35 Ways To Live a More Adventurous Life (You’ll Definitely Be Surprised by Numbers 1-3!)

Most of our lives are made up of, admittedly, mundane, not-too-special moments, those times when we go get our teeth cleaned or head into yet another meeting at work. While those humdrum instances are a necessary part of our routines and lives, there are ways to work some adventure into your days, if you're craving it. Being adventurous can shake up your life and push you to explore the boundaries outside your comfort zone, allowing you to live in the moment and soak up all that life has to offer.

We asked four experts—including life coaches and psychologists—for their best ideas on how to be more adventurous—we bet that you'll be feeling more daring and enthusiastic about your daily, everyday routine before you know it.

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35 Ways To Live a More Adventurous Life, According to Experts

1. Be like the White Queen in Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking Glass.

The White Queen claimed to believe, as she says, "as many as six impossible things before breakfast," and you can try to tackle the impossible as well. Coach Daniel Olexa, MCC, CIHt, CEO of Transcendent Living , recommends trying to do one impossible thing each day, tapping into your "I could never do that or learn to do that" ideas. Instead, challenge your idea of the impossible and seek it out.

2. View problems as adventures.

Dr. Jennifer Chain, licensed psychologist and owner of Thrive for the People , refers to a favorite quote by Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia: "For me, adventure is when everything goes wrong. That's when the adventure starts."

"I like to apply this perspective in my life by reframing problems as adventures," Dr. Chain says. "This way, you do not have to go very far to live an adventurous life. Novelty, challenge and opportunities to step outside of your comfort zone and be creative are always present and available to you."

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3. Create a "life list."

Positive psychologist and executive coach Dr. Kiki Ramsey reframes the "bucket list" and instead takes a positive spin by calling it a "life list."

"Whatever you call it, the sentiments are the same," she says. "Take some time to write down a list of things you'd like to achieve or experience in your lifetime. Break this list into smaller, achievable goals and start working toward them. This exercise not only sets exciting goals, but also motivates you to seek out and create new adventures."

4. Discover your level of adventure.

Just because something isn't labeled as "adventurous" for others doesn't mean that it's not adventurous for you. Discover your comfort level when it comes to adventure. Dr. Manuela Powell , life and mindset coach, says that maybe for someone who's always putting themselves out there, going to a restaurant alone might not be a stretch—but for most of us, even attending a free improv class can take you out of your comfort zone like nothing else. Find out what works for you and what you're most at ease with.

5. Drive to intentionally get lost.

"This is the simplest adventure I can think of," Olexa says. "It's relatively safe, and yet it allows you to expand your horizons with problem-solving skills, as well as offering an opportunity to learn more about your local area."

6. Try a new hobby.

To add a little bit of adventure to your life, try exploring a hobby you've never done before, whether it's painting, salsa dancing or running.

"Start by dedicating a small amount of time each week to this new interest," Dr. Ramsey says. "The key is to be curious and open to the experience."

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7. Use a "beginner's mind."

Dr. Chain explains that "the beginner's mind" is a Buddhist practice of letting go of your preconceived ideas and experiencing the present moment as if you have never experienced it before.

"This practice helps to cultivate an attitude of openness and curiosity," she says. "The more we think we know, the more closed off we are to the rich experiences of the moment. New contexts, such as traveling or learning a new skill, will require us to use beginner's mind. However, you can practice this attitude even with your daily routine."

8. Talk to one stranger every day.

"Standing in line at Starbucks? Waiting for your groceries to be rung up? Say 'hi' to the person nearest you, or greet the associate," Olexa recommends. "Want to take it to the next level? Reach out to the person you are most nervous about talking to."

He adds, "New people and new perspectives help to expand our minds and lives."

9. Travel locally.

Play tourist in the area where you live and see it in a whole new light.

"Look to discover new places in your own city or nearby towns. Visit a museum you haven't been to, or explore a new park. Make a list of local spots you've yet to see and set out to check them off," Dr. Ramsey says.

