We all have our habits. And although sticking closely to a routine can be comforting and beneficial, it also has its downside. For one thing, it can get boring. More significantly, it can close our minds to new opportunities and ways of doing things. Shaking up your routine doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming. Here are a few tips.
Take quiet time. If you can get up five or 10 minutes earlier, use the time to reflect on the day to come. Giving yourself a brief opportunity to think about how you can mindfully and intentionally structure your time can spark new ideas about how to approach your everyday tasks.
Mix up your meals. What could be more routine than eating? We do it three times a day – every single day! If you find yourself eating the same meals, know that this isn’t always the best from a nutrition perspective. If you buy your lunch at a café, try packing it the night before instead (or vice versa). Foods impact our energy and mood in different ways, so switching up your meals might help you find new options that support your needs more effectively.
Opposite day! If you have enough flexibility in your schedule to decide when you take on certain tasks, try switching a few of your morning and afternoon tasks. You may feel that you perform certain activities more efficiently at a different time. And simply altering your regular agenda can help you to feel more alert and change the cadence of your day.
Give your computer a break. Many of us spend considerable portions of our downtime staring at screens – whether it’s social media, email or Netflix. Once a week, take the time you ordinarily spend on your computer and try something new. Call a friend you haven’t heard from in a while, pick up a new book or go on a walk.
-Sarah Cooke
