As long as habit and routine dictate the pattern of living, new dimensions of the soul will not emerge. – Henry Van Dyke
There are weeks and months when life feels very monotonous. It seems like we are caught in the same steps repeating over and over, and it can make everything seem dull. What’s more, it can tamper down on our creativity. Sometimes, we just need a reset to break out of the rut we are stuck in. Here’s how to do it!
Break your thinking patterns by exposing yourself to something new. Watch a film, read a book, or check out a podcast or video on a topic that’s unfamiliar. Try to explore a creator that has a different perspective and can broaden your mind. Learn a new idea or a small new skill, like cooking a new dish or doing your hair in a different way.
The second idea is to infuse other forms of novelty into your day. Take a different route for your commute; walk instead of taking the car. Order a dish you’ve never tried before for lunch. Vary your type of sandwich. Small bits of novelty can reset your brain and remind you that there is more to life than the things you are used to.
The third way of making a rest is taking a break to rest deeply. This means slowing down and unplugging from the world. Turn off your phone and log off of social media. Give yourself a day to sleep, rest, and do nothing. Choose an activity that relaxes you and that you can do at your own pace, like reading, cooking, doing a puzzle. Focus on that activity and give yourself time to savor it fully. Spend a day centered on yourself and on restful, relaxing activities.
Don’t plan too much, let yourself relax and go with the flow. The next day, you will feel refreshed and ready to go. It’s important to commit to resting as much as you would commit to working, and not use the time to check your work email or get done a project or even doing a deep clean of the house unless it truly relaxes you.
We all need a rest from time to time. It involves giving yourself a break from the routine and dive into things that make you feel good, relaxed, and refreshed. Novelty and a deep rest, without worries, are the best solutions for a routine that has become untenable.
