So what does Westaway suggest? “New Year’s is time to review, reset and rejuvenate yourself, and decide what, if anything, you want to change. It’s an opportunity to reflect on that magic something that makes you feel joyful, connected, fulfilled and exhilarated.
“For me, that magic something is wanderlust,” said Westaway.
The term ‘wanderlust’ originates from the German words ‘wandern’ (to hike) and ‘lust’ (desire).
The desire to hike is in our DNA and incredibly, when we connect with it, we move more and have more fun. This promotes sustained behavioural change, especially when you do it with friends and family. A wanderlust adventure gives us our purpose, people and plan – the three things we need to change our habits. Any kind of active adventure in nature will do the trick, but the bigger and scarier, the better, if you want results.
According to psychotherapist Rachel Weinstein, “if you truly want to achieve a resolution, set one that’s easy to tackle from day one. Better yet, find one you can scale up to a more difficult resolution.” A wanderlust adventure does just that.
And Westaway should know. Not only do the annual Coastrek events she organises in Sydney, Melbourne and Sunshine Coast see thousands of women challenge themselves with an outdoor adventure, but she makes a point of challenging herself too.
“Last week a trip to Ningaloo Reef popped up in my Facebook feed and it looked so stunning I messaged a friend and we signed up. After I’d committed, I read the fine print and discovered it was a surf ski adventure… and I don’t know how to surf ski. Yet. But by May, I will, says Westaway.
“I’m so scared drowning or being eaten by a great white shark that I’ll be training madly for the next four months. By the time I get there, I will have learned a new skill, got fitter and healthier, conquered my fear of the ocean and made new friends. Exploring the breathtaking reef is just the cherry on top!”
If you want to change your life and find a happy new you in 2018, Westaway suggests you try this day-by-day guide:
1 January: Find a wanderlust adventure
Settle on your dream wild adventure now. Be brave. Go for something that seems ridiculously OVER THE TOP. Something that scares you every time you think about it. Something that will take your breath away, both physically and mentally. It might be trekking to Everest Base Camp, climbing Mt Kosciusko, kayaking with dolphins, hiking the 60km Coastrek or swimming the Rottnest Channel.2 January: Invite your friends and family to join you
It’s much more fun doing it with goal buddies and you’ll be amazed at how many people will want to join you. Everybody wants to be healthier and happier. Just keep asking until you find somebody who wants the same thing as you. If you can’t find a buddy, jump onto the Wild Adventures Community on Facebook and find someone on there who is interested. If you still can’t find anyone, go by yourself. You’ll meet people on the journey.3 January: Commit to the goal
That means paying a deposit, purchasing airfares and blocking the dates in the diary. Dump the excuses. Tell your friends and family this is happening and it’s good for you and them. It’s guaranteed to make you happier and healthier than you’ve ever been. Just do it. You’ll be so glad you did.4 January: Make a plan
Start training. Write your training dates in your diary. You’ll need to do something towards your wanderlust adventure EVERY day. It doesn’t have to be massive. This might be eating more vegies, going for a hike, getting to bed earlier, doing yoga, cooking some nutritious meals, doing a weekend mini adventure or taking a buddy or kid for a bike ride.5 January onwards: Follow the plan
Know that you’ll get it wrong sometimes but with a visual record of achievement, not only will your family help encourage you but you’ll also be more inclined to do it. Remember, frequency is more important than intensity. So, don’t worry about HIIT, running or doing things that hurt. Just start by doing the things you love at a low intensity regularly and you’ll be amazed how much you improve. You’ll start to feel fabulous in no time.If you’d like to kick start your wanderlust with a challenge, Westaway’s Sydney and Melbourne 2018 Coastreks are currently open for registration. To register head to www.coastrek.com.au
More info
www.wildwomenontop.com.auwww.diwestaway.com
What: Sydney Coastrek
Where: Manly/Kirribilli to Bondi Beach
When: Friday 16 March, 2018
More Info: http://www.coastrek.com.au/
What: Melbourne Coastrek
Where: Mornington Peninsula
When: Friday 25 May, 2018
More Info: http://www.coastrek.com.au/
Keep up to date with Di online - Instagram & Twitter: @diwestaway
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