By Emma Di Salvo
We all need to switch off sometimes. Yes, our daily routines are comforting and familiar, but that familiarity, if not checked, can easily result in boredom. We’ve all been there.
When everything seems a bit too “samey”, microadventures are the perfect solution for that dopamine hit we so desperately need when feelings of ennui set in. And the best part? There’s a wide variety of microadventure ideas to choose from, each sure to put a unique spring in your step!
What Is A Microadventure And Why Are They A Good Idea?
A microadventure is a mini-adventure, a simple, accessible getaway that doesn’t have to break the bank. It’s about unwinding and finding inner peace. We look at both physical microadventures and those that focus more on mental well-being.
Sounds cool, but what’s the point? As mentioned earlier, our daily routines sometimes leave us feeling uninspired and bored, and we can lose our enthusiasm for life. That’s why shaking up our usual routine and doing something new and different can release our “happy hormone” (dopamine), making us feel happier, more focused, and less anxious, stressed, and depressed.
Microadventures offer a beacon of hope, a way to break free from the monotony and find joy in the everyday. And the beauty of microadventures is that they’re within everyone’s reach, empowering you to take control of your own happiness.
Go Camping With Your Fur-Buddy
There’s a reason so many people go camping. It’s good for your health because it gets you out of the house, offers a greener environment, gives you more exercise, and allows you to reset your body clock. Camping provides a sense of adventure and also helps to improve our mental health, giving us that lovely hit of dopamine!
Whether with a group or fur-buddy, or flying solo, camping offers the perfect microadventure. You can go for the weekend and return feeling refreshed and ready to face the world and work again come Monday.
Try A New Restaurant
If you’re looking for something more low-key, this could be your microadventure. Go to a restaurant you’ve never been to but always wanted to try. Go alone. This might sound strange if it’s something you’ve never done before, but trust me, eating alone in a restaurant has its benefits.
I was surprised at how confident I felt the first time I did it. As someone who suffers from anxiety, I was expecting to hate it. Now, I try to do it at least once a month. It’s important to like your own company and a good indicator of how things are going in your life. Try it.
Take A Day Trip
If it’s a day trip you’re looking for, why not hop on a train and go somewhere new? Take the opportunity to explore somewhere that’s been on your radar for a while but you’ve never had the chance to go. This is a good option for those who like adventure and structure (like me!).
You can plan your day around things you like and are interested in. Why not extend your microadventure and take a picnic? Find a nice spot in a park or under a tree and enjoy the scenery of the new town/city.
Host A Dinner Party
Food again! This time, why not try hosting your own dinner party? Have a BBQ, maybe? I love doing this; it really helps take my mind off things and boosts my energy. It also changes the way you see your home. All of a sudden, there are people in it! Music is pumping, and there is a buzz. It’s exciting. Different.
It’s also a great chance to catch up with friends and be social. As far as microadventures go, this one is both stimulating and good for our mental well-being (except for perhaps the clean-up!).
Move In A Different Way
Staying active is such an important part of maintaining good health; however, if going to the gym is a microadventure, it’s an adventure I can do without thanks! Personally, unless I’m taking part in some kind of class, going to the gym just doesn’t do it for me.
That’s why I was so happy to discover dance tutorials on YouTube. I was surprised at the variety and quality of the dances/exercises on offer. After a few days, I was excited to work out and even add some new videos to the mix. This process feels like an adventure, and one I hope continues. Check out this fun mix of dance routines to songs by Dua Lipa. If you want to extend this even further, why not try shaking your stuff in the garden? Make a day of it!
So there you have it. Microadventures are not only fun and exciting; they can make a difference in your life. Do something for yourself and make the most out of your spare time. If you have any other awesome microadventure ideas, please leave them in the comments below.