THE ART OF MICROADVENTURE

If someone asked how your day was and the answer you give is a regretful 'long', then the word microadventure may just be the thing you’ve been missing. These little escapes are designed to be simple, inexpensive and easy to fit into even the most chaotic of lives.

A microadventure is like a flexible check in with nature, a chance to escape the monotony of everyday life and reconnect with the world around you. It’s a way to rediscover the spark of adventure and explore new horizons.

Whether it’s a hike along a mountain trail, an invigorating wild swim, or a cosy camping trip under the stars, a microadventure is a moment to be spontaneous and balance out the treadmill of the 9 to 5 by maximising your free time and learning to make the most of every moment.

So what exactly is a Microadventure?

Microadventures can be anything from a one-night camping trip in your local woods, to a sunrise hike on a nearby mountain. You could head out on an overnight bike ride through the countryside, or go for a wild swim. The key is to keep it simple and accessible so that anyone can do it and do it quickly.

One of the best things about microadventures is that they are perfect even if you only have a few hours to spare. It doesn't take weeks of planning and it doesn't have to take up hours of your valuable free time. You also don’t need to spend a lot of money on gear or travel make space for a microadventure.

All you need is a sense of curiosity and a willingness to explore.

Another great thing about microadventures is that they can be tailored to suit your physical ability or experience. Whether you’re a complete beginner or are comfortable with exploring already, there are microadventures that will challenge and inspire you.

Here's an example, if you’re new to camping, you might start with a one-night camping trip, somewhere you have never been before. If you’re a more experienced hiker, you might try a sunrise hike on a nearby mountain or hill. The key is to find an adventure that is within your comfort level and that you’re excited to try. The only rule is that it should be a step into the unknown. That's what at true adventure is after all!

Another benefit of microadventures is that you can either go solo or adventure with others. Going solo mean a greater chance to connect with nature and reflect on your thoughts. Alternatively you might prefer to share the experience with friends and family and gind a deeper connection with them. Either way, microadventures are a great way to spend time with loved ones and create lasting memories, or form a deeper connection with nature and yourself.

Microadventure Ideas to get you started

There are many different types of microadventures that you can try, here are a few examples:

• Camping: One of the most popular types of microadventures is camping. Camping is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature. You can camp at a nearby beach or forest, or even in your own backyard if are limited in travelling options.
• Hiking: Hitting the trail is another great way to explore the natural world. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, with a bit of research there are likely to be plenty of trails near you to choose from, from easy nature walks to more challenging mountain hikes.
• Biking: This is another great way to explore the outdoors. You can even do this as a tour or your local town or city. Maybe even combine it with a foodie journey too.
• Kayaking or Paddle boarding: Kayaking or boarding is a great way to explore the outdoors from a different perspective. rivers, lakes, lochs or even the nearest coast, all offer opportunities to challenge yourself in this way.
• Photography: Obviously my favourite! Photography is a great way to explore the natural world and capture the beauty of nature. Even with a modern phone there are plenty of opportunities to focus on that can turn into a whole microadventure in itself. Think safari parks, beaches, forest walks, or maybe a graffiti walk around your local city.

Top 10 benefits of going on a Microadventure

There are lots of reasons why going on a microadventure should be top of your to-do list. Here's 5 of my favourite ones.

1. Affordable:?All things considered, microadventures are pretty inexpensive, making them accessible to people of all budgets. They don’t require expensive gear or travel costs, making them a great option for people looking for an easy adventure that doesn't cost the earth.

2. Convenience: You can plan your microadventures to take place close to home, which means that you don’t need to spend a lot of time planning or travelling. This makes them a great option for people with busy schedules.

3. Variety: There are many different types of microadventures to choose from, from those listed above whatever you can imagine doing that interests you. This means that there’s something for everyone, no matter what your interests or skill level. When I was at university, years ago I practiced the art of microadventures. Every Sunday my flatmates and I would go to the train station and buy a ticket to a random destination and we would just go explore wherever we ended up with an open mind.

4. Physical and mental health benefits: It's well documented - Being outdoors in nature can also help to reduce stress and improve mood. Even if you cant get into nature on your adventure you can still experience a reduction in stress just by getting out and taking action.

5. Connection to yourself:?Microadventures can be challenging, which can help to build self-confidence and self-esteem. They can also help to build problem-solving skills and a sense of accomplishment.

So what are you waiting for?

There’s nothing stopping you now from planning your very own microadventure, getting outside and giving it a go for yourself.

If you feel inspired by the idea of microadventuring I would love to hear all about it.

Let me know what you got up to in the comments below, or connect with me on social media. Feel free to tag your post with #somewheresky so I can see all of your amazing photos and read your adventure stories.

If you have any questions or need some guidance, about microadventures just let me know!

Thanks for reading . Until next time!