5 Day Hiking Challenge

You want to experience nature and have fun outdoors but don’t have the motivation to do it, don't know with whom to go or feel you don't belong on a trail. Keep on reading and start this challenge next Monday. The plan is to follow this short guide during the week and make you ready for a nice Saturday Day Hike. Sometimes it is good to go out of your comfort zone - wouldn’t you agree? Coronavirus has held some people indoors for a long time and I think instead of trying to meet up with your friend at a restaurant or at home. Why not experience something new and different together. Maybe you'll discover a lifetime hobby. Furthermore, it increases energy levels, creativity, memory, concentration, mental awareness and it burns calories! Below you’ll see my 5-Day-Hiking-Challenge and share it with a friend. You can start this challenge at any time of the week, but for most people starting on a Monday allows them to go on an early hike on a Saturday.

Monday - Ask a friend to be your hiking buddy

It is nice to hike with other people, as you can share observations, talk in a peaceful environment where you hear birds chirping instead of other people chatting in the background. It can be quite meditative and relaxing when you find enjoyment in silence. There is no need to talk all the time.

Tuesday - Choose an appropriate trail

You can either ask your friend to help in the decision making or do this step first before asking a friend to join you. It is up to you, and remember to avoid these 5 Mistakes When Planning For a Day Hike. Choose something that doesn’t require a long journey to get to the trailhead.

Wednesday - Create your checklist

If you are trying to give hiking a try and are fairly new to this then check out my Essential Day Hiking Gear For Your First Hike - there you can read about my TGE (My Trail, Gear, Extras checklist). Special tip: If you are someone who gets cold easily, please bring an extra sweater. It is better to have enough layers than insufficient! Feeling cold is no fun. You can create this checklist together with a friend and ensure you all have all added essential items on your list.

Thursday - Pack your bag and check off the items in your checklist

You have a checklist and all you have to do is pack your backpack accordingly. This shouldn't take too long, but depending on what food or items you want to bring this might take longer.

Friday - Mentally prepare for tomorrow and get a good night's sleep

Okay, now you can relax, drink a glass of wine and look forward to tomorrow. The backpack is ready and there is no need to get stressed. The final item on the challenge is to get a good night's sleep that will make you feel fresh the next day.

Yaay, if you followed this challenge and are going on a hiking adventure on the 6th day! Then I am excited for you. Remember to check the weather before heading out anywhere, it is okay if there is a slight chance of rain showers but you do not want to be outside when there is an upcoming storm. You can combat rain with a rain jacket but a storm can sometimes be dangerous.

If you like this challenge, please pin or share the image and blog post. The more people of any background and color underrepresented in the outdoors go on a hike, the more we establish a sense of belonging for everyone to experience nature's beauty and benefits.