Written by: Natasha Zo, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
While the great outdoors may seem like it should be the most accessible place for everyone, this is not always the case. People who have spent little time outdoors may be intimidated by getting out in nature, or they may feel that they don’t have the right body, knowledge, experience, or gear that they need to enjoy an outdoors adventure.
If you consider yourself “not an outdoorsy type” I challenge you to hear what travel blogger Alex Schnee of Alex on the Map has to say. When not exploring the far and near corners of our planet, Alex dedicates her time to breaking down the misconception about the great outdoors. Through her wisdom and experience she shows people how everyone can enjoy their time outside, no matter the experience level.
Three Common Misconceptions People Have About the Outdoors
According to Alex, many people have some serious misconceptions about heading into the outdoors. The first is that you need to head out on some crazy adventure to make your experience really count. On the contrary, exploring your own backyard can be greatly fulfilling , so there’s no need to hop on a plane to Nepal if you want a memorable outdoor experience.
Secondly, Alex also points out the misconception that you have to be in perfect shape to get outside and enjoy nature. While you do need a certain level of physical conditioning to embark on strenuous hikes and treks, there are outdoor activities out there for people of every shape, size, and physical ability. Hiking a beginner’s trail or simply strolling around your local nature preserve are some great ways to ease yourself into outdoor activities.
And lastly, many people believe that you must have the newest and fanciest gear to enjoy the outdoors. However, that is not at all the case. As long as you have basic gear (it can even be secondhand!), you can head out into the great outdoors and start creating your own adventures. A few simple things, like a backpack, a water bottle, and hiking boots, are all you really need to start enjoying outdoor excursions.
Things that Everyone Should Know About Getting Outside
There are a few things that Alex feels people should know about getting outside. To begin, spending time outside is extremely healthy for you. It can help you to decrease you stress levels and disconnect from the chaos of daily life. And the best news is that enjoying the outdoors doesn’t have to require excessive time and effort! Even people who live in major cities can make a quick escape into the outskirts or even just spend time in their local park while still enjoying the benefits of spending time outside.
Also, spending time outdoors doesn’t have to be expensive. While you may fixate on the impressive gear and lavish expeditions that outdoor influencers share on social media channels, you don’t actually need much money to enjoy nature. Nature is all around us, and spending time outdoors can be one of the least expensive pastimes.
Finally, Alex highlights that being confident in the outdoors isn’t about becoming a survivalist, being in incredible shape, or hiking the most strenuous trails. It's about knowing your own level of comfort and feeling confident in your body and its abilities. As someone who has recovered from an eating disorder, Alex has learned to grow proud of her body and all that it is capable of doing thanks to spending time in nature.
Contrary to Popular Belief, The Outdoors Is for Everyone
As you can see, there are a lot of perceived barriers that hold people back when it comes to enjoying the outdoors. The good news is that the outdoors is for everyone, and once we break down our insecurities and misconceptions, we can start enjoying the world’s greatest gift to us: nature!
You don’t have to be a super in-shape adventurer or decked out in the latest gear to have a legitimate and fulfilling outdoor experience. In fact, the most important factor when it comes to the quality of an adventure outdoors is how you choose to spend it. Being immersed in the moment and taking in the beauty of nature is what will make your outdoor experience truly memorable, not the impressive photos you shared on social media or the expensive gear you were wearing.
3 Simple Steps You Can Take Towards Enjoying the Outdoors
If you have been overwhelmed by the notion of conquering the great outdoors up until this point, there are a few simple steps you can take towards gaining confidence and truly enjoying yourself outdoors.
First, remember that you don’t need elaborate outdoor gear to enjoy yourself. As long as you have the basic gear required to complete your outdoor activity, you will be able to enjoy yourself just as much as if you had the most high-end gear on the market. In fact, you can even borrow or rent gear if you aren’t ready to make an investment, which makes the outdoors just that much more accessible.
The next step that you can take towards enjoying the outdoors is being confident in and proud of your body. Our bodies are capable of incredible things, and once you truly embrace that concept, it will give you the confidence to take on whatever outdoor adventure you’ve been yearning to try.
Finally, the most important step that you need to take to enjoy the outdoors is to remember what’s important. It won’t be the likes on your Instagram post or the brand new hiking boots that you remember about your adventure down the line, but rather the way that spending time in nature made you feel. Once you begin to focus on the endless capabilities of your body, as well as the beauty of the world around you, your outdoor adventures will take on a whole new meaning.
Natasha Zo, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Natasha Zo is a former journalist from Siberia turned international media relations specialist. She is a founder of Cosa Famosa media - a boutique PR agency on a mission to amplify messages of conscious leaders, health, and wellness entrepreneurs through earned media. Known for her connector skills, she guided a number of authors to Amazon bestseller status, booked national TV, top-tier media, and over 400 podcast interviews.
