As I’m walking to work (instead of cycling, which I normally do, in an effort to slow down the mind somewhat) I was thinking of what other things I could do to try and break the routine of a workday. What are other people doing?
Day drinking. :)
been over 2 months since I had a drink but I approve! haha
Good on ya, I’ve been in a shitty situation but I’m aiming for moderation rather than abstinence but neither is easy and both are, … roads to traverse. (My previous housing situation was full of crackheads which is not where I’m at.)
Whatever it takes. I’ve been keeping myself structured with early morning appointments and one family member who’s helping me despite most of my family probably wishing I was just dead. I’m lucky in that regard, I have someone who gives a shit and monetarily made that clear. (Beyond prayer and hopes, which are fuckin’ useless.) If I didn’t have just that single one thread, I dunno where I’d be.
I get that! I’m also aiming for moderation, but realised that I needed a period of abstinence - and no defined end date - to get there. I have done it in the past, but always with a determined deadline. Result being that I just got back into old habits because I was aiming more for the deadline and less for the result and long-term vision.
I do miss a good glass of wine or tasty beer with dinner in a restaurant now, but I can only allow myself to do that once I have a clear handle on my alcohol consumption.
It’s not easy and it never will be! Experienced that with smoking as well. But it’s good to have at least someone to help and be there. That’s a good one to get you started and stay motivated. Also small things for yourself can be helpful. For me, it’s trying and ranking as much alcohol free beers as possible. Being from Belgium, I love(d) me some special beers. Now that I’m not drinking, it’s fun to explore this “new” world and find the best one!
Things suck, especially kicking addictions and habits, but over time the sucking gets manageable.
Much of this slots into time outside work rather than the workday itself.
- walk a different route to a destination
- pick an algorithm and walk with no destination (eg: straight until you hit a light not in your favor, then turn. Works in urban envs)
- go somewhere you don’t normally go. Eg: library, different coffee shop, that little art store you always see
- go to the library. Walk along the shelf with eyes closed and pick a book at random.
- pick a genre of music you never listen to. Listen to it.
- cook or prepare a meal unlike your normal fare
- go to a thrift store. Buy a cheap article of clothing you wouldn’t normally wear. Wear it. See how it feels
- find free or cheap art (music, theater, whatever) in your area. Go.
- journal. Spend a few minutes writing down your day’s details
- hit wikipedia’s random article button. Read it.
Man alive I wish I had a daily routine. You all don’t appreciate what you’ve got.
I’ve been scheduling things early when I could’ve scheduled them in the afternoon just to keep me from sleeping all morning and help keep me/create somewhat of a routine.
When I lived within walking distance of my work, I used to try to take a slightly different route every day. Not by a lot, just a different side street here or there. You might see some cool street art or a nice flower or get to meet a friendly dog or cat.
I try to avoid breaking the routine. Today, my morning was different from normal, and as a result, I forgot to take my lunch with me. Good job!
As long as I put my phone and keys in the same place every day, I will always find them easily. As soon as I break that routine, they just disappear mysteriously.
I put my keys and wallet on top of the fridge when I used to have to go to the office. When I first started living with my wife she move them for a week to where they were “supposed to go”. I forgot my lunch most of that week. I quickly established that the fridge was the “correct” location and generally never forgot a lunch after that.
Bonus is now you can choose whatever you want for lunch!
There are multiple meanings of “routine”. From your description I see you want to add variety.
To spice things up, I usually get a coffee from the shops. When that gets boring, I go to a different shop or at a different time. There are dry erase dice that one can write actions on the different faces of.
For those looking to break a habit, I usually do it by adding something, nearly anything early in the day. No reason to get a coffee at the shop if I am holding a coffee from home.
Wait why would you want to break your daily routine? I’m currently struggling to get into one.
Breaking monotony helps me keep my day interesting haha
