Same Stuff, Different Day- What to do when life feels stale

​Happy Groundhog Day. Which I personally think should be Groundhog’s Day, but that’s just my opinion. This odd holiday doesn't effect me much because regardless of whether or not Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, I’m planning for an early spring. I do find it interesting that since the 1993 release of the movie by the same name, Groundhog Day has become pop culture slang for feeling like you are literally repeating days. Over and over and over.

Monotony.

Tedious repetition.

We’ve all been there. Same old, same old.

On one hand, creating routines is super helpful for making our lives run smoothly.
On the other, strict routines and regularly scheduled days can sometimes feel very much like a rut.

I’m a firm believer in implementing systems. I believe in devising a set way of doing necessary tasks so they aren’t forgotten in the shuffle of daily life.

Specifically, I have a fixed morning routine and an evening routine. As well as a Sunday morning routine… involving many loads of sheets!

But every so often the normalcy and familiarity of it all makes me want to scream!
I start to feel trapped on the proverbial hamster wheel!

When that feeling creeps in, I need a change. I long for something to shake up my identical days. I’m of the mind that a getaway to an exotic beach would certainly do the trick… but that solution is rarely in the cards.

So, I use three simple ways to change things up just enough to make me feel less like Bill Murray's character and more like a woman living her very best life!

Since I’m usually a stickler for adhering to my predetermined plan, sometimes I need a permission slip to allow myself to step away from my routine and venture down a different path. No medical doctor required. A post-it note will do. 

Grab one and try something like this: ​

Now, take action!
Once you’ve been 'given' permission, make a plan to change things up.

Here are my personal favorites for breaking the grip when life begins to feel repetitive...

1. Take a personal field trip -
All those spots you drive past and think, “I’ve always wanted to go in there and check it out”, this is your chance. I keep a running list of the places I want to visit. Then, when I need a change, I pick a spot and wander through. It's a great way to get to know new places and people in your very own town. If you already know your town like the back of your hand, no problem. Get started on the next town. 
 

2. Go down the rabbit hole - 
What are you curious about? Delve to your heart’s content. I have a hard time allowing myself to read, watch, listen to and research all of the topics that interest me. Whether for business or pleasure, I feel guilty when I spend too much time seeking and absorbing new information.

I was feeling like a lazy slug for scrolling through style and simplicity websites or watching YouTube videos to learn a new skill, when my awesome husband gently reminded me that Apple spends over $10 billion a year on R&D! The R&D phase matters!

So, I let go of the guilt and gave myself a permanent pass. If there’s something you’ve been wanting to know or learn, dig in. Get lost in every piece of information you can find. Soak it all in until your head starts to spin. New ideas are born here.
  

3. Call a friend -
Chances are she’s feeling the same way. Meet in a new spot for a walk or a cuppa. Think of a question to ponder and explore together… What’s your dream vacation? If you could have another first name, what would it be? What career would you pursue if you were to start over? What life hack do you wish you’d discovered? Consider your time together a gift to each other. Be fully present and bask in her amazing glow. 
  

4. Friendship First Date -
Now’s your chance. Reach out and make plans with your girl crush. We all have one. Who’s that girl you’d love to sit down with for an hour and get to know better? Contact her. This is a sure-fire way to shake off the doldrums and step out of your everyday groove.


5. Start small -
If the above options seem like they're just too much to consider... simply take a baby step. Drink your coffee in a different spot in your home. Dress up a little. Eat something new for lunch. Take a bubble bath or a walk. By changing something, even something relatively insignificant, you'll shift your energy. Alter your perspective. Suddenly, it won't feel so much like Groundhog Day. 


Just so we're clear, I totally believe that routines are wonderful for keeping us on task.

A well-designed routine helps navigate the fullness of our days. But when you begin to feel like it’s always the very same day over and over again… Allow yourself to hit reset.

Veer from your predictable course...

The spring will return to your step.
Your smile will brighten.
Your load will feel lighter.
You’ll return to your routines ready to repeat them several dozen more times before you need to break out the permission slips again.

How do you stop the monotony when you feel like your days are running together?
I'd love to know what works for you. 

Thanks so much for reading.  

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Have a super week!
xo Kristen