There are so many benefits to a routine. If you have children who become unrecognizable if they stay up past their bedtime or miss lunch, you know exactly what we mean! Many children and adults thrive on a daily schedule of activities to keep them on track with sleep, diet, exercise, and self-care.
As wonderful as a routine can be, it doesn’t mean the same schedule will work for you forever. It’s natural to “grow out” of your routine or adapt it as your life changes, or to feel like you’re stuck in a rut from time to time. However, you don’t have to feel stuck for long. There are plenty of simple ways to refresh your routine and tweak it for different seasons of life. Pretend you’re going back to school and starting a new framework for success!
Wake up just a little earlier.
What could you accomplish with 15 to 30 extra minutes in the morning? Instead of hitting snooze, try waking up a bit earlier than you normally do. If you like to wake up slowly, take your time greeting the day. Squeeze in a quick stretch or workout. Drink coffee with no interruptions.
Give your space a makeover.
Sometimes that “stuck” feeling comes from our surroundings. Is it time to redecorate your desk or upgrade your bedroom? You definitely don’t have to undergo a complete renovation of your home; just a few subtle tweaks can make a huge difference and boost your mood. Change out the pictures on your desk. Rearrange the furniture in your living room. Add color with throw pillows, blankets, wall art, and decor.
Add a few new meals to your rotation.
Even the most delicious dinners can get boring if you eat them all the time! Add new flavors to your weekly rotation to keep your taste buds guessing. Try cooking seasonally or ask friends for their go-to fast, easy, and healthy recipes to liven up your culinary game.
Take a vacation from your routine entirely.
Give yourself the week off from your usual routine. After the week is over, note which elements you missed most and reinstate them. If there are practices that didn’t make a huge difference in your day, skip them! You can always add them back in later.
Try a new workout.
Your body gets bored just like you do! Repetition is great when strength training, but you do need to mix things up to get the best results. This may be the perfect time to try that group class you were curious about or start your boxing journey. Incorporating new ways to move your body works new muscle groups and challenges your brain too. If you don’t love an activity, move on to the next!