3 ways to get out of a rut

Routines can provide us with stability that helps us organize not only our day, but our minds. But if your day-to-day life is bordering on hum-drum and you find yourself daydreaming about something different, you may be in a rut. 

You don't need to make any drastic life decisions to get out of a rut, though that's the solution we often see at the movies or on television. 

​Today I'll share 3 ways to get out of a rut. 

take up something new

Taking up something new can be as simple as learning a new craft like sewing or pottery, beginning a new past-time like birdwatching, or trying a new activity like martial arts or learning how to fly planes. Or maybe you've wanted to learn a new language.

Many of these activities will bring you into new social circles with people interested in that same hobby, expanding your network beyond work, friends, and family. 

Has any new activity or skill crossed your mind in the past year? Have you seen a video or a social media post and thought, "I'd like to try that."

New hobbies don't have to be small. If you've always wanted to learn how to fly, you don't need a career goal as a pilot to pursue it. Many people fly small aircraft from local airports! You'll want to explore professional pilot programs to get an idea of what's required.

open your heart and mind

If you find yourself spending a lot of time by yourself, or with only a small group of people, you might want to branch out in your social activities. Taking up a new hobby, as I mentioned, can help you expand your network, but there are other ways that are more subtle. If you've shied away from new relationships because you've been hurt in the past, ask yourself if you're ready to take the steps towards healing. Deciding to open your heart can be an adventure in itself, whether you are re-entering the dating scene, making new friends, or trying to mend a relationship with a family member. Seeking out help from a licensed counselor can help you work through the prepwork you need to do before easing in.

take a trip

Not every trip needs to be a vacation at the beach! Has there been something you've wanted to try, like scuba diving? Or somewhere you've wanted to visit - local or exotic? Explore your options to go do those things, or go to those places. Want to visit historical sites of the American Revolutionary War? Want to visit the castles in Scotland? Go on safari? Check out your options on the Internet. As the world becomes more and more connected, planning a trip isn't left to travel agents anymore. Local housing purveyors may serve as local tour guides, and travel bloggers may have tips and tricks for travel.