Breaking the Routine: Why Leaving the House Can Unlock New Perspectives on Ourselves

Have you left the house this week?

I was reflecting on a discussion I had with my team today about engaging in leisure activities. I often have to remind myself to get out and do the things that I love. I love my work, helping my clients, and being challenged, but I get into a strict routine where work becomes my main priority, and other activities get forgotten.

Often it can be difficult to find the energy or your social battery may be low. Whilst there is nothing wrong with having a couch or bed day, we can often fall into what I call the ‘rot pit’, where you become chained to your solitary activities, lose perspective and further isolate yourself. Comfy, right?

Rosa Luxemburg once said that “those who do not move, don’t notice their chains” - in other words, we don’t grow or learn if we don’t experience new things. Take that trip, go to that dinner, go for a walk. Because this might be the key to unlocking your chain and dragging yourself out of the pit. 🏔️🚗🥾

To incorporate more variety into your life and the benefits of experiencing new things we might consider the doing the following:

• Schedule Leisure Activities: Set aside regular time in your calendar for activities you enjoy, such as hobbies, social outings, or spontaneous adventures.

• Explore New Interests: Try out new hobbies or activities that you haven’t explored before. This could include taking a class, learning a new skill, or joining a club.

• Change Your Routine: Break up your daily routine by altering your work environment, taking different routes, or varying your daily schedule.

• Connect with Others: Plan social activities with friends or family to add variety to your social life and create meaningful connections.

• Set Small Goals: Challenge yourself with small, achievable goals that encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and try new experiences.

• Travel or Explore: If possible, take trips to new places, whether it’s a nearby town or a distant country, to gain fresh perspectives and experiences. Become a tourist in your own city.

• Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness practices to stay present and appreciate new experiences fully.

• Engage in Physical Activity: Try different forms of exercise or outdoor activities, like hiking, cycling, or joining a sports team, to add variety to your physical routine.

• Volunteer or Help Others: Get involved in community service or volunteer work to gain new experiences and meet different people.

• Reflect on Your Experiences: After trying something new, take time to reflect on the experience and what you learned from it.

What might be the benefits of experiencing new things?

• Enhanced Creativity: Trying new activities stimulates creativity and can lead to innovative ideas and solutions.

• Increased Adaptability: Experiencing new things helps you become more adaptable and open to change.

• Improved Mental Health: Engaging in varied activities can reduce stress, increase happiness, and combat feelings of monotony or isolation.

• Broadened Perspectives: Exposure to different experiences and cultures can expand your understanding of the world and increase empathy.

• Personal Growth: Stepping out of your comfort zone fosters personal development and builds resilience.

• Strengthened Relationships: Sharing new experiences with others can strengthen bonds and create lasting memories.

• Increased Motivation: Variety in your activities can boost motivation and enthusiasm for life, keeping you engaged and energised.