The Importance of Adventure
November 12, 2024
Writer: Jacqueline Presser
Editor: Lauren Ripperger
People may describe themselves as adventurous or even spontaneous—words I wouldn’t typically use for myself. As someone who struggles with OCD, I like to be in control, know the plan, and am often the one doing the planning. Spontaneity doesn’t come naturally to me. Starting college was humbling because the idea of a set "plan" doesn’t always stick around. Learning to adapt has been, and sometimes still is, challenging. However, I’ve come to accept that it’s okay to not always have a set time or place; sometimes, things are just as fun—if not even more so—without a plan.
A few weeks ago, I put this mindset into action when I decided, on a whim, to go to Copenhagen, Denmark, to visit my best friend, who’s studying abroad there. I booked a plane ticket but hadn’t planned much beyond that, which gave me a mix of anxiety and excitement. When my flight didn’t go as expected and I found myself stranded in the Paris airport with nothing to do but wait for the next flight, it shook the only part of the trip I thought I had control over. Instead of completely freaking out (okay, maybe I did a little), I chose to embrace the solo experience. I grabbed a croissant and a coffee and settled in to people-watch. This moment became a real-life lesson in “Don’t worry about what you can’t control.” As much as I wanted to know when my next flight would arrive or depart, there was simply no way of knowing for hours.
My new mantra is, "It’s all for the plot!" Like a movie, I’m the lead actress in my life, and I get to decide how I want to act and react to situations—just like we all can. In our daily lives, small things can feel overwhelming, consuming your mind and energy, but they’re just moments in time. For example, I thought my airport mishap would set the tone for my trip, and I hadn’t even arrived yet! In reality, these moments are just a small part of the bigger picture.
Later in my trip, my more spontaneous and adventurous side finally decided to shine through. Yes, I had planned a trip within a trip (surprise!). My friend and I traveled to Dubrovnik, Croatia, and from there, we took a boat to explore the Blue Caves in the Elaphiti Islands. I surprised myself by snorkeling under a narrow cave with no idea what might be on the other side. My friend looked to me for guidance, so I had to step up and lead the way. I embraced a "just do it" mindset and pushed myself to explore in ways I usually wouldn’t. The unknown, a source of daily anxiety for me, was present here—but this time, I leaned into it and took the plunge.
Scientific Research shows many benefits of adventure in support of better Mental Health. Benjamin Bonetti discusses some things we can do for our mental health, including:
Reduced stress: Adventure gives us a break from life's daily stressors, allowing us to clear our minds and lessen tension within our bodies.
Increased creativity: Engaging with new things and experiences can activate creativity and make us think outside the box.
Improved mood: Adventure releases endorphins, improving our mood and decreasing feelings of depression and anxiety.
Boosted self-esteem: Completing new challenges can increase our self-confidence and self-esteem.
Increased resilience: Adventure can help us lean into our resilience and the ability to cope with stress and adversity.
Take this as your sign to take an adventure!
Image: Matilda Taylor
