The Art of Slowing Down - Continuing the Adventure at a Different Pace

Days not spent at work or school make for waking up slowly, making breakfast, drinking a few cups of coffee, and then what? It may seem like there’s a lot of time on your hands all of a sudden, which feels weird. We’re right there with you, and once you finish your work video conferences, we’ve got a few suggestions for filling your time. 

Continuing (Outdoor) Education

Now’s the perfect time to crack open your favorite, or soon to be favorite adventure book. Whether it’s the harrowing tale in “Into Thin Air” by Jon Krakauer or scouting out Fred Beckey’s “Fred Beckey’s 100 Favorite North American Climbs” to add to your adventure list, or cruising through Cheryll Strayed’s “Wild”, you should be able to find some good adventures for your mind. Educational books are great too, and you can brush up on your mountaineering skills, backpack packing skills, or flip through some camp cookbooks for something new to eat on your next trip, check out our list of recommended books in our previous blog post. Get some practice in your yard so you’re ready when it’s go time.

Find some Inspiration

Stream some podcasts and break out a map for planning. Among our favorite podcasts we’re listening to is REI’s Wild Ideas Worth Living, which explores life-changing adventures and ideas undertaken by athletes, authors, scientists, and people from many walks of life. Also in our headphones - Outside Magazine’s Outside Podcast - where they explore interactions with nature through interviews and beautifully told stories. Lastly, The Dirtbag Diaries by Duct Tape Then Beer Productions covers all aspects outdoors - climbing, skiing, hiking, biking, and travel. The hosts offer comedy and insight into stories that you’ll love.

If you’re looking for some photo inspiration, hit Instagram and check out some of our favorite photographers so you can live vicariously through their photos. One of our favorites is Isaac Johnston (@isaacsjohnston). He’s a father and adventure photographer based in Montana, and aside from his amazing photos, he puts together fun adventure videos and a monthly newsletter. Andrew Kearns (@andrewtkearns) is another one of our favorites, his photos are warm and adventurous, and he also offers several workshops you can dig into if you want to learn more about photography. Lastly, Forrest Mankins (@forrestmankins) will give you an extra dose of summertime nostalgia you’ve been missing. His work is warm and he’s just a great guy.

Organize EVERYTHING

Summer is just around the corner, and that means warmer weather, sunshine, and outdoors. It also means digging out all your camping and outdoor gear and organizing it for wherever your summer may take you. It’s a good idea to check all your gear, see what needs repair or replacement, and just taking inventory of what’s there. Juuuust to double-check everything is in order, you might want to take a night or two and set up camp in your yard. Or your living room, AKA Camp Couch. Get that gear closet looking good!

Slowing down can be tough, but there’s a lot to do out there. It can be good to take this time for rest and relaxation, but also for knocking out all those things you’ve never had time for.