How to Break Routine When You CAN’T RUN AWAY FROM LIFE
PC: @Pinterest
In almost every person's lifetime, there comes a time when you experience a mild (or intense) existential crisis. You wake up, go to work, make dinner, watch Netflix, sleep, repeat. You do this everyday, every week, for years, and you begin to wonder what the meaning of life is. Are you just a robotic piece playing a role in a simulation? Maybe! But that's a conversation for another day. Most people who reach this point in their lives either drastically change their everyday or go on in eternal misery. While I applaud anyone that can up and flip flop their life around, like move to Bali or open up a bakery, it's not exactly a realistic solution for the majority of people. For them, I have some advice on how to break routine without uprooting your entire life.
When life gets too mundane and repetitive, there are a few fun ways you can spruce up your everyday without quitting your job or moving to a different country. Because even people who love their lives feel burn out, and while they want something new, they don't necessarily want to give up all the good things going on. So, I have a few ways you can spice up your days and make a few changes in order to break your routine. Read on to see how.
1. Make a habit of reading a new book every month
The best way to escape your real life is by entering someone else's - a fictional someone else, that is. If you're already an avid reader, maybe move on to point two. But if you're an occasional reader like myself, I find increasing the amount of books I immerse myself in infinitely increases the quality of life. It's a low effort habit to practice that doesn't even require you to leave your bed. Dedicate twenty to thirty minutes either every morning or night (depending on your preference) to get lost in someone else's story. I like to switch between a romance novel and an educational read every other book, so that I can open up my heart and mind to new inspiration.
2. Learn a new skill
When you were younger, I bet there were a thousand passion projects you were dying to start, as soon as you had the resources. Where did all those dreams go? Well, no where to be honest. They're still living inside of you, waiting to be lit up. Sign up for a coding course, buy a guitar, start a blog - whatever it is your heart desires, make an intentional decision to practice your new project. Note however that this requires a strong mental switch and dedication to continue. Consider it not a side project, but your number one priority to see it through. Doing something solely for yourself and not a corporation or some boss is an extremely fulfilling practice.
3. Every Weekend, go to a new restaurant or café
I love to eat out alone. Whether that's at a café, restaurant, or bar, I find going out to eat alone to be a wonderful time to check in on myself. Dressing up for yourself, getting out of the house, and learning new things about your neighborhood is just romantic. When you're tired of the everyday, you'll find that discovering new spots just around your area will bring bits of excitement back into your life. It's a great time to bring your laptop and practice that new skill we just talked about as well. I also find that going anywhere alone is a wonderful way to meet new people. Somehow, it's inviting to strangers to strike up conversations (if that's what you want. If not, put them headphones in and keep your head down). At the start of the month, collect 4-5 new spots in your neighborhood and make a reservation to visit them each weekend.
4. Treat yourself to something special once every two months
You're working so hard, and what for? Treat yourself every once in a while to thank your hard work. Go to a spa, get your nails done, buy something pricey - whatever it is that will make you physically and mentally feel better. Maybe that's booking a little weekend getaway. I know that everyone's financial situations vary and will effect this point - so do so at your own capacity. It doesn't even need to require you spending money. Just do something nice for yourself (maybe that's a whole day just to yourself!). You are important and worthy of some investment. Treat yoself.
