We all know the dreaded sound of our daily 7 AM alarm. It’s like a train we can’t stop, the painful, routine wake up call that immediately makes us want to hide under the covers and never come out. Eventually though, (after hitting snooze one too many times) we drag ourselves out of bed, get dressed and attempt to make ourselves presentable for yet another day in the life.

It’s easy to get stuck in the bubble that is our own personal routine. Routine makes our lives more predictable and makes us more productive, allowing us to be the most efficient versions of ourselves. However, when we find ourselves laying in bed on a Sunday night wishing it was Friday already, our productive routine has turned into a rut. It’s time to switch it up and get out of that pattern.

THROW CAUTION TO THE WIND

Take a day off. A routine that has turned into a rut means every day lacks creativity and individuality, so they all blend into one. Throw off your schedule, grab those girlfriends who are always down to adventure, and just drive— do something completely different. Leave the bubble you live your day-to-day life in and see something fresh, new and interesting.

ADD SOME CHAOS

It might sound crazy, but chaos can be a good thing. Chaos switches things up and brings on new challenges and ways to stimulate your brain and get your body moving. Instead of going about your daily routine with your mind on auto-pilot, get out of your comfort zone and try something new. Take a different mode of transportation to work, or try getting around without Google Maps giving you step-by-step directions. Making yourself think will wake you up and constantly keep you on your toes.

HAVE THE BEST NIGHT IN EVER

When you’re mentally burnt out, leaving the house can seem like the worst idea ever. So don’t! Invite some friends over, and try that new recipe you’ve been wanting to make for forever and haven’t had the time. Sign up for a weekly meal delivery service that drops off all the ingredients and instructions to make something delicious. Trying new things, even as seemingly insignificant as new food can stimulate your brain and make you more excited when dinner time comes around.

Throwing off your (potentially mundane) daily routine and adding some chaos into your life can be extremely rejuvenating. New things can be scary and challenging, so it’s sometimes easier to stick to a familiar routine instead of going outside your comfort zone. Still, GET OUT and do something to switch things up. I promise it will make all the difference in the world.

Let us know how you switched up your routine! Don’t forget to download Hey! VINA to help find the perfect friends to share your out-of-the-comfort-zone activities with.

(Featured image via Favim)