How To Live An Outdoorsy Lifestyle (Without Losing Your Mind)

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For many people, living an outdoorsy life is a dream. Nothing compares to the prospect of getting out of the office and simply being at one with nature. 

But of course, if you want to live that way, it comes at a price. You have to invest in equipment, research, and everything else you need to know to plan and prepare for the change in scenery. 

Start With Smaller Expeditions

Don’t go from an indoors-only lifestyle to an outdoors-only one throughout the weekend. Instead, build up to it gradually, getting your body used to some of the challenges you’ll face while in nature. 

The best way to begin is to go on camping trips. These introduce you to the elements and get you more acclimatized to what nature might throw at you. You learn more about the weather patterns and how they affect your body, including your tolerance to the cold, heat, wet, and sun. 

It’s also an opportunity to learn some basic outdoor living skills. For example, during these excursions, you can learn how to light a fire, read a map, and pitch a tent. 

Pack The Gear You Need

The next step is to think about the gear you’ll need to pack for your outdoorsy life. Start by packing smart and investing in high-quality gear. Ensure you have everything that’s essential for sustaining life in the wilderness (which is a surprisingly small amount of equipment when you boil it down). 

Top of your list of priorities should be clothing (particularly items that will keep you dry and warm). Northern latitudes can experience extremely cold weather at certain times of the year, so you don’t want to be caught out. For example, thermal gloves for women, snoods, coats, jackets, and windbreaker anoraks are all essential. 

However, don’t forget to bring a few comforting items with you, too. These can help ease you into the experience and prevent it from feeling so extreme when you first try it. 

Check Your Sleeping Arrangements

It would help if you also thought about your sleeping arrangements when living an outdoorsy life. You’ll be surprised just how uncomfortable it can be to sleep on hard ground. 

Basic camping gear is essential. However, you might also want to invest in a comfortable mattress or even a hammock. 

Rest From Time To Time

As you become more confident, you’ll spend more of your time outdoors. However, it’s always a good idea to rest when you can. Taking time out from nature can be helpful and allows you to go back into it stronger. (After all, living in a forest can be exhausting sometimes).

If you don’t like the idea of going back to your old life, you can also create relaxing outdoor spaces for yourself. These should offer plenty of shade and windbreaks to prevent the wind from getting at you. They should also be warm and comfortable if you’re dealing with cold weather. 

So there you have it: how to live an outdoorsy life without losing your mind.