10. Make the experience your goal.

"Rather than focusing on arriving at a certain outcome or destination as the goal, focus on savoring the process and experience," Dr. Chain says. "I have often been so outcome-driven that I missed out on the experience completely, which leaves me dissatisfied and disappointed in the end. Adventures invite us to be fully present in the experience. Whether you are taking an epic road trip across the country, learning a new language or taking a new route to work, be present in each moment and allow it to unfold organically."

11. Take a public speaking course.

"Presenting in public is one of the greatest adventures you can create for yourself, and it can be as easy at joining a local Toastmaster's club," Olexa suggests.
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12. Attend a workshop or class.

"Sign up for a workshop or class on something that excites you," Dr. Ramsey says. "It could be anything from cooking to dancing. Engaging in learning something new can be both stimulating and rewarding."

13. Play more often.

Dr. Chain says that adventures create opportunities for more playfulness, which is essential to our stress management, mental health and happiness.

"You can be more intentional about creating time for play in your life and see each playful moment as an adventure," she says. "Tap into your inner child and find opportunities to be messy, silly and creative. Find things that are out of the box to bring delight, laughter and lightness into your life."

14. Be open to new experiences.

When things have become too routine in your life, this is the ideal time to break out of your routine and be open to all kinds of new experiences that might come along. In fact, this open-mindedness is the main way to invite adventure into your days.

"To live an adventurous life, we need to be open to new experiences, be curious and welcome challenges," Dr. Powell states.

15. Travel nationally and internationally.

Olexa says that travel inherently gets you learning about a new place, provides opportunities to speak with or befriend new people and it might even serve as a chance to test out your language skills.

16. Join a group or club.

Dr. Ramsey says, "Find a local group or club related to an interest of yours, such as a book club or a hiking group. Being part of a community with shared interests can introduce you to new experiences and friendships."

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17. Practice spontaneity.

"Adventures can bring us out of our rigid and stuck ways and practice more spontaneity and flexibility," Dr. Chain notes. "Spontaneity is the mental flexibility and adaptability to respond to the moment. You can improve your spontaneity muscle by enrolling in an improv class, trying ecstatic dance or simply having a day where nothing is planned. Allow yourself to listen to your intuition, impulses and desires, and let them guide you."

18. Face your biggest fear.

This adventurous idea only applies if you feel you're in a good place with your mental health and have worked through your biggest fear to the point that you feel you can face it.

Olexa recommends facing your biggest fear in the name of adventure, and says, "I like to say fear and trust are two sides of the same coin. One will keep you small, in the familiar world that you know; the other will open up vast awareness and changes."

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19. Take a different route.

"Change your daily routine by taking a different route to work or trying a new coffee shop," Dr. Ramsey suggests. "Small changes in your routine can refresh your perspective and bring a sense of novelty."

20. Learn something new.

As Dr. Chain says, learning something new can be "both the result of an adventure or the adventure itself."

She goes on to say, "Let your curiosity take the lead and seek out things that you have always been interested in but not explored. You can volunteer for your historical society, go on a National Geographic expedition, attend a lecture at your local college or university or go to a concert of a music genre that is new to you. Let go of expectations of performance or perfection and allow yourself to embrace the pure joy of learning."

21. Strive to seek things out.

In order to weave more adventure into your life, Dr. Powell recommends always seeking out new ways to challenge yourself, even in very small ways, and build up the habit of doing so.

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22. Take an introduction to SCUBA course.

As a one-time SCUBA diving instructor, Olexa is partial to people seeking out SCUBA as a fresh, new adventure. As you take classes to get certified, Olexa says that breathing under water is "an incredible experience" and "opens up travel opportunities, the ability to meet new people from around the world in wonderfully exotic places and it literally takes you into a new world with beautiful creatures."

23. Volunteer.

"Offer your time to a cause you're passionate about," Dr. Ramsey says. "Volunteering can expose you to new experiences and people, enriching your life and providing a sense of purpose."

