If you’re getting bored of the same old routine, day in, day out, then it might be time to incorporate a little novelty into your life. While routine can be a powerful thing, it can also be wearying; getting away from it all every so often might help you to refocus on what matters, and to gain the sense of perspective that comes from taking time away.
This needn’t mean going on a long, elaborate holiday. Even a short break can confer substantial benefits.
Stepping Away From Your Everyday Routine
When you find yourself in the same environment again and again, your brain will have very little to do. Everything will feel familiar and comforting, and your mind won’t get the kind of workout that comes with having to process new objects and sensations constantly.
When you switch to a different environment, you’ll often find that new kinds of insight and inspiration suddenly shake loose. That might mean heading down into the woods for a walk on a Sunday morning, or taking a month-long sabbatical as you move from one job to another.
Giving Yourself Something to Look Forward To
Novelty is inherently rewarding, and planning for it might allow it to act as an incentive. If you have a major holiday booked at the very end of the month, then you’ll be able to push through whatever work-related stress comes before it. The same applies to smaller day trips and weekend-long city breaks. When there’s always something new and interesting on the horizon, it’s much easier to persuade yourself to strive towards it.
Making Space to Properly Switch Off
It’s very difficult to create mental distance from your job without also creating physical distance. By removing yourself from all of the subtle cues that go with your workplace and household chores, you can spend more time really relaxing.
Of course, physical distance isn’t the only thing that matters. At the same time, you’ll want to limit the way that your working life interferes with everything else via digital channels. Turning off notifications, shutting your phone in a drawer, and making a pledge to yourself to not be productive during your downtime can all be helpful.
Bringing a Little of the Holiday Mindset Home
While you’re away, you might find that you learn lessons that can be applied to the rest of your life. If you find that changing your routine brings about tangible benefits, then don’t feel that you have to revert to the old way of doing things after your holiday draws to a close. For example, if you’ve started every day with a long walk on the beach, then why not think about ways in which you can bring low-intensity exercise into the rest of your day, too?
