What Kind of Adventure Seeker are You?: The Importance of an Adventure-based Mindset
Adventure can mean just about anything. Sure, ads might convince you it’s only about camping in the wilderness or leaping off cliffs with a GoPro strapped to your head—but in truth: not everyone’s soul calls for that kind of thrill. And that doesn’t make you any less adventurous.
Research shows that tuning into your personal style of adventure is key for reaping its health benefits—things like stress relief, confidence building, and personal growth.
In my own search for Souleyness, I’ve caught myself wondering: What kind of adventure am I really craving? What does that reveal about me? And how the heck do I fit it in between deadlines, laundry, and the occasional existential crisis in the city?
Those are the questions I’ll dig into here. Together we’ll explore the science behind adventure, why it matters for your well-being, and how to uncover your own adventure type.
Stick around until the end for a free self-assessment inspired by the research—plus practical ways to weave more adventure into your life (yes, even with a schedule packed tighter than a subway car at 5pm).
The Science Behind Adventure and Well-being
The word adventure has been around for centuries. It first popped up in Middle English (1150–1500), borrowed from French aventure and Latin aventūrus, meaning “to arrive.” Back then, adventure meant stepping into the unknown. Today, it still does—just with more Instagram photos.
But here’s the thing: adventure isn’t just a vibe. It’s biological
Humans are wired to adapt to new environments, solve problems, and stretch beyond the familiar. Psychologists call this novelty-seeking—a built-in mechanism that boosts learning, resilience, and emotional well-being.
Biologists see it too: when we try something new, even in small ways, the brain releases dopamine and serotonin, two neurotransmitters that lift mood, lower stress, and sharpen focus.
That means adventure—whether it’s hiking a new trail or simply walking a different route home—activates the same neural pathways linked to motivation and emotional regulation. In other words: your brain rewards you for exploring.
So yes, adventure is fun. But it’s also evidence-based support for your mind, body, and overall well-being. A natural mood booster. A cognitive reset. A reminder of your own capacity to grow.
Adventure based mindset: The key to understanding self
Part of understanding what kind of adventure you seek has a lot to do with how you define and think of adventure. Focus only on the grand or “aesthetic,” and you miss the smaller adventures that matter too.
An adventure-based mindset is about leaning into growth—welcoming new experiences and challenges outside your comfort zone, which then allows you to expand your perception of the world and yourself.
The kind of adventure you seek depends on what you desire. Not sure? Let Souleyness be your compass.
Some Examples of Adventure Types:
Physical Adventure: Hiking, climbing, trying a new workout.
Cultural Adventure: Exploring a museum, tasting a new cuisine, going to a live show.
Creative Adventure: Painting, learning a craft, or even experimenting in the kitchen. Creativity itself is a journey.
Social Adventure: Meeting new people, joining a club, or hosting a gathering.
Successfully navigating an adventure reveals both your strengths and your limits, deepening self-awareness and boosting confidence.
Embracing life with an adventure-based mindset opens endless possibilities for growth, connection, and joy—nurturing your overall well-being and, ultimately, your Souleyness.
Navigating Adventure in a 9-5 NYC Life
Adventure can fit anywhere—yes, even between email chains and coffee breaks. What makes it an adventure is your intention to view your experience as one. After all, the best adventures aren’t always epic—they’re intentional.
Trying to embark on larger, more time consuming adventures can be hard with a tight schedule. One way to experience adventure with a busy schedule is by embarking on micro-adventures.
Micro-Adventures for Busy Lives:
Meditation: Yes, meditation can be an adventure. Add music, visualize yourself somewhere new, and go inward.
Lunch Break Walks: Simply standing outside for 5 minutes can significantly improve your mood, energy, and focus. For more easy ways to boost your well-being in small pockets of time, see my Souleyness and the City guide.
Evening Hikes: If you work in the city, chances are you’re not too far from a local park with a walking trail. Slow down and take a stroll after work, notice the sounds and smells.
Crafting: Arts and crafts aren’t just for kids. They calm the mind and awaken creativity. Find some simple ideas in The Crafted Cure blog.
Life will always present barriers—time, resources, responsibilities. But smaller adventures count too. The key is planning ahead: even a five-minute walk or a few minutes of coloring before bed is easier to commit to when you choose the date and time.
And when you do have the space for bigger outings, consider planning them a month ahead. If you’re in NYC, check out my Hike Before the Hike guide for breathtaking trails accessible by public transit.
Adventure Awaits: Your Next Step
Adventure fuels us. Yet, in the shuffle of work emails, grocery runs, and doom-scrolling, it often slips to the bottom of the to-do list. I get it—fitting adventure into a full life isn’t always easy, but it is possible—and it’s worth it!
Adventure is science-backed self-care—supporting your brain, easing stress, sharpening focus, and adding a bit of magic to the everyday. And the best part? It doesn’t need to be grand to be meaningful; just intentional.
Souleyness takes this further, seeing adventure as a pathway to self-awareness, balance, and joy—a way to honor your curiosity, nurture your needs, and reconnect with what makes you feel most alive.
✨ Ready to discover what kind of adventure your mind and body are craving? Take a few minutes to explore your personal Adventure Type with our free self-assessment, complete with Souleyness-style mini-guides and activity ideas:
Take the Adventure Type Survey 🎁
Sources:
Health Benefits of Outdoor Adventure
Lloyd Center. The Benefits of Spending Time in Dartmouth’s Outdoors: How Outdoor Activities Can Improve Your Physical and Mental Health. https://lloydcenter.org/the-benefits-of-spending-time-in-dartmouths-outdoors-how-outdoor-activities-can-improve-your-physical-and-mental-health/
Origin and Meaning of “Adventure”
Oxford English Dictionary. Adventure (n).
https://www.oed.com/dictionary/adventure_n?tl=true#:~:text=The%20earliest%20known%20use%20of,Etymons%3A%20French%20aventur%2C%20adventure
Definition of Adventure
Cambridge Dictionary. Adventure.
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/adventure
Science Behind Adventure
Bailey, A. W., Johann, J., & Kang, H.-K. (2017). Cognitive and Physiological Impacts of Adventure Activities: Beyond Self-Report Data. Journal of Experiential Education, 40(2), 153–169.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1053825917701250
Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before trying any wellness practice, herbal remedy, supplement, or lifestyle change. Never disregard professional advice because of something you read here. Use of this information is solely at your own risk.
