throw from pavement).
Do I even need to mention the benefits of exercise for physical health? I didn’t think so. But this is a great way to get that in without thinking “this is exercise”. A big push away from exercise for people is the dread of the gym, or the idea that “now I have to do this for my health”. Well, just combine it all into one! Get out there, get active, get adventuring.
New hobbies
What’s my absolute favorite way to take on new microadventures you ask?
Simply finding myself a new hobby that gets me there!
If you know me, I’m all about hiking and camping. But I too partake in “small” adventures as well. I enjoy water sports, paddling, fishing, climbing, and even simply just being out in nature (like hanging in my hammock). By finding a new hobby, you have the opportunity to not only immerse yourself into the world beyond the cubicle, but to meet like-minded people as well! These outdoor microadventures do not need to be something you do on your own!
So grab a friend, grab a partner, grab a pup.. whoever you want as your company! And get out there and start exploring. You never know what you’ll find.
PS: Have you heard of geocaching? Basically a real-life treasure hunt. Follow the clues, see new things, receive the reward and leave a new one for future explorers!
Explore Local parks
Sure, I love to explore our amazing national parks, but adventures don’t always need to be grand. I get it, most of us work a classic 9-5, Monday through Friday. We spend our days thinking about, and saving up for our 2 weeks off per year, and make sure that we go BIG for those 2 weeks.
But what if I told you that you can do that AND grab some of the microadventures as well.
Most cities have a local park well within range of “accessible” after long working hours. The impact of nature is remarkably beneficial. You just have to want that greater quality of life (Ecopsychology).
Especially in today’s digital world, staring at screen all day can become monotonous, boring, dull, mind-numbing… need I continue?
A 9-5 job gives you 16 hours of free-time between shifts. That’s a whole lotta time!
“But we have to sleep…”
Yes, I am aware. But that doesn’t have to stop you from benefiting from nature. Open the door, step out, shut it behind you, and begin. Once you start, you’ll be so surprised what new adventures pop up all over the place. Simply diving in to your 5-9 life, rather than sacrificing your 9-5 careers, is still a motion that sits unused on the table!
Sleep under the stars
Still think that sleep schedules get too much in the way? Try doing it IN nature, as a part of your adventure!
I absolutely love sleeping outside. Waking up to fresh air, sounds of nature, epic views, and the pure sense of joy… what’s not to love.
This idea for a microadventure is pretty self-explanatory, so I’ll keep it short. Grab some gear, find a campground/campsite, national park, public land, etc, and go!
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Simple.
Guided activities
Last but not least, and probably the easiest (?) option out there. This takes the thinking out of the whole equation. At least for you.
Ever been on vacation, or even walking through town and seen signs for “walking tours” or something of the like? That’s what we are talking about here. I know, I know: “This seems lame”. I was on that thought boat for awhile myself too. But then I realized something – these tours are the PERFECT opportunity to partake in a microadventure, surround one’s self with like-minded folks, learn something new, and even get some exercise!
Why should you plan a weekly microadventure?
Really, the best time to plan these are… well, any and all the time.
But seriously, we’ve already covered the idea of working around business schedules, and most of us have weekend (even if they aren’t the classic Friday evening through Sunday). So just buckle up, and get to planning.
Trust me, this is a very loose term. I’m not one who likes to plan much. But When planning these, you really don’t need to do much. Pick a day, pick a general idea, get some gear together, and get going! These don’t need to be a financial undertaking.
We’ve also covered the benefits. So what’re you waiting for? The question is less “why should I plan a weekly microadventure?” and more “why the heck haven’t I already?!”
Just please, please, please remember to leave no trace. We want to keep the places accessible and clean.
People also ask what gear is needed.
Another great thing about these tiny adventures is that you really don’t need gear. Sure, if you want to sleep under the stars, you’ll most likely need a tent, or at least a sleeping bag at the bare minimum; But the only real piece of gear one needs is a smile.
Work up from there. If you find out that super simple adventures are exactly what you want/need, well than keep it simple! But if you find yourself trying to turn these adventures into something more, or are looking for a bit more thrill; Think about getting yourself outfitted to match those unique desires. Still does not need to be excessive. My daypack main consists of food/snacks, extra apparel, a hammock, and perhaps a Bluetooth speaker and/or headphones, and a book. It’s that easy.
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In Conclusion
All I am trying to do is encourage everyone to take a step back, and enjoy some of the simpler things in life. With all that is going on in this world, a breath of fresh air, and a bit of eco-therapy is exactly what’s needed.
The key here is just to start. Start small if you want. Heck, keep it small. But I really think you’ll feel the benefit. Then let the cravings start to kick in!
Need to look a bit deeper? Check out this microadventures book by Alastair Humphreys!
Adventure is a loose word that means different things to different people. It is a state of mind, a spirit of trying something new and leaving your comfort zone. Adventure is about enthusiasm, ambition, open-mindedness and curiosity. If this is true, then ‘adventure’ is not only crossing deserts and climbing mountains; adventure can be found everywhere, every day, and it is up to us to seek it out.
Alastair Humphreys
Cheers!
It is never too late to make this your year for adventure! Start small, and make it a year full of microadventure!