Some structure in your life can be comforting, but when you feel like your days are getting dull and repetitive, it might be time to shake things up a bit. Getting out of your comfort zone and injecting some spontaneity into your routine can keep things unpredictable and fun. We’ve compiled the best ways for you to break out of old habits and reinvigorate your daily life.
[Edit]Steps
[Edit]Make a list of your routines.
- Pinpoint the areas of your life that could use some loosening up. What patterns do you repeat? It might seem counterintuitive, but making a note of every time you do something that feels routine will help you figure out where you can start to loosen up.[1]
- Ask yourself questions like: Do I walk the same route every day? Do I sit in the same desk during classes? Do I bring the same kind of things for lunch or order the same meal at a restaurant?
- Note your downtime activities. Do you sit at home or are you active?
- If you’re struggling to identify routines, ask your family members or friends to point out your habits.
[Edit]Write down the anxieties holding you back from change.
- Ask yourself, “What's so scary about change?” Write these anxieties down next to the steps in your routine. Try to be as specific as possible.[2] Figuring out your self-judgements and limiting beliefs allows you to recognize when your negative inner voice is holding you back from spontaneity, rather than a true, external limitation (like time or money).[3]
- Check in with yourself: What's scary about sitting next to a stranger and being drawn into conversation? What keeps you from visiting that new restaurant?[4]
[Edit]Add a few new activities to your routine to shift your mindset.
- Create small habits based around gratitude and being present. Part of spontaneity is about openness—freeing yourself to enjoy the moment and shifting your perspective towards positivity. Add a larger routine shift by exercising or learning to meditate, or you can try out some of the smaller habits below.[5]
- Take a photo of something beautiful on the way to work.[6]
- Write down three things that went well for you at least once a week and what contributed to them going well.[7]
- Pick one enjoyable activity (like reading a book, watching your favorite TV series), and plan it into your evening so you have something to look forward to at the end of the workday.[8]
[Edit]Clear part of your schedule and see where the day takes you.
- Break completely from your routine by leaving true free time. Take an hour, an afternoon, or however much time you’d like to unwind and try something new. Avoid scheduling activities, and see what opportunities come up! Some routine is good—having habits like exercise, regular self-care, and meditating or praying can keep us productive and comfortable—but leaving free time can refresh your perspective on life.[9]
- Use the time to take a class or learn about a hobby you’ve always wanted to try.
- Wander around town and see if there are cool places or events to check out.
- Give yourself a day off from chores and go for a hike, cook an elaborate meal, or play video games instead.
[Edit]Act on cravings and spur-of-the-moment ideas.
- Tune into feelings about what you want to do. If you develop a craving to eat pizza late at night or to become a vegetarian over the weekend, what's stopping you? It's easy to come up with reasons not to do things. Instead of worrying about whether your whim will eventually fail or whether you'll regret your choice, just go for it.[10]
- Start by asking yourself how you feel about something instead of dismissing your ideas and wants.
- Use common sense. Don’t act on impulses that are illegal, extremely unhealthy, or that put you in danger.
[Edit]Connect with new people.
- Chat with a stranger or invite acquaintances along for activities. Feeling stuck in a routine can get lonely, so the next time you go out or plan an evening at home, ask someone to join you. Studies show that engaging with other people, even talking to strangers on your commute, can boost your positive emotions.[11]
- If your average night looks like enjoying a few beers on the porch or cooking dinner, make it a significant event by including an old friend you’ve lost touch with or would like to get to know better.
- Strike up a conversation with a stranger by asking about your surroundings. For instance, if you’re at a café, try saying something like, “Wow, the line’s really long today. Have you ever seen it this busy in here?”
[Edit]Say yes when a friend asks you to do something.
- Taking "no" out of your vocabulary opens up a world of possibilities. The next time a friend asks you to try out a new restaurant or go see a movie, say yes. Just keep in mind that saying yes isn't about forcing yourself to do things that’ll make you deeply uncomfortable—it's about getting yourself to do things you might like and never get around to.[12]
- Act in your best interest. If you have absolutely no desire to go to that glow-in-the-dark bubble rave or if you can’t afford that restaurant, don't go.
- As you find activities or new places you like, focus your energy on pursuing those opportunities. Use your spontaneity to make life more enjoyable, not more hectic or challenging.
[Edit]Go on an impromptu adventure with a friend.
- Wait to choose a specific activity until you arrive somewhere. By avoiding over-planning, you can prevent planning from feeling like a chore and keep yourself open to new and exciting opportunities. Offer to meet up with a friend in an unfamiliar part of town and spend the day exploring. You never know what you might find![13]
- Meet up downtown for lunch, and walk around to decide on a restaurant instead of planning ahead-of-time.
- Go on a walking tour of your city instead of picking a specific destination.
- Drive to a movie theater and pick a movie to see once you get there.
- Look through a thrift store or antique market and look for the wildest thing you can find.
[Edit]Switch up the location where you work, study, or eat.
- Change your environment to get a new perspective. Mixing up the place where you work or study might even help you improve your brain’s ability to process and retain information.[14] Check in with yourself once you make a small change. Does the change make you feel better or more anxious?[15]
- Take a different route to work.
- Bring your lunch for a picnic outside instead eating in the cafeteria.
- Call a friend and meet for drinks downtown instead of going straight home after work.
- Study in the library instead of at a coffee shop.
[Edit]Take a trip without a full itinerary.
- Leave unplanned time to keep yourself open to new adventures. For nearby vacations, just get in the car and drive until you find a place you’d like to stop and explore. For trips overseas or farther away, only plan the minimum logistical necessities like booking a plane ticket, finding a place to stay, etc. Once you get to a new place, follow your instincts about what you’d like to do and see.[16]
- Ask a local for advice on what to do, or check out a local paper for listings of concerts, festivals, and activities.[17]
- Use the “near me” feature in mapping apps on your phone to pick fun activities once you get to a spot.
- You don’t have to spend a lot of money to take a trip. Spend a weekend in the adjacent town or go for a scenic drive.
[Edit]Related wikiHows
[Edit]References
[Edit]Quick Summary
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/compassion-matters/201910/why-it-s-important-break-routines
- ↑ [v161566_b01]. 26 August 2020.
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/women-s-mental-health-matters/201612/7-ways-get-yourself-unstuck
- ↑ https://www.inc.com/lolly-daskal/19-reasons-why-youre-stuck-and-how-to-get-unstuck.html
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/women-s-mental-health-matters/201612/7-ways-get-yourself-unstuck
- ↑ https://www.inc.com/business-insider/little-changes-routine-make-you-happy-more-productive.html
- ↑ https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/three-good-things
- ↑ https://www.inc.com/business-insider/little-changes-routine-make-you-happy-more-productive.html
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/changepower/201009/routines-comforting-or-confining
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fixing-families/201710/how-be-more-spontaneous
- ↑ https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2014-28833-001
- ↑ https://www.psychologies.co.uk/why-we-should-all-say-yes-more
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/16/fashion/making-plans-schedule-free-time.html
- ↑ https://www.fastcompany.com/3039180/how-your-daily-routine-is-holding-you-back
- ↑ [v161566_b01]. 26 August 2020.
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/compassion-matters/201910/why-it-s-important-break-routines
- ↑ https://www.smartertravel.com/12-ways-spontaneous-travel/
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