Hey there,
It’s a new week, and if you’re like me, sometimes the days and weeks start to blur together. When someone asks, “What did you do last weekend?” I sometimes have to think hard about it—not because I didn’t do anything, but because my routines can make everything feel the same. While I love my routines, there are times when breaking out of them helps me appreciate my work weeks and weekends even more.
When I start feeling like all my weeks are the same, I know it’s time to shake things up and add a bit more spice to my life. I’ve put together a list of activities that help me break out of the routine cycle and bring some excitement back. I hope you find some inspiration here! For more daily life, check out @mycornersofhome on Instagram and Pinterest.
Also, if you have additional suggestions, leave them in the comments and let’s inspire each other!
Starting with the morning routine
On days when I want to change up my morning routine I usually go back to these two…
Soak in the morning sun
Being a morning person, waking up early was never a problem for me. However, I realized I wasn’t fully appreciating the beauty of the morning sun. On days when I need an extra energy boost, I wake up a tad earlier to take a 10-minute walk in the park behind our apartment. Alternatively, I make my warm morning drink and sit out on the balcony to soak in the sunlight. This simple practice has a remarkable effect on my mood and energy levels, and adds a touch of something extra.
Energizing Exercise
I usually save my workouts for later in the day. However, I’ve found that switching things up with a morning workout can be incredibly refreshing and gets the day going like no other. On days when I have the energy and want to change my routine, I opt to exercise before work. I love running, but I often feel too cold and stiff from sleeping to enjoy it in the morning. That’s why I prefer going to the gym for a low-impact workout and stretching. This way, I still get the benefits of exercise and do what I find is best for my body, and it helps wake me up and get my blood flowing.
Creating a Cozy and Inspiring Home Environment
On days when I want to change up how I feel about my home…
Cozy Up with Textures
Adding different and new textures makes a room feel like brand new. I love layering soft blankets on my couch, adding plush pillows, and using a variety of fabrics like wool, linen and cotton. These elements create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes me want to relax and unwind. Every once in a while, I get very bored with how my home looks and this has been the perfect solution.
However, changing your home decor completely can be quite costly. To refresh my space without breaking the bank, I play around with different textures from different rooms. Swapping throw pillows between the living room, office room and bedroom can give each room a new look.
Additionally, I like to change up my curtains, rugs, and even small decorative items like vases or picture frames. Using different materials and patterns can completely transform the feel of a room. For example, in the winter, I bring out heavier, cozier fabrics like wool, while in the summer, I switch to light, airy fabrics like linen and cotton. These small changes have made a huge difference. Without having to always buy new items, I invest in quality pieces that I then rotate throughout the year.
Infusing Creativity into my week
When I found myself only thinking about my 9-5 job I …
Take up a new hobby
I often start different hobbies on a whim and then drop them just as quickly. However, I’ve found that this is one of the best ways to break out of the routine and get excited about something new, while learning more about myself and discovering what might stick. Whether it’s art, music, cooking, exercise, or latte art, the list is endless.
For me, photography, interior design, and blogging have become my go-to activities. I’ve wanted to start my own blog for a long time and have made several attempts in the past, including starting a YouTube channel. But it wasn’t until I created @mycornersofhome on Instagram and connected with an inspiring and lovely community that I truly found my niche. (true inspiration was @lillavillakurtby check their profile out if you haven’t 😉 ) This is what I want to speak and post about!
These hobbies allow me to completely disconnect from my 9-5 job and immerse myself in something different. When I’m behind the camera, arranging a room, or writing a blog post, I feel a sense of creativity and flow that gives me such an energy boost. Whether it’s capturing the beauty of everyday moments, styling a corner of my home, or sharing my thoughts with others, these hobbies provide a refreshing break.
I can’t even count the times when my partner has walked in on me photographing our apartment, with everything turned upside down to get that one perfect picture. Often, I don’t even notice the mess I’ve created, which I have to clean up later. But that doesn’t matter because I’ve found something I’m passionate about and eager to learn more about. These activities help me get into a complete state of flow, making my week feel so much more fulfilling.
Joining a Class or Workshop
This is something still on my list to try, but I wanted to include it here because I have many friends who have taken various classes and workshops for cooking, languages, self-development, mentoring, or learning more about their passions and hobbies. Initially, the idea of taking another class after spending so many years in school seemed unappealing. However, this time, I can choose what I want to learn, which makes it so much more exciting.
Engaging in a class not only helps develop new skills but also inspires creative thinking and applying new learnings to everyday life. The sense of community and shared learning experience sounds incredibly motivating and enriching. Meeting like-minded people and sharing the journey adds a social element that makes it even more enjoyable. If attending a class in person isn’t appealing, there are also many great online classes available that can be just as rewarding.
So, for me, this is definitely something I want to explore! Whether it’s an evening cooking class, a weekend art workshop, or a series of self-development seminars, the possibilities are endless. I look forward to finding a class that excites me and helps me break out of my routine while expanding my skills!
Wrapping it up
Breaking out of the routine and adding a bit of spice to my week has made a huge difference in how I perceive and enjoy my days. By embracing the morning sun, experimenting with energizing exercises, creating a cozy home environment, and infusing creativity into my life, I’ve found joy in the little things and a renewed sense of excitement.
Finding new hobbies and exploring new classes or workshops has allowed me to disconnect from my 9-5 job and engage in activities that fuel my passion and creativity. Whether it’s through photography, interior design, blogging, or any other interests, these activities have brought a refreshing break and a sense of fulfillment to my week.
I hope these tips inspire you to shake up your own routine if it is needed and discover new ways to make each day a bit more special. Remember, it’s the small changes that can have the biggest impact. If you have additional suggestions, please leave them in the comments below so we can inspire each other!
Thank you for being here and reading this far! For more daily life tips and inspiration, be sure to check out @mycornersofhome on Instagram and Pinterest. Here’s to making every week vibrant and enjoyable!
-Ida
