You're about half way through the second semester, spring break is over and basically all you have to look forward to now is summer, which is still months away. Your daily routine is locked down, and the repetition is making it so that you can't tell one week from another. Maybe you like that kind of thing, but personally, the monotony is making me incredibly restless. So, here are a few ideas for changing things up before you die of boredom.
1. Take different routes.
Mix up the ways that you walk around campus. Take the long way every now and then. It's a small change, but it will keep you from feeling like you're constantly on autopilot. Just make sure to keep your eyes off of your phone while you're walking, so you actually notice the different things and people that you pass on the way.
2. Branch out from your friend group.
You have your squad, and you love them. It never hurts to meet new people. Try getting lunch with the girl you talk to in class but never hang out with, or try spending some time in a different dorm. Even if you don't make any lifelong friendships, you'll get to spend some time around new faces and conversations.
3. Switch around some of your daily activities.
You probably can't change the days and times of your classes, rehearsals, practices, or club meetings, so try to figure out what you can change. Maybe you go to the gym at the same time every day, do your laundry every Sunday or always meet a friend for coffee on Tuesday mornings; mix these things up. Do your laundry Wednesday nights; go for a morning run instead of an afternoon gym session; and get dessert with your friend Thursday night instead. Little changes can make a big difference when it comes to breaking a repetitive cycle.
4. Do something different on the weekends.
Instead of your typical Friday night party followed by Saturday morning hangover then Sunday homework, find something more productive and fun to do. Do your homework Friday afternoon to get it out of the way. Buy a bunch of old board games from a thrift store and have a game night with your friends. Leave at three in the morning to drive to a nearby mountain and hike to the top to watch the sunrise. Get things done and do something more memorable than going to yet another frat party.
5. Rearrange your room.
It won't change your routine, but it'll change your space and make things feel new again.
6. Do your homework in new places.
You're always going to have to do your school work, so you might as well find different places to do it. Sitting in the same spot in the library can get really old. It's starting to warm up, so try finding a place outside to work or a local coffee shop. Maybe go to the public library in town instead of the school library. Again, it's all about that change of scenery.
7. Rethink your down time.
If you're binge watching some TV show every time you have a chance to relax, chances are that it's getting pretty old. Try relaxing in a different way, like painting your nails, meditating, writing in a journal, coloring or reading a book that isn't required for one of your classes. It's better for your mental health anyway.
It's hard to break a routine, and it can leave you feeling trapped in it. Even if you can't change the big things, making some little adjustments can help you break out of the boredom. It may even make you more productive in the process.
