Do you ever feel like you’ve hit a stalemate with your life?
Every evening, you do the same old things. Every weekend is like Groundhog Day.
Even the work or school day feels exactly the same.
While there isn’t that much you can do about work or school, there’s so much you can do with the rest of your life to change things up a bit!
You don’t have to do anything crazy to change your life.
Like quitting your job, traveling the world, or moving to a remote island somewhere tranquil (although you could if you want to!).
All you really need to do to change your life is say hello to some new habits.
Everything else (like the happiness you’ve been searching for) will simply fall into place.
Up first:
1) Switching up your routine
Which route do you take to work in the morning? Where do you get your morning coffee?
What store do you buy your lunch at?
I’m guessing it’s the same journey and the same stores you visit every single time.
What about the dinners you cook, the TV programs you watch, and how you spend your evening?
We all get into the habit of doing the same things over and over.
We walk the same route every day, eat the same foods every week, and do the same things over and over and over…
Repeating history like this isn’t a problem if you’re happy.
But if you want to change your life, you need to change things up a bit!
Experts have found that adding some variety to your daily routines boosts your brain activity, improves cognitive function, and makes you feel happier.
So try changing just one very small thing about your routine each day – and see what new things you learn, discover, and feel!
2) Starting new hobbies
Have you ever heard the saying, “Anyone who stops learning is old. Anyone who keeps learning stays young”?
Well, it’s true! Studies have found that continuing to learn is good for your brain, productivity, and your mental health.
It benefits your friendships, your career, and even your overall life satisfaction!
But few people get the chance to take an online course or do a degree on the fly.
Even reading a history book or watching a documentary doesn’t tend to interest many people (I know I struggle!).
A more realistic way to keep learning is to start new hobbies every so often.
Think about the things you used to enjoy when you were younger or that piqued your interest when you heard about them.
It could be sport-related, outdoorsy, or something creative.
Like playing netball, joining a group of hikers, or learning to make music.
Don’t stick to doing the same old things just because you’ve always done them.
Give something new a try and keep doing it throughout your life!
3) Leaving the house every day
A couple of years ago I made a New Year’s resolution to leave the house every day.
Honestly, it changed my life!
Staying indoors all the time isn’t good for your mental and physical health.
The air is stuffy, and your brain gets stuffy, too.
Leaving the house gets you fresh air (which is so good for your lungs and overall health) and just the movement of your body can boost your mood.
It’s also been known to boost productivity and give you a sense of purpose, too.
If you get the chance to be surrounded by nature, like the ocean, a river, flowers, or trees, this is even better for your overall health!
So even if you just take a stroll around the block, run a quick errand, or book a full-blown activity – make a habit out of doing something outside every day.
4) Doing things alone
I went through a phase of not wanting to do anything by myself.
I always wanted a partner in crime to try the new things I wanted to try.
I missed out on so many experiences with this fear.
I made so many excuses in my head for why I shouldn’t do these things alone, but none of them were really justifiable.
Why? Because once you start doing things by yourself, you realize how silly those fears are.
That’s not me being dismissive, I know because I’ve been there!
Nothing bad is going to happen when you go to a coffee shop alone.
No one is going to be mean to you when you join a running club with strangers.
No one is going to laugh at you when you visit the gym for the first time.
What will actually happen is you’ll feel so good about doing it alone and getting past your fear – so good that I can’t even put it into words!
5) Finding new things to do
What do you do when you get some free time to check your phone?
Do you look up the latest events happening in your city?
Do you research new brunches or venues you and your friends could try?
Do you look at what sporting events or activities you could do?
Or do you spend more of your phone time scrolling on social media?
I used to do the latter – doomscrolling.
It sounds silly that it clicked one day that I could research and organize these things myself, but it never really crossed my mind!
When I saw on social media some people I knew went somewhere really fun, I thought to myself, “I wish I could go to something like that”.
Then I realized, I can!
If you have a similar mindset, grab life by the horns (as the saying goes) and start finding new things to do.
If you can get a friend to join you, do it! If not, give it a go on your own.
I promise you, your life will completely change for the better!
6) Talking to strangers
People change over the years and the friendships you have evolve, grow, strengthen, and (more often than not) break down.
The older you get, the more disconnected this can make you feel.
Losing friends can feel lonely, and growing apart from them feels even worse.
I read this quote once that said, “You still haven’t met all the people who are going to love you” – and it really stuck with me.
But you aren’t going to just make new friends by wanting it.
You have to actually put yourself out there and talk to people!
Talking to strangers or acquaintances is the best way to feel more connected to the world around you.
So the next time you run into a classmate in the hall, strike up a conversation with them instead of smiling and mumbling an “Alright” as you walk past.
If you’re at a social event, walk the room and find someone new to chat with instead of sticking with your usual people.
See the difference it makes!
7) Making plans with friends
Life gets way too busy sometimes. If you’re anything like me, you can get a little lazy sometimes, too – just wanting to spend your downtime doing absolutely nothing.
As an introvert, I find it too easy to go weeks without texting my friends.
Waiting for them to message me or hoping a social event will fall into my lap soon is way easier.
But I quickly learned that this doesn’t get me far.
Besides, when I do meet up with my friends, I have the best time ever and can’t believe I don’t do it more often!
If you get a bit like me sometimes, sitting back and waiting for others – even if that comes from a place of anxiety – try ditching that habit for good.
The new experiences and conversations you’ll have will make it so worthwhile!
Final thoughts
It’s just human nature to want a routine. It makes us feel safe and comfortable.
But like the old saying goes, “A ship in harbor is safe but that is not what ships are built for”.
Just like ships, we aren’t built to stay still, either.
We’re built to connect with people, move our bodies, learn new things, and live – well and truly!
Besides, experts say it really isn’t good to live monotonously, doing the same things day in and day out.
So the next time you’re about to do what you always do – take a second and think about whether you really want to do that.
Try doing something new instead – and before you know it, you’ll have the life you’ve always wanted.
