It’s easy to succumb to the settee when it gets dark. Days are shorter and there’s less time to get outside. Perhaps your exercise routine suffers too. Maybe you feel just plain blurgh. 

Mini adventures might just be the ticket for combatting those winter blues. Your horizons expand when you break away from your usual routine. And your happy chemicals get stimulated.

The beauty of a mini adventure is you don’t need to wait for that longer summer trip. You can do a small, bite-sized experience right now – and still feel exhilarated. You don’t need a large amount of time to do it either. 

Why not have a go at one in the dark? It’s unusual. It takes you out of your comfort zone. And you’ll feel fantastic afterwards. Here are 5 ideas for you to whet your appetite.

1.Go on a night hike

Walking in natural surroundings is good for you physically and mentally. But doing it in the dark takes you to another level. Feeling cool air on your face and hearing leaves crunching underfoot focuses your mind. It might be a little scary, but at the same time it’s invigorating. 

Using all your senses in this way makes your experience more mindful. You become aware of your here and now. And thoughts that were troubling you earlier, may just disappear. 

Obviously, you need to take the same precautions as a daytime walk – with a little more preparation. If you’re new to doing this, perhaps head out with others who’ve done if before first. Or do something really small, like walk up a country lane and back. It still feels fabulous!

2. Head out to a wild moor on a clear night and look at the stars

There’s nothing quite like a starry sky to make you feel more alive and at one with the Universe. It’s an incredibly powerful way of reconnecting you to nature. Viewing the night sky from the top of a hill or wild moor, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe. This definitely gives you a mental boost!

You can find a hilly spot and glance upwards. Or take a guided night hike that’ll lead you to the best places. And you’ll learn about the constellations at the same time.   

 3. Take a night wildlife safari 

Wonder out into the countryside after dark, and you’ll come across nocturnal goings on. Foxes, badgers, owls and hedgehogs are just some of the species you might come across. Even better find your local Wildlife Trust – or a nature tour operator - and book on one of their experiences. You’ll learn so much! 

4. Go out before dusk and wait for the sunrise 

Set your alarm early, pack a flask and blanket and find yourself a hill or other high vantage point away from light pollution. While snuggled under a warm blanket, sipping your hot brew, watch the stars slowly disappear and the sun rise. Awesome. 

5. Cook dinner under the stars  

This is a wonderful thing to do to escape the Christmas madness. Pack warm gear, a camping stove, a tent (for shelter) and easy-to-cook yummy food. Enjoy feeling cosy under warm blankets, sampling your cooked delights while watching shooting stars. Can life get any better than this? 

Look here for more details of our next dark sky experiences.