Mindfulness in Outdoor Spaces

Tips to Help You Enjoy Outdoor Recreation

The sensation of excitement and fear are so close in my body that the only thing differentiating the experience is my mindset.

Fear of what ifs and lack of control lead to the unpleasant feeling of anxiousness.

Embracing the unknown and finding joy in the “good” what ifs are what build the feeling of excitement - it reminds me of being a kid being really excited and having an overwhelming build of energy I need to take a lap, but was often told to calm down or that my energy was too much (luckily, not by my own parents). But, I know I’m not alone in that so that’s why I’m sharing.

Embody the knowledge and experience you already have and know you’re absolutely human and perfection is overrated.

Don’t repress that energy, let it move through you allowing yourself to feel the excitement and joy build without it turning into shame, fear or anxiety.

✨ If the feelings and self talk of worry that you’re not good enough, fast enough, strong enough, or that you don’t have the best equipment are what is holding you back from participating in the things you really want to (bike group rides, backpacking retreats, biking retreats, community hikes) it’s time to change the way you talk to yourself . Believe me when I tell you this is something that I still work on, but has gotten much easier over time.

The next time you catch yourself thinking you’re ruining other people’s fun by biking slowly or not being good enough…..

🌱 first catch yourself before you spiral

🌱 then breathe and congratulate yourself for taking your body outside to do the thing (you’re doing it!!)

🌱 lastly remind yourself that their joy is not any more important than yours and safety is first and foremost - it’s time to a top worrying about holding back others over your own joy and soak in the benefits of being in nature.

🌱 if you need to, transition your mind to thinking about how you’re breathing, the trail, and which muscles you’re using/posture - this can be a great distraction

🌱 keep in mind that bilateral movement (biking, hiking) can help us process emotions, so instead of fighting it, allow the thoughts/memories to come through and allow the bike/hike to be used as a tool to help you process - it’s absolutely normal and ok

🌱 try exhaling if you come upon something that makes you nervous and breathe through the hard thing

✨ We all have to start someplace, even if it means you’re starting over again -which can be even more challenging to not compare yourself to who you used to be/what you used to be able to do - talk kindly to yourself and you’ll slowly learn to enjoy yourself again.

✨ Most importantly, have fun, hydrate, eat snacks, have fun and stop letting your own mind keep you from doing the things you dream to.

✨ You. Are. Enough. and I believe in you!✨

Why Sign Up with Unruly Women?

If you want to learn more please sign up for a group ride or any one of my Unruly Women bike skills clinics or backpacking retreats - learn the skills (or refine the ones you have), learn the rules of the trail, meet others (who feel the same way you do) and feel more confident in yourself when out biking, hiking, and backpacking.