Brigitte Ars

Business: Alice goes Wild

I am Brigitte Ars, a Dutch author of Where is the Adventure? A Quest for a More Adventurous Life (translated from the Dutch Waar is het avontuur?). In my (travel) book, I blend personal experiences, journalism, academic research, and professional expertise to explore the concept of adventure, the adventurer within each of us, and how we can live more adventurous lives. I believe that adventure isn’t just something we experience when traveling, but something we can find in our everyday lives by tapping into our inner adventurer. I work in the Tourism department at Breda University of Applied Sciences where I’ve conducted research on a variety of adventure-related topics. Besides this, I run my own platform/online magazine for adventurous living, www.AliceGoesWild.nl (als English). I also host the Avontuurlijk Leven (Living Adventurously) podcast and lead an adventure academy. My interests lie particularly in the areas of women, adventurous mindset, mental health and microadventures. At the moment, I am working on two new books that further explore these themes.

What is your interest or experience of adventure for mental health or wellbeing?

I have a strong interest in mental health and wellbeing, and I regularly publish content on this topic through my platform, Alice Goes Wild, as well as in my newsletter and on social media. One of the research projects I conducted with my students focused on the impact of outdoor adventure on the mental health of women in the Netherlands. The results were overwhelmingly positive, and I’ve been sharing these findings in the Dutch media, as well as in presentations and at conferences. Last year, I presented at the Adventure Tourism Research Association (ATRA) conference, where I discussed this research. In addition, I am a certified forest bathing guide, and I’ve personally witnessed the significant impact nature immersion has on mental health and wellbeing.

How can you help us spread the word about AdventureMind’s mission?

I would love to support AdventureMind’s mission by sharing the research, case studies, and success stories in the Netherlands. I promote these already through my platform, on social media, in the press, and through presentations. By spreading the word, I aim to inspire others to join the movement and embrace the connection between adventure and mental health.