Tired of the same old routine and ready to try something new?
Ask yourself this: How much of your day, or life really, consists of your simply going through the motions on autopilot? Is there a lot of the same old same old?
You’re not alone. It’s not unusual for humans to get into a rut. There’s a certain amount of comfort in familiarity. Until the familiar becomes mundane, that is. Then it becomes time to shake things up.
Routine Has Its Place
Don’t get us wrong. We’re not suggesting that routine is not bad. In fact, there are clear-cut benefits to having a routine.
The act of doing the same thing at the same time each day supports discipline. It enables us to commit to projects and then actually finish them. Folks who adore routine are inordinately reliable. They can be depended upon to do a routine chore faithfully and without fail.
And, as we mentioned above, the familiarity of a routine can be comfortable. It can even be grounding in situations where we start to feel unmoored and unsettled.
But when we get bogged down with the same routine each day, yet avoid doing something new, then it’s time to look at the motivation. (Or lack thereof.) Because the primary reason we don’t try something new is for fear of the unknown outcome. It turns out, we actually fear an unknown outcome more than a negative one. Ah, humans. So silly at times.
Cruising through life without daring to try something new is a recipe for complacency. And in depriving ourselves of the millions and millions of opportunities available out there to explore, we soon feel stuck.
Yet, so many of us who feel life has become stagnant continue to follow the same routine that brought us there in the first place. It’s like spinning your wheels in a muddy ditch and thinking you’ll get unstuck. Instead, you create a deeper rut. (In yoga, this is called samsara.)
Why Should You Try Something New?
Along with extricating yourself from that miserable ditch, when you try something new, you bring forth courage. This is especially important if fear is keeping you paralyzed from experiencing new things. Similar to other emotions, when you summon courage, it can be an overwhelming force. It’s not unusual to experience a rush of courage once you allow it to emerge and take the reins.
That surge of courage is accompanied by all sorts of possibilities. So often we hear stories of those who stumbled onto a new group of friends, a new career, or even a whole new way of life by taking that first step to try something new. You never know what’s around the corner or ahead if you don’t take a chance and step out of your routine.
In addition, opening yourself to a new experience forces you to grow. It requires you to consider a different way of thinking or adopt a new attitude. Yes, thrusting yourself into a new situation makes you vulnerable. And that’s a good thing! With a willingness to be vulnerable comes humility and open-mindedness.
These are key for opening the door to new ideas.
Human Brains Love Novelty
Watch a child and you’ll see how humans are naturally curious. Our brains are wired for novelty. There is mounting research that indicates how important trying new things is for our well-being. The term for this is neophilia.
It seems that people who seek out novel experiences (neophiliacs) live happier and healthier lives. Upon trying new things, our senses are stretched and the brain develops new neural pathways. And this is true whether you try a brand new food or wander to a foreign country. New stimuli to the brain cause it to activate the midbrain area and release dopamine. All of this leads to improved memory, mood, and motivation.
In addition, trying new things results in increased adaptability and agility to acquire new skills while overcoming fears and discovering new talents. The argument for neophilia is certainly compelling!
Keeping All Things In Balance
Of course, there’s such a thing as too much a good thing. Neophilia isn’t the same thing as avoiding reality with the constant state of thrill-seeking. Just as with anything else, the thrill of novelty can become its own addiction.
So trying new things definitely needs to be balanced with good routines such as practicing yoga or meditation. Breaking out of a mundane routine is sure to challenge you and help you grow. And there’s A LOT to be said for shattering some of your delusions that are keeping you stuck. But you’re not looking to do a massive overhaul of your life and throw out your healthy routines.
Start small and grow from there.
Looking To Augment Your Work Routine?
Has your work life become completely rote? Now is the time to try something new. No need to jump off the deep end though!
Let us bring yoga, meditation, and/or other mindfulness practices right to your school, organization, or business. Contact us today to find out how to change up your workday by adding a healthy new routine.
Our services are available in-person onsite or virtually.
