Why Planning Adventures Makes You Happier – Beyond Blue Monday

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We know that sometimes life can feel a little challenging.

We wish we had the motivation and energy every day to face anything that comes our way, but the reality is that it's not always the case.

In recent years, mental health has become increasingly important, along with the idea of how vital it is to clear our minds and take care of our psychological wellbeing.

There are many varied techniques to effectively care for our mental health and avoid being dragged down by negative thoughts or sinking into darker places: from physical activity to learning a new hobby through to meditation.

We at A piedi per il mondo believe that one of the most important things you can do to care for your mind is to make plans, and in particular to plan trips (and if they're on foot, even better 😊!)

The idea of having a trip planned is always stimulating (for example a walking journey in Portugal, a wonderful way to recharge your batteries).

The prospect of something as exciting as discovering a new destination or travelling to a familiar one is one of those things capable of pulling our minds out of dark places.

There's no magic formula for achieving happiness

The internet is full of people and articles promoting happiness through simple tricks; some claim that you can become happy instantly by changing just three or four daily habits.

We all know that's not true, that it's impossible to live permanently happy (especially not "instantly" when you're in a dark place), but sometimes we read those articles or listen to those opinions, fearing we might miss something crucial and the key to turning things around.

We sometimes underestimate the importance of making plans: planning to go shopping on a specific day, doing laundry or cleaning the house can work for getting through day by day, but we need bigger plans, a more concrete goal, something long-term, something that drives us to keep going each day to reach that precious objective.

Walking journeys are often a great option for recharging your mind.

The process of planning it, even though it can involve some stress (stress that we can take care of by organising it for you ), is an energy boost for the brain, which works under the effect of serotonin as it thinks about where to go, what to see or do.

If on top of planning a trip you plan it on foot, your brain will sing with joy.

In this blog we've spoken many times about the benefits of walking, both physical and emotional.

Travel as a path to happiness

Walking is an activity that goes far beyond simple physical exercise; it also has a profoundly positive impact on our emotional wellbeing. Combining the planning of a walking journey adds an extra layer of satisfaction and joy for the brain.

The process of mapping routes, exploring destinations and visualising your path through landscapes on foot not only stimulates the mind but awakens curiosity and anticipation. Direct connection with your surroundings, natural sounds and the freedom to explore at your own pace all contribute to a truly unique experience.

So, when you plan your next walking journey, you're not only preparing your body for physical activity, you're also giving your mind the opportunity to escape daily routine and immerse itself in a revitalising experience.

The positive emotions associated with planning and undertaking a walking trip can become a precious source of positive energy in your everyday life.

Moreover, the mind-body connection deepens when we experience nature and the freedom that walking offers. So take the leap, plan your next walking journey and let your brain celebrate the prospect of new paths and experiences!

We're not expert psychologists or anything like that, but we believe in the psychological benefits of walking journeys because we've experienced them ourselves, along with more than 20,000 clients who've chosen to travel with A piedi per il mondo.

Know that our experts will be delighted to help you choose the route that's right for you.

Have the courage to live a little happier!

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