It sounds dramatic to say, but since I started prioritising having microadventures, my life truly changed. Three years ago, I made the decision to start prioritising adventures, and having at least one a week. Since then, not only have I done loads of fun things and ticked off places and experiences I’ve always wanted to, but I’ve also grown my comfort zone, challenged my anxiety, made new friends, and felt way more intentional about how I’m living my life.

If you’ve ever written in your journal something along the lines of “life feels like it’s just happening around me…I want to go on more adventures” it can feel overwhelming to know where to start (and can feel like it’s going to be expensive). However the joy of microadventures is that they don’t have to be these big grand adventures, they’re small, actionable, everyday adventures that will bring a whole lot of joy to your life.

What is a microadventure?

Microadventures are small adventures that you can do from your house. The idea is they’re cheap, easy to fit into your everyday life, and get you outside and enjoying life.

The term was originally coined by adventurer Alistair Humphreys, who describes them as “small and achievable, for normal people with real lives”.

What I love about microadventures is that they can be as big or small as feels right to you. If you’re housebound due to a chronic illness, getting outside in the garden to listen to the birdsong is as much of an adventure as doing a big hike is to a healthy, able-bodied.

So rather than waiting for the next big adventure or holiday, pepper your everyday with these smaller, achievable adventures and suddenly your world feels a lot bigger.

What do you really need to get started having everyday adventures

You don’t need a lot to get started on having everyday adventures, and it totally depends on what kind of adventures you’re wanting to go on.

If you’re planning to start doing walks and hiking, a pair of walking boots, a waterproof, and a backpack are the key essentials.

If you’re planning to start wild swimming, a float and a swimming costume are your essentials.

Photo walks are something I love to do, and you can do that with your phone camera to start with. If you’re planning to go to the beach, you don’t need anything specific. Work out what you want to do, but you’ll be surprised that you really don’t need a lot to get started.

The true magic of microadventures…

Is that they really are for everyone. Since learning about microadventures, I’ve come to the conclusion that the term adventure is actually incredibly subjective.

In truth, an adventure can be whatever you want it to be. It’s your mindset that matters – by creating an adventure mindset, you can find pockets of everyday side quests in most situations.

The magic of this is that no matter what your situation, you can find some fun side quests and adventures to have every single week. Yes it might be going on a hike, or a cycle ride but it might also be taking a different route home, trying a new cafe/bar/restaurant, going to see a show or an art exhibition, going on a coffee shop tour around your town, going to the park with your book and a flask of coffee…truly the opportunities are endless.

Your guide to going on your first microadventure

So you want to start going on more microadventures but you have no clue how to start. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.

A really good place to start is ask yourself, what do you actually want to do?

When you’re doomscrolling, what are you seeing people doing and feeling jealous of because you want to do it? Where are the places you’re seeing recommended by friends? What would truly make you smile if you did that today?

Start collating lists of places, walks, experiences that you want to try close to home.

Then block time in your diary right now for when you’re going to do it this week. Don’t want to go solo? Go and text a friend right now to se when they’re free this week.

Microadventure Ideas

As someone who can get overwhelmed easily, and struggles to make decisions, it can be hard to know where to start. Over the last few years, I’ve been creating monthly microadventure guides, and seasonal adventure guides to help you get started.

You can also follow me on instagram for daily microadventure inspo!

The best place to start, if you want to go do something right now? Head out on a colour walk. Take a camera or your phone, choose a colour, and head out on a walk from your house and photograph anything of that colour.