Changing Your Routine Can Change Your Perspective

June 6, 2022

Kids make it a likely habit to tell you how bored they are constantly. Being in the throws of adulthood, being bored at any given moment, almost sounds like fun. In the hectic pace of life and the weighing responsibilities of “adulting,” boredom means something different than it did as a child. There is a type of boredom we face in our middle age that no one talks about. It is being stuck in a rut. Same job, same home, same schedule, same everything can actually do you more harm than good. Routine is a key to stability, and a schedule is NOT a bad thing, so what can you do to throw a little excitement into what feels like a monotonous existence? Let’s brainstorm ways you can change your routine that will give you a new, happy perspective!

Small Changes That Can Help

It’s important to note that changing your everyday routines means doing certain things that you don’t normally do in ways you are not accustomed to doing. Stirring your coffee to the left instead of the right doesn’t count! (Thrill-seekers are pumped, OCD schedulers most likely won’t read any further.) Everyone needs a little excitement in their life, and it helps to prevent any burnout before it happens. How can you keep a good schedule but change it up for the better? Some realistic ways can be:

Evaluate your current routine: what works and what doesn’t, what makes you happy and what doesn’t, what needs to stay, and what has room for improvement
Set aside a little time in the evenings to prepare for the next day. Lay out your clothes, pack up your lunch, set out your exercise clothes, and drop some coffee grounds in the coffee pot. Going through a nightly prep routine helps you not to feel so rushed and anxious when you get up in the morning, ready for the day ahead
Set your alarm for a few minutes earlier than usual, and spend some time in prayer, reflection, inspirational reading, or journaling. Starting each day off listing things you are grateful for can change the whole perspective of your day
If you are a coffee lover and can’t start your day without it, try a new kind of coffee, a new coffee maker, or stop at a new coffee shop on your way to work
Try to take a few breaks away from screens. I know it’s hard to do when your entire job is on a screen, but walking away from screen time for a few minutes a day will do wonders for you. Take a lap around the office, stop by and say hello to people you don’t usually see, walk around the parking lot outside, breathe in some fresh air, and enjoy the fact you are getting your body moving
Change up your regular exercise routine. Substitute one day of walking/jogging for kickboxing or an online workout. Exercise as often as you can; it gives you more energy and helps to relieve stress
Treat yourself once a week (or once a month) to dinner out at one of your favorite restaurants. Whether you do takeout or share the meal with a loved one, you are doing something nice for yourself, and it gives you something to look forward to and enhances a positive mindset
Do your grocery shopping and meal prep on the weekends, so you are more likely to eat healthy foods
Prioritize several nights a week to spend time with your family. One night can be game night, another night movie night. This can go for families or couples. If you are single, plan game nights and movie nights with friends. Being around people you care about brings joy to you and gives you something to look forward to

Other Ideas That Can Add Some “Spice”

Along with changing up the daily routine, you can try some more fun things to add a little spice to your day, a few extra bonuses to put some pep back into your step!

Change up your look. Try out a new hairstyle/different kind of haircut. Men – Get some new clothes, cologne, shoes. Ladies – Try some new makeup shades, new clothes
Have an old friend/friends that you don’t see anymore? Call them up, meet for dinner, renew your friendship. Lots of friends are like an abundance of riches!
Take one Saturday and commit to cleaning out all of your clothes and shoes. We often get stuck in a rut with our wardrobe, so cleaning out the old can make room for the new!
Make plans to do something fun every week. It can be as simple as watching a movie or going camping on the weekends. The anticipation of something fun is just as much fun as the event itself!

These are just a few suggestions. Let them birth some good ideas of your own!

Brand New Start

You’ve probably heard the saying, “it takes 21 days to form a habit.” Try these new positive changes to your routine for a month and see how it’s working for you. Some new you will keep, some you will find need a little bit of tweaking, but I think the more room you allow for things that bring you joy, the happier you will be. And a well-balanced, content you is the most important thing.

This article is intended to provide an understanding of and knowledge about “health topics” as expressed through the perspective and research of the author. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or counsel, including the diagnosis or treatment of any condition. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, illness or treatment of any listed or non-listed situation above. By using this site, you signify your assent to our Terms and Conditions.

Sources:

https://www.claritychi.com/the-change-up-how-varying-your-routine-can-improve-brain-function/#:~:text=Changing%20up%20the%20routine%20and,the%20monotony%20and%20experience%20enjoyment.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jennifercohen/2013/09/11/do-you-want-to-change-your-life-for-the-better-7-ways-to-make-it-a-habit/?sh=3185cdeb398e

https://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/rut-change-your-routine-and-change-your-life.html

https://www.buzzfeed.com/vglerum/ways-to-shake-up-your-everyday-routine-this-year