6 Small Lifestyle Changes To Make When You're Stuck In A Rut

Change is good… at least that’s what I have been telling myself.

I have personally never been one for changes, but recently, I have been feeling like I have been stuck in a rut of sorts. And that’s not good, especially when you’re in your twenties!

It’s not always easy to make “big changes” to get you out of this rut, such as moving to a different state or country or even finding a new job. Of course, those are excellent ways as well to get you out of your rut, but, it is not always possible. However, there are many other smaller lifestyle changes you can make that can help get you out of this rut. You know what they say, the small things truly do add up! Plus, change is change – no matter how big or small the change may be.

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If you are looking for something new or different in your life, here are some ideas for small lifestyle changes to make that can help get you out of that rut.

6 Small Lifestyle Changes To Make When You’re Stuck In A Rut

1. Change Your Hair

This has been one of my go-to changes for a while now. Why? Because not only does it give you an entirely new look, but if you hate it, you can grow it back, get extensions, or dye it back! Switching up your hair is the perfect change to make if you do not want to fully commit to something big, but you want a change, especially in your appearance. A new hair color or hair do can give you a confidence boost, a stronger attitude, and a new glow.

2. Redecorate

Looking at the same ‘ole thing every day can really cause one to feel as though they are living in Groundhog Day. For many of us, leave our bed, go to our cars/public transportation, sit in our cubicles/offices for eight hours, and then go back home. There really is not much change of scenery, is there? Well, redecorate!

Switch things up at home, in your cubicle or office, or especially in your bedroom. By giving the things you see every day a new look, well, you will have a new look to look at for a while!

3. Switch Up Your Wardrobe

We all have those outfits in our closet that we have had in their for years, that for whatever reason, we refuse to part with. Go through these clothes, and if they are outworn, out of style, or you haven’t worn them in years, get rid of them. Make room in your closet and go on a shopping spree with all new clothes.

Try styles you have never tried before and see what works with you. Revamping your closet, similar to changing your hair, can also give you that confidence boost that can help you feel like you are no longer in a rut. Plus, the beauty of shopping (and the internet) is that you can always find discounts and sales. There is no need for a shopping spree to break the bank anymore!

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4. Volunteer

This may sound like a big commitment, but it does not have to be. See if there is anything in your community you can get involved in, from working at a soup kitchen or reading to children at the library.

See if there are any activities where “day of” volunteers are needed, this way you can get a taste of the event/organization and it is only a one day commitment. Giving back is a fantastic way to feel better about yourself, and to feel good about life in general. Plus, surrounding yourself with new people is a nice little change as well!

5. Start Reading

And if you are already an avid bookworm like myself, branch out of your typical genre. Losing yourself into the new worlds that books can lead you into is the perfect way to get yourself on a mini vacation without breaking the bank.

Read books from genres you have not tried before. Read books that have been on your list for a while now that you just have not gotten to. Get back to the library and explore the different worlds you can visit, for free. Taking a break from reality, and immersing yourself into something else, can not only teach you new things, but it can give you great new perspective as well.

6. Take A Road Trip

Road trips, especially those that are not that far, can very much be affordable. What better way to get out of a rut than to give yourself an entirely new change of scenery for a few days?

Grab a friend, book a weekend stay in a nearby city/town/state that you preferably have not been to yet, and explore! Stumble into that cute little brunch place that catches your eye. Get lost walking around the downtown area. Try something on the menu at dinner that you haven’t had before.

Come back from the road trip feeling refreshed and ready to take on whatever is thrown at you. If you have the means to, plan a trip like this to happen more frequently, this way you always have something to look forward to, in case you fall back into that rut again.

Making a change when you’re stuck in a rut is a great way to get yourself out of it.

About the Author

Michelle graduated from Fordham University with a Bachelors of Arts '13 and a Master of Arts '14. She's currently working in corporate America with a side of freelance writing. She wants you to learn from her experiences and mistakes so your 20s can be your best decade. When she's not working, she's likely planning her escape to a tropical island.