A favorite newfound concept stumbled upon was called exercise snacks. These short bursts of physical activity last about 30 seconds to a couple of minutes with the intent of combating the negative impacts of an otherwise sedentary lifestyle. Essentially, if you do not have the time for a two-hour gym workout, go for an exercise snack. A similar and exciting concept is microadventures. Instead of long, exotic, and out-of-town adventures, enjoy a local and simple adventure meant for those with busy lives. Microadventures could last a couple of hours overnight, but unlike more involved outdoor activities, there's no dedicated training or gear you would need.
Read on to hear more about Microadventures, how to scratch the outdoor itch and love on Mother Nature without breaking the bank or needing a course in spelunking-although that is very cool too.
Do you have a Bucket List? If not, you probably should. We love grand adventures. The thing about them is they are usually, well, grand. They can take a lot of research, time, money, and experience. Maybe you are not into Type II fun. We all have to start somewhere, and microadventures are a great way for newbies interested in exploring to tap into the world of the outdoors. It is an equally cool way for longstanding experts to get a quick fix in between weeks at the office. If you can relate to not being an elite athlete or have the time (or desire) to climb Everest, you have permission to still enjoy the outdoors. Plus, you deserve to. Alastair Humphreys, who coined microadventuring, states that adventuring is a state of mind. That stretching yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally wherever YOU are in your journey is the real adventure. Adventures can be found anywhere, by anyone. Here are some wonderful microadventures to try out. We will even start close to home.
- Backyard camping
- Picnic
- Cooking outdoors
- Eat outside on the patio
- Full moon walk
- River/spring/lake/ocean swim
- Explore a state park
- Bird watching
- Star gazing
- Outside sunrise or sunset
- Solo walk
- Forest bathing
- Relax in a hammock
- Walk to the closest restaurant
- Take an outdoor class
- Historic landmark hopping
- Hit up a Famer’s Market
- Take the scenic route or backroad
- Wander mindlessly outside
- START AN OUTDOOR CHALLENGE
To sum it up: just go outside! Live with intention; the intention to enjoy the world around you. The people around you. Let us face it, the world is not slowing down around us, and the screen time just continues to increase rather than decrease. Microadventuring allows for an escape to the outdoors. It will give you something to look forward to. Add in the known benefits of the wild, and it is a no-brainer. Why not try one, or ten, out?
Commonly Asked Questions About Microadventures:
FAQs
How to have a microadventure?
A microadventure is about finding excitement in short, simple experiences close to home. You don’t need expensive gear or long travel, just creativity and a sense of curiosity. Try camping in your backyard, exploring a local trail, or stargazing one evening.
What is the mini adventure?
A mini adventure is a short and manageable trip or activity that feels refreshing without needing extensive planning. It could be a spontaneous hike, a bike ride to a new spot, or exploring a nearby town. The focus is on fun and discovery.
What are everyday adventures?
Everyday adventures are small, meaningful activities that bring a sense of joy or novelty to daily life. They could include trying a new coffee shop, walking a different route home, or picking up a new hobby. They remind us adventure doesn’t require distance.
How to plan mini adventures?
Planning a mini adventure starts with identifying a window of free time and choosing a simple activity that excites you. Keep it local and low-cost, like a sunrise picnic, scenic drive, or neighborhood treasure hunt. Flexibility and curiosity are key.
