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Microadventures are cheap, simple, short adventures right outside your door step
If you’re thinking this is something you want to try, below are a few tips that helped me go on my very first one:Â
Approach adventure as a state of mind, a part of your spirit
You don’t have to be ‘outdoorsy’ or think you’re adventurous to have adventures. You are human, and you’re probably bored with everyday monotony – so do something that scares you, and be prepared to hate it (at first).
Scout out an easily accessible location
Find somewhere that is reasonable to get to after work; you don’t really want to be driving 3 hours to explore on a work day. A public park, riverside, field, or even your own backyard will work!
Try camping in your backyard
The best part of this adventure is that it leads you right onto your own doorstep (if you live in an apartment complex, hit up a friend with a backyard), to explore your local environment anew. Choose your spot, pitch a tent, and get unplugged. It is amazing how you can be so close to something or somewhere that is so familiar, yet how foreign and new it will seem to sleep outside.
Breathe in sunrise ANYWHERE
It might be uncomfortable to wake up somewhere other than your comfortable bed – yes the first few minutes will suck. But seeing your city or town come alive through the lens of a mountain top, hill-top, or rooftop is spectacular, and something that will set the rest of your day on fire.
Walk a lap around your home at a few miles’ radius
It is truly amazing what you will find in your own neighborhood. I did this last week and found street art and beautiful graffiti; it gave me a chance to let the spinning wheels of my mind slow down. Listening to the birds, breathing in the air and taking in the overlooked world that is just under your nose is comforting and weirdly enlivening.
Pack up your essentials before work
- Sleeping bag, tent (if necessary) blankets (dependent on weather)
- Head torch (or iPhone flashlight)
- Face wipes, tooth brush, water, chapstick
- Swimsuit, towel for any ocean, river, lake, stream, or possible sprinkler adventures
- Bug spray
- If you’re taking a mini-micro adventure into nature, go minimalistic – try taking NOTHING, and see how freeing it is
Lastly, just do it
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We tend to over-examine, over-plan, over-analyze everything. A microadventure gives you the chance to simply grab the keys, your bike, skateboard, or own two feet, and just go. Just do it. It is a perfect tonic to your mid-week blues, and although you may wake up a little messy with dirt-caked hair, you will wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated to start the next work day.
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