Are you a self-confessed creature of habit? Are you used to a routine, or have you been doing the same job or living in the same place for as long as you can remember? There’s nothing wrong with the familiar, but sometimes, it’s beneficial to embrace change. If you feel like you’re in a rut, or you’d like to be a little more adventurous, here are some suggestions you may find helpful.

Your Career

Have you ever thought about changing your career path or trying something different? Perhaps you love your job, but you’re wondering what else is out there, or maybe you’re tired of spending too long at work, and not enough time reaping the rewards of your salary. If you’ve been doing the same job for a long time, you have designs on a different lifestyle, or you’re keen to take on a new challenge, why not explore your options?

You don’t have to hand over a letter of resignation straight away, but there’s no harm in having a look around and thinking about what you would like to do with your time. Maybe you love what you do, but the balance isn’t quite right. In this case, you may find that becoming your own boss suits you better, or the idea of freelancing may appeal. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to do a specific job, but you’ve never quite got there. It doesn’t matter how old you are, it’s never too late to study, or think about achieving your career goals.

For inspiration, take a look at examples like Sandra Lewis’ Change Your Life webinar. Sandra had worked in the corporate world for over 20 years when she decided to give it up and pursue a passion for cookery and a desire to educate people about the importance of healthy eating and enjoying food with friends and relatives. There are plenty of people out there who don’t really know what they want to do until they reach their 40’s or 50’s. Whatever your motive, being open to change could bring exciting opportunities your way.

Your Social Circle

What do you get up to in your spare time? Do you have hobbies, or do you enjoy spending time with friends? If you have an active lifestyle and a busy schedule, you may not have time for new friends or interests, but if you have time, and you don’t really know what to do with it, trying out new activities or joining local community groups could help you expand your social circle, learn new skills and discover new passions. It’s great to have a core group of close friends, but there’s nothing wrong with being open to forging new relationships, and taking up hobbies is a great way to do this. There’s an array of options out there, from cookery and language classes to dancing, yoga, arts and crafts, fishing, swimming, tennis, and furniture restoration. Look for activities or societies that match your interests and be open to trying new things.

Your Health

Are you a parent or do you care for your parents? Do you have a busy work diary? Have you neglected your health, or do you find it hard to find time to prioritize your wellbeing? Sometimes, when life gets hectic, it can be tough to put your health first, but it’s so important to take steps to protect both your body and your mind. If you’re guilty of putting your health on the back-burner, now is as good a time as any to make some changes. Start with simple measures like trying to be more active, getting enough sleep, and eating a balanced diet. Take care to look after your mental health, as well as your physical health. Often, we get so used to stress and anxiety that we don’t see it as a health problem. If you’re prone to stress, see your doctor, and consider trying self-help techniques, such as meditation, exercise, creative activities and talking to others about how you feel. Tiredness can often exacerbate symptoms of stress, and stress can prevent you from getting to sleep. If you’re in this vicious cycle, take some time out, revise your bedtime routine to ensure you have time to relax before bed, and devote more time to doing things you find enjoyable.

Your Environment

Do you tend to spend most of your time in the same places with the same people? If so, why not enjoy a change of scenery? You don’t have to up sticks and leave all your friends and family behind, but why not consider traveling and experiencing different places? Travel broadens your horizons, it opens you up to new experiences, and it can also help to provide clarity. Taking time off, seeing new places, meeting new people and being open to adventure could be just what you need to get out of a rut.

Your Mindset

Would you say that you are a glass-half-full or a glass-half-empty person? Do you back yourself to hit targets or do you lack confidence? It can be difficult to adapt your mindset, but it’s not impossible. Some people are naturally more optimistic than others, but if you tend to fear the worst, there’s no reason why you can’t become a positive thinker. If you wish you had more confidence, there are ways to build self-esteem and to be more positive. Start by surrounding yourself with people who support and reassure you, and focus on your strengths, rather than your weaknesses. We tend to be our own harshest critics, and sometimes, learning to be kinder to ourselves can make a huge difference. Treat yourself in the same way as you do your friends and relatives and take steps to turn your ideas into a reality. Be more proactive, and have confidence in your abilities.

Are you stuck in a rut, or do you fancy a change of scenery, routine or lifestyle? Often, we get used to a job, a neighborhood, and a mindset and time can fly by without us even realizing. Hopefully, this guide will inspire you to make positive changes and encourage you to be more open to new challenges, relationships, and places.