August is here. Your inbox is full of out-of-office replies. Half the team are sunning themselves in Sicily or squeezing in one last trip to Cornwall. And you? You’re still here, same shift, same commute, same view.
But who says you need a big holiday to get that all-important reset?
This is where the micro-adventure comes in. A term coined by British adventurer Alastair Humphreys, micro-adventures are short, simple, low-cost bursts of adventure close to home. Think: canal-side strolls, rooftop dinners, late-night bike rides, or simply walking a new way home after your shift. No airport chaos or out-of-office drama required.
Why Your Brain Loves a Change of Scene
According to positive psychology, variety and novelty play a big role in keeping us mentally well. Our brains thrive on novelty—new sights, new sounds, new experiences. It sparks curiosity, boosts dopamine, and can help us feel more engaged with the world around us.
- Barbara Fredrickson’s broaden-and-build theory shows that positive emotions like awe, curiosity and joy expand our thinking and help us build resources for resilience and wellbeing.
- Studies also show that people who regularly engage in small, varied experiences report higher satisfaction and lower stress (Quoidbach et al., 2013).
- Even a quick shift in routine—like grabbing your post-shift wind-down in a different spot or taking a different route home—can lift your mood and sharpen your focus. Or even try brushing your teeth with the opposite hand!
Micro-Adventures in Westside, Birmingham
If you work, live (or play) in Westside BID—whether that’s behind a desk, behind a bar, or on a stage—you’re surrounded by opportunities for everyday escape. Here are a few ways to mix things up without leaving town:
- Canal walks at golden hour. Whether it’s post-meeting or post-last-orders, Brindleyplace to The Distillery is an easy escape.
- Try a solo breakfast date or a late-night snack spot. Morning people can head to
Yorks Café at the Ikon Gallery for a pre-shift treat. Night owls? Head to
somewhere like Piccolino’s or Bank for a later bite. - Kayak the canal from The Roundhouse. Swap your usual workout (or hangover
cure) for a paddle and a fresh perspective. - Catch an offbeat show at The REP. Whether it’s fringe theatre, poetry or
something a little wild—unexpected stories shake you out of autopilot. - Play tourist in your own patch. Been in Centenary Square a hundred times? Head up to the Library of Birmingham terrace and see your city from a different angle.
Reset Without the Suitcase
You don’t need a boarding pass to get a change of perspective. What you need is intention. A micro-adventure doesn’t require a week off or a packed suitcase—just a willingness to press pause, break the pattern, and reconnect with your surroundings.
So if you’re still in town this August, don’t just wait it out. Go seek something new, small and surprising. Let curiosity lead. Your brain—and your mood—will thank you.
And who knows? That canal bench or coffee shop you’ve never tried might be the best thing you discover all summer.
