6 Small Ways to Shake Things Up A Little (And 1 Big One)
Shaking things up isn’t easy when your day-to-day life is packed to the brim, based on routine, and/or dependent on others in big or small ways. Personally, having kids has made me want to NOT shake things up!
But I do believe that small shake ups are possible and very necessary. For example, if you walk to work (or anywhere for that matter), try taking a different route. This may seem silly given that you know exactly how long your usual route will take, what foot traffic you’ll encounter, etc. However, by going a different way, you will gain a new experience, you may run into someone you haven’t seen in a while, you may discover you new favorite coffee shop…and so much more!
One small decision can open up an entirely new world.
With that, here are 6 small ways anyone can shake things up a little.
Read a book outside of your usual genre. Talk about opening up an entirely new world! As we get older, we get set in our ways and stick to what’s tried and true. But how do you know you don’t love sci-fi if you haven’t read a book in that category? Same goes for romance, suspense, self-help, etc. To make finding books in different genres easier (and much cheaper), go to your local library and get yourself a library card!
Make fitness fun. We all know we should exercise because it’s good for us, but how often do we create a routine that emphasizes play and fun? Most people I know work out out of obligation. Find a new class, go out for a walk and people watch while you’re at it, create a fun new playlist to run to, download new podcasts to listen to, sign up for an online fitness trial, create your own pushup [insert any exercise] challenge. Just make sure whatever it is you chose to do is based on YOUR definition of fun.
Cook your way through a cookbook. I’ve had a few friends do this, and not only did it help them try new foods/ingredients, but it also made them better cooks. They ate out less, felt healthier, etc. This is a great way to get out of a food rut and shake things up for you and your family.
Journal every day. I don’t mean pouring your heart out page after page (but if that works for you do it!). One sentence or word counts too. It’s about documenting your daily experience in whatever way makes sense for you that day. Personally, I bounce around between paragraphs, bullets, word, diagrams, and a single sentence. Journaling is a great way to explore our inner workings. And the most beautiful thing is that you journal serves as your space for reflection, growth, and healing. You’ll be amazed when you read back on how you thought, felt, and responded and how things have or have not changed.
Mediate for 5 minutes. I’m going to be honest, I’m still try to shake things up by making this a regular practice. However, I will say that when I have been able to go inward for at least 5 minutes a day, I 100% feel calmer and more grounded. And don’t for one minute thing that you have to be sitting in the comfort of your own home to make this shake up happen. You can be waiting for your gas tank to fill up, standing in a long line at the grocery store, showering, cooking. To start out, just practice taking deep belly breaths (your exhale should be longer than your inhale). From there, expand your practice in a way that’s meaningful for you.
Contact a different family member or friend every day just to check-in and say hi. And no, I’m not talking about full blown phone conversations. A short text or quick email works just as well. This practice of relationship building will do wonders for your own wellbeing and sense of connection. And an added benefit is that it will do the same for those you contact. In a world where important relationships fizzle out, be the person who shows up!
And now, here’s one big way you can shake things up in a very positive way…
HIRE A PROFESSIONAL COACH! If you’re really looking to pave a new path, create a more fulfilling life, and shake things up, talk to some coaches and see if anyone’s a good fit. I know it’s an investment of your time and money, but by pouring a little into yourself, you’re giving the best of yourself to everything you do and everyone you meet. And most importantly, you’ll feel the effects of this investment for a long time.