I’m not someone who gets bored easily, and that is something that I am very grateful for right now. I feel like I have gotten into the swing of lockdown, accepted that things are different and am trying to make the most of a challenging situation. I'm baking more, reading lots, finding time for plenty of yoga, which I love, watching some great TV series that I never had time for before and of course sitting, staring at my plants has become a popular pastime of mine. It's safe to say that i'm keeping busy. I am, however, missing adventures and the great outdoors.
For someone who thrives on adventure, new experiences, interacting with people and generally being out and about every day for work and pleasure, the new “normal” is taking one trip outdoors per day for exercise, the occasional visit to the supermarket and other than that… well; trying to not spend the day in my pj’s eating snacks on the sofa.
Here are a few things that are helping me to break up the new “normal” and get excited about adventures from the comfort of my home, and a few that I am yet to try! I'm making plans for no 6! (Don't tell Paul ;)
For me it’s not just about adventure, it's also about trying something new or challenging myself and making the most of the time I have. And hey, i'm not judging, if spending the day in your pj’s is on your list, the beauty of isolation is that you can now adventure from the comfort of your own home with the following ideas. Winning!!
Get lost in an adventure/travel book - I'm currently reading Ben Fogle’s “UP: My Life’s Journey to the top of Everest”. For someone who thrives on adventure and travel, I sometimes find it hard to read books like this as it leaves me with an uncontrollable need to pack a bag and head off to far away places. During our current isolation I am really enjoying the escape that a book like this gives me. Having travelled in Nepal and trekked in the Himalayas, it also makes me feel exceedingly grateful for the experiences I've had so far, brings back some great memories and leaves me with a sense of inspiration for the future.
Watch some free online adventure films - watching films like this can really help transport you to the mountains, oceans or countryside from the comfort of the sofa with a cuppa and snacks, and it doesn't even matter what the weather is doing - result! You can watch people doing and achieving amazing and sometimes crazy things. There are some amazing adventure films on offer these days and free to watch. Check out Free Solo, the amazing story Alex Honnold, who free climbs one of the highest peaks in Yosemite National Park, The Barkley Marathons (ultra-running), Step into Liquid (surfing), or Race Across America: The Documentary (cycling).
Plan your next adventure - this may feel like teasing yourself as you can’t go adventuring right now, but planning can create a sense of hope, of something exciting to look forward to! And you’ll feel smug when this is all over and you are ready to go!! What is it that you have always wanted to do? Or is somewhere you have always wanted to see? Now is a great time to get planning.
Try something new - take a yoga class, learn some dance moves or a new language, cook up a different recipe, grow some of your onw fruit and vegetables, adventure comes simple from stepping into the unknown.
Cycle/climb/run your own indoor challenge - You may have seen a craze of people getting creative and climbing the height of Everest (apparently, it’s 17,475 from Base Camp to summit in case you’re interested), running a half marathon at home, or the ever-so-inspiring Captain Tom doing laps of his garden. Perhaps a Camino de Casa? Or cycling from Livingrooms End to Garden O’ groats?
Fill your house with plants, paint the walls so they look like a National Park and just walk from room to room like you’re in the great outdoors (personally my favourite choice on the list).
Whatever you do, stay adventurous.