How To Switch Up Your Routine To Kick Off The New Year

Routines can be perceived as boring because they're so repetitive. However, the fact is that routines are beneficial to reducing stress, per WebMD. The day is jam-packed with decisions, everything from breakfast options, which highway lane to drive in, and whether to opt for whip or no-whip on your latte. 

Sure, these are small decisions, but they add up, especially on top of the weightier life decisions we encounter every day. So having set routines — pre-made decisions — throughout the day helps ease anxiety and stress. This is great news, right?

Absolutely! But over time, these routines can feel stale and monotonous. According to The New York Times, there's a scientific explanation for this boredom called hedonic adaptation. Humans have an uncanny way of adapting, which helps us adjust to difficult changes. The downside, though, is that this leaves us prone to feelings of boredom.

So, to reap the benefits of a routine, we need to occasionally make some adjustments to keep it fresh.

One of the easiest ways to shake up your routine is to look for ways to make small adjustments to already existing components. Incorporating your natural curiosities is a great way to refresh your routine, according to BuzzFeed. 

Let's say, for example, you usually begin the day with coffee and the newspaper. You can maintain the benefits of your routine, but swap the newspaper for an interesting podcast. Check out Paste's podcast recommendations if you're looking for suggestions. They include curiosity-quenching topics as far-ranging as the famous magic duo Siegfried and Roy to the origins of cancel culture.

It's also okay to change your routine by adding something new. A new hobby might be just what you need to get your creativity flowing, according to HuffPost. Follow your inner child and try something that feels engaging and fun, such as scrapbooking or dancing. Not only will these activities freshen up your routine, but The Everygirl applauds the fact that these can also be done during your lunch break.

Lastly, maybe a part of your current routine isn't serving your goals. It can be beneficial, notes Real Simple, to make adjustments. For example, if your routine includes a lot of pre-sleep screentime, try switching it up with an audiobook instead.

Now is the perfect time to reflect on your daily routines. So, embrace what's working well and refresh the areas that feel a bit stale by leaning into your curiosities.