There is no question, in my mind at least, that getting outdoors and into the wild is the most powerful agent of change that can positively affect a person's psychological and physiological state (whoah...heavy!). But, how much is enough? How much is too much?

With such a large percentage of populations now living in urban environments the opportunity for many to get into the wild has been stifled somewhat. So what can city dwellers do? Head to the park on their lunch break? Sure, perfect. I am a big believer in shutting down your laptop and phone, walking out the door and sitting yourself under a nice tree. Half an hour there and your mind and body are re-energised.

But, the strength of the outdoors can be made so much more powerful. Here's an idea. Start work an hour earlier than you would normally on a Friday. Unless your boss is a complete numpty, you can then step out the office by maybe 4pm. Of course you have brought all your outdoor gear to work that day. Change, grab your pack and head to the train station (or car if you have one). Drive (or clickity-clack). 2 or 3 hours later, no matter if you work in deepest, darkest skyscraper-ville you should be in the wild. In summer, there is plenty of light. Tent up, stove for coffee on. Sit back. The powerful restorative effects of the outdoors have begun. For the next 2 days you can walk or chill as much as you please. Late Sunday, you head back to the city. Mission accomplished. Your body is moving easier, your mind open.

Now, imagine multiplying that weekend in the hills tenfold. No ways! A month on the road! Rent a van. Throw in a tent, kayak, surfboard, bicycle and a few buddies and you are away. Don't plan too much. You only have one pre-requisite - leave the city behind. Easy. A month in the wild will change everything you ever knew. Be warned. It is likely, upon your return to the "real world", things are going to change. No longer will you be satisfied with normality. You will question what your purpose really is (I know, heavy again. Such is the power of getting wild!). I call it enlightenment. Not a state of mind but the beginning of a most wonderful journey.

In part 2, I will have a crack at questioning if you can ever get too much of a good thing (as it relates to the outdoors that is).