Shake Things Up!

Changing a regular routine can be tough. We’re used to getting up at a certain time of day, we take the same route to work, and we pack the same lunch because it’s easier.

Routine or mundane tasks can bring you down after awhile. Constantly running and rushing gives us little time to think about what we could do to Shake Things Up and bring a little spice and variety back into our lives. When you’ve been maintaining your weight as long as I have things start to become so routine life starts to look a little dull.

Our moods and attitudes during the day and weeks ahead have a lot to do with how we overcome our resistance to change in diet and exercise. Avoiding intensity narrows our focus. So how do we do it? How do we shake things up and add a little intensity to our lives? Here are 20 examples to help you find your enthusiasm again.

1. Take a different route to work or on your way home.

2. Look into a new exercise routine. I just heard Jazzercise is back, new and improved.  Try this Jazzercise Class Locator for a class near you.

3. Wear bright colors.

4. Buy a bouquet of flowers for yourself. Brightening up a room brightens up a day.

5. After work get a manicure, pedicure, massage.

6. Jump in the puddles after a rainfall.

7. Volunteer

8. Start writing that novel you’ve been putting off writing.

9. Take a trip to a farmers market and pick out something you haven’t tried in the fruit section. Star Fruit anyone?

10. Introduce yourself to someone you see every day in your local coffee shop. It’s surprising what we learn about people and other cultures.

11. Take up an instrument or a new language.

12. Join a team or club. Start a volleyball or kickball team (remember kickball?). Create a walking or bike club.

13. Take an art class. Doodle like a kid again. You don’t have to be an artist to enjoy what these things have to offer.

14. Join a Toastmasters Club and face your fears of speaking in public.

15. Invite your friends over for a healthy gourmet meal where you each bring an ingredient.

16. Enjoy dinner in a park. You don’t have to wait for the weekend.

17. Call your friends for a night out during the week. A cup of coffee, a movie, a restaurant.

18. Text your significant other a compliment and keep it going all day.

19. Turn the music up and dance in the middle of your living room.

20. Head to a local karaoke bar and sing!

It’s a new day. You get the picture. How will you ever know if things can change unless you try? A little boost can help you move forward and into a new phase. A little adventure never hurts. There’s something about being a little silly, playing hop scotch, flying a kite and doing something out of the ordinary in the middle of your week. These things can rejuvenate you and help you appreciate everything life has to offer.

HOW WILL YOU SHAKE THINGS UP?  SHARE YOUR IDEAS HERE.

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