Pole to pole

Even though there are no new continents to be discovered, you can still unlock your inner explorer. Think about it: how often do step out of your comfort zone? When was the last time you had an adventure? If you've been living your life on automatic pilot, NOW is the time to challenge yourself. Sounds scary? Duh, that's the whole idea! Here are seven 'micro adventures' to shake up your day-to-day (so you are ready to one day shake up the world):

1. Get lost Being creatures of habit, we usually take the same old routes when we go from A to B. Trying a different way can be an adventure in itself, but how about deliberately getting a little lost? As most explorers found out: sometimes you have to get lost to find yourself. The brave among us could attempt this sans phone, but you can also make yourself ask at least one person for directions before you frantically consult Google (and realize you're only three blocks away from your house).

2. Say hello It has become very easy to avoid social interactions, but for explorers, making connections was often a matter of life or death. Make yourself talk to at least three 'strangers' every time you go out - from the barista to the girl with the cool sneakers next to you at the gym. A win-win situation: overcoming social anxieties while humanizing 'the other'. Hey, you may even realize that the world doesn't revolve around you.

3. Tell a secret What is scarier than true intimacy? If you have a partner, make a deal: share a secret with each other you have never told anyone before, and promise to not be judgmental. It can be a childhood memory or a recurring dream, but you can of course spice things up by sharing a sexual fantasy. And if you're going in that direction, why not make a sexual bucket list together?

4. Lose the plus one Next time you get invited to a party or an event, drop your lover or your bestie and dare to throw yourself into the unknown. Without a 'social security blanket' you are forced to be present in the situation and really make contact (as long as you also stay off your phone). Embrace the experience as a crash course in self-sustainability, and who knows? You may enjoy your own company so much that you start planning an adventurous solo trip.

5. Drop that phone If you, like us, bring your phone everywhere with you - yes, even the bathroom - it's time to drop it. Not literally, of course, and starting with only for a few hours. Leave the house without it, one outing at a time. (Just think of the explorers that were cut off from civilization for months). You may have to bring an old-school paper grocery list and written-down directions, but we promise: you'll feel free, focused and very adventurous.

6. Twist your tongue A willingness to learn new languages has always been an incredibly important skill for explorers, and a recent study showed that learning a new language stimulates the growth of complex white brain matter, while increasing our life expectancy. Then what is stopping us? The fear of looking like a complete idiot, most likely. Get over yourself, girl! Sign up for those Italian classes or chat up that hot French waiter in your terrible high school French. As long as you own your mistakes, it will be très sexy.

7. Hop to new spots Without realizing it, we become very attached to certain spots, from the same old holiday destination to the same old seat at the dinner table. Shake things up by finding new hot spots, even if it's just moving your yoga mat from the back to the front of the class. These small steps out of your comfort zone give you a taste of adventure, while preparing you to one day take the necessary big steps into the unknown.