12 Habits For A Happier Adventurer

We often believe that happiness lies in the big things - important decisions, life-changing crossroads, and crucial milestones. It's always somewhere behind the corner, and even if we attain it, it's short-lived.

Well, here at Benny's Boardroom, we believe that happiness happens by choice. It lies in those small details and everyday habits that help us be more content and enjoy the moments of bliss as they happen. 

So, we're sharing 12 habits that turn us into happier adventurers and will do the same for you.

 

1. Look on the bright side

Sounds like a cliché, but it totally works. The first thing you need to do to be happy is change your attitude. Happiness is not something that falls from the sky, you need to work for it. But, you also need to be able to recognize it in the small things and be grateful for them.



So, ditch that negative attitude and switch it up. When the bus comes immediately after you arrive at the stop; when you hit all the green lights to work; when the rain starts just as you reach the apartment - take a moment and be thankful. And learn to appreciate all the good people and good things in your life.

 

2. Take care of yourself 

Healthy mind in healthy body. Always keep your physical and mental health a priority. Don't let your busy schedule be an excuse to let yourself go. Make sure you eat healthy, exercise often and go to regular check ups to the doctor. 

Your skin is the ultimate protector of your whole body, so create a skin-care routine and follow it daily. Triumph And Disaster On The Road grooming kit helps you do this even when you're out in the great outdoors.

Take your mental health very seriously. Do something relaxing and soothing that improves your well-being every day. Read a good book, meditate or meet a friend for coffee - whatever makes you happy. And, detach yourself from toxic and negative people once and for all.

3. Enjoy the moment

This is easier said than done. But it’s the only way to be truly happy. We often tend to dwell too much on the past or worry about the future, failing to enjoy what's happening now. So, make peace with all the good and bad that happened in the past and accept that future is uncertain. Then, focus on the present and learn to live in the moment.



Next time you're on an exciting hike or sightseeing a beautiful city, just take a moment to breathe and realize how happy you are in that moment. Don't dread the end of the journey or think about what's waiting for you at work. Put all those worries in your suitcase (or backpack) and don't open it until it's time to go back.

 

4. Get out of your comfort zone

Have you heard of the saying: "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone?" No matter how adventurous we are, we all have our comfort zones. It's nice and simple in there, but it's also ultra boring. I'm talking about the life you're comfortable with, where nothing out of the ordinary happens.



Guess what? You'll be much happier if you shake things up every once in a while and do something that makes you uncomfortable, something that even scares you. It can be bungee jumping or eating dinner at a restaurant alone. Say yes more often, and make an effort to do something unusual at least once a month.

5. Save up for adventure

Saving up is always a smart idea. But how often do we save up for something that makes us happy? I'm not talking about buying new shoes and feeling happy for a day. I'm talking about investing in memories that stay with us for the rest of our lives and put a smile on our face whenever we remember them.



So, here's an idea. Make it your mission to save money for a year with one purpose only - going on a big adventure. Hold off shopping unless there's something you absolutely need.

And then, use your savings to have an adventure you've always dreamed about. To save up even more, instead of buying several pieces of equipment, get a bag that fits everything you need like this Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag 60L.

 

6. Surround yourself with positive people

Have you noticed that you reflect the behaviour of the people around you? Well, you're doing it whether you're aware of it or not. When somebody is rude to you, it's likely you will be rude back or take it out on somebody else. But the same goes for the positivity. If somebody is kind and treats you with respect, you will probably treat them in the same manner.

So, as I said, cut off toxic people from your life and try to surround yourself with as many positive people as you can. Good mood is contagious, which automatically makes you happier when you're around the right people.

 

7. Go Outside

Most of us are forced to spend big chunks of our day closed inside an office or home. There's no way around it. However, you can decide to spend as much time as possible outdoors whenever your schedule allows you to. It's scientifically proven that spending time outside makes us healthier and happier, so what are you waiting for?

Find something you enjoy, whether it's playing tennis or just hiking through the nature. Use your weekends to gather your family and friends and organize a barbeque in your backyard. Or, if you're a freelancer, ditch your stifling room and work at the park.

 

8. Become more open

In this chaotic world, we're becoming more and more disconnected from each other. We stare at our phones, listen to the music and avoid any form of human contact as we get about our days. But, can you imagine how many things you miss out on this way?



Try to become more open and friendly to people around you. That goes for the people you know but even for the strangers. Smile at a stranger for no reason, be a good listener when somebody wants to talk to you or do something kind for a loved one. And, try to spend at least one day a month without your phone and your headphones.

 

9. Make room for growth

In psychology, there's something called a "growth mindset." People with a growth mindset believe that they can improve with hard work and dedication. They always strive for more and embrace challenges as they come. But, they also actively seek new opportunities to grow in all aspects of life.



Those with a fixed mindset always stay in one place even if they are dissatisfied with their situation. They get intimidated by the smallest setbacks and feel overwhelmed when problems arise. So, develop a growth mindset, be open to challenges and new opportunities. Learn a new skill, meet new people, grow professionally.

 

10. Do What You Love

This is the simplest recipe for happiness, but it's the most difficult one to follow. In fact, a great majority of people don't follow it at all. They get stuck in a job they hate, in a relationship that's not fulfilling enough, or a city they don't love. They take those situations like they are given, without making an effort to change what makes them unhappy.



Instead of convincing yourself you can't leave, just walk away and switch to something that makes you happy. Quit a job you hate, leave a bad relationship, move away. It's easier than you think. It will take work, but it's better than looking back one day and regretting all the time you wasted.

 

11. Make time for fun

All work and no play is the quickest shortcut to burnout. Even if you love your job and enjoy spending time at the office, you need to have a healthy work-life balance. That means you need to set aside some time for fun every day, even if it's just half an hour. Plan that time in advance and make it non-negotiable.



If you're a workaholic, it's crucial to make time for fun a part of your schedule. Otherwise you'll just shove it to the bottom of your priority list and forget about it. Go for drinks with your colleagues after work, organize a weekend getaway with your partner or go jogging - whatever relaxes you and recharges your batteries for the next day.

Maybe you don't see it, but adventure is all around you. Even if you have a 9-5 job, you can still squeeze in the time to do something you love every so often. Don't overthink it, just stash your gear in a handy pack like The North Face Borealis 28L Backpack and hit the road.

 

12. Make time for rest

Just like you need to make time for fun, you also need to set aside enough time to rest. Well-rested people are happier people, and it's more than just beauty sleep we're talking about here. Downtime has some serious effects on your health, mood and general well-being.

You already know that sleep recharges your brain and removes the toxins that come with neuronal activity during the day. But there are many more benefits that contribute to your happiness. Sleep improves memory, boosts your creativity, lowers stress and helps you focus better. So, make sure to get at least 7 hours of sleep every night.



At the end of the day, your happiness depends on you. Expecting other people and external factors to make you happy will always leave you disappointed and frustrated. So, combine these 12 habits and take charge of your happiness, no matter whether you are at the office, at home, or on top of Mt. Everest. 

What are your habits for a happier life? Share your thoughts in the comments.