Does every day feel like Ground hog day? The structure of our working lives can inevitably lead to a relentless cycle of repetitious activities which bring nothing new to our days. Expecting different results from doing the same things over and over is viewed by some as the definition of insanity. Making minor adjustments to your daily routine can not only transform your mood and outlook but also open up a whole of new world of possibilities and opportunities. Here’s my top 5 tips on how to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Kippa Matthews Jorvik Viking Festival

1) Break the breakfast rut – Cheesed off with cheerios? Bored with Belvita biscuits? Banish the misery of breakfast boredom by widening your culinary horizons. Seek out at least two new items during your weekly trolley dash to invite a little novelty to your mornings. Discover a passion for papaya or indulge in a naughty cronut to add some devilment to the day. If you don’t have time for a lunch break, why not rise a little earlier and have breakfast out instead.   Challenge yourself to start the work day in a different way and you’ll re-programme your mind to look for other new possibilities all day long.

Mike Licht Breakfast

2) Change your commute: The daily commute is easily the most mind-numbingly routine part of the day. Break out the rut by jumping off a few stops early and take in your new surroundings with fresh eyes. Notice the businesses that are located here. Could your next career move be just around the corner? Perhaps a street food outlet has sparked your imagination? Let your senses guide you to new possibilities.

martin pettitt escalators on tube

3) Do things in reverse order: Do you leave the most loathsome tasks till last? Turn things around by doing the worst things first. By clearing the decks of the things that drag you down, you will start the day with a sense of achievement and relief, smoothing the way for improved productivity as your breeze through the rest of the day.

4) Speak to strangers: In the course of a lifetime, we only meet a fraction of the people we could have met. Spending 70% of your waking hours in the company of the same co-workers means that you inevitably get caught up in the same old gripes day-in, day-out. When you next nip out to Pret, strike up conversation with a random stranger and you may be surprised by the connection you make. New relationships, career opportunities or friendships can all form from chance encounters.

5) Try something new: When was the last time you tried something new? What have you always wanted to do “one day” but never seem to get round to? Trying new activities not only takes us out of our comfort zones but also creates new neural pathways in our brains helping us to feel intensely alive again. Whether it’s Zumba or Zoology classes, you may discover a new-found passion which may just lead to new friends, connections or eventually a whole new career.

Cimm Zumba

What do you do to break up your daily routine?  I would love to hear your ideas.