24. Lean into discomfort.

It's a fact: adventures won't always feel comfortable. Actually, they might be anything but comfortable. In this case, since adventures offer the opportunity to get out of your comfort zone, de-center your worldview and challenge you to think, feel and act differently, as Dr. Chain says, doing something new and expanding your horizons can force you the reevaluate your values, identities, the way you live and how you show up in the world.

"All of this growth can be uncomfortable and even painful," she explains. "Be prepared for the discomfort and lean into it."

25. Go skydiving.

Many would consider skydiving to be the ultimate adventure, and if you feel up to it, you can think about taking the leap. "This was my personal adventure last year," Olexa says.

"Jumping out of a perfectly good airplane probably isn't for everyone, but it made something very clear to me. When that door opened at 12,000 feet, I had the option to stay on board or take a leap of faith. If I had stayed on the plane, my life would not have changed. I would have merely had a pleasant airplane ride."

26. Spend time outdoors.

Dr. Ramsey says that even if you live in an urban area, find ways to spend time outside , which can offer opportunities for mini adventures.

She recommends, "Go for a walk in a nearby park, have a picnic or simply sit outside and enjoy nature. Fresh air and a change of scenery can rejuvenate your spirit."

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27. Use your intuition.

"We often prioritize our logical mind over our intuition," Dr. Chain says. "Adventures will often require you to use your intuition to navigate uncharted territory. Our intuition can be best felt in the gut. The gut has more neurotransmitters than our brain, and is incredibly wise and insightful. Practice listening to that voice inside of you. It may not make logical sense, but you could be surprised at how accurate it can be or where it can take you."

28. Learn a new language.

By learning a new language , "not only will you learn a new skill, but you'll be also stretching and improving your brain's neural pathways," Olexa explains.

29. Set a challenge.

"Challenge yourself with a personal goal, like running a 5K, or trying a new recipe each week," Dr. Ramsey says. "Setting and achieving challenges can provide a sense of accomplishment and growth."

30. Say "yes."

If opportunities come your way that you believe can help you lead a more adventurous life, Dr. Chain recommends saying "yes."

"If you feel hesitant about saying 'yes,' ask yourself whether the hesitation is because you are burnt out and need better boundaries or if you are scared of the unknown," she says. "If it is the latter, try saying 'yes' while giving yourself the freedom to change your mind."

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31. Stick to small adventures.

Olexa points out that adventures don't have to be grandiose challenges like climbing Everest. They can be as simple as driving down a new road, going to a new city or taking a vacation without any predetermined plans.

32. Practice mindfulness.

To really, truly feel the breadth of an adventurous moment—be in the moment. Allow your body to experience all that the adventure has to offer. Dr. Ramsey says that an adventure is a great way to practice mindfulness , "as we are fully immersed in the present moment, whether we're hiking a new trail or exploring a different city."

33. Let go of control.

"The loss of control is both the fear and the draw of adventures," Dr. Chain says. "You will not know who or what you might encounter or how it will all turn out. The practice of letting go of control will create a greater sense of trust in yourself and in the world around you."

34. Be gentle with yourself.

Although you may not equate gentleness with adventure, it does indeed have its place when it comes to seeking out daring experiences. As Dr. Ramsey says, "Be gentle with yourself. I call it giving yourself a little grace and mercy. Not every adventure will go as planned, and that's okay. The key is to enjoy the journey and learn from each experience."

35. Start small.

You don't need to go skydiving tomorrow. Adventure often means leaving your comfort zone, and that doesn't always feel the greatest. Olexa says that if you're feeling hesitant about seeking out adventure, it's okay to start with small steps to build your confidence.

"As you take on bigger adventures, you may notice your sense of hesitation grows just a bit as well," he explains. "This is normal and you can overcome it by asking yourself, 'Who will I be after this experience?'"

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Sources

• Daniel Olexa, MCC, CIHt, CEO of Transcendent Living .

• Dr. Jennifer Chain, licensed psychologist and owner of Thrive for the People .

• Dr. Kiki Ramsey, positive psychologist and executive coach .

• Dr. Manuela Powell, life and mindset coach .