How To Break Out of Your Rut

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I read a cool article in More magazine recently, "71 Ways To Bust Your Rut Now". I'm all in for busting my rut (there's a sentence I have never said before.) Not sure why 71 is a magic number, but sure, more than 70 ways sounds like a winner!



Here are some of More's ideas that resonate with me:

• Commit to something publicly. I love this idea. About ten years ago I got very involved in Congressional politics. Our candidate lost, but I was out there, knocking on doors, waving signs and making noise for something I felt passionate about. It was a great, life-changing experience.

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• Spend an extra minute with someone and just listen. Listening is such an under-rated activity. I do it for a profession but in my private life I often revert to sloppy listening.


• Read outside your field. I am listening to Brian Greene's book The Hidden Reality, about multiverse theory (yes, multiple universes, cool!). I only understand about 25% of the science but it's still mind-blowing.


• Have a real-life adventure, like adopting a rescue dog, getting a master's degree, learning to ride a motorcycle (these are actual examples cited in the magazine). It gets harder for me to shift into adventure mode at 58, but I am pushing myself. We're moving toward a part-time life in NYC, we did move to the oceanfront, I am going to go platinum . . . and more!

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And here are a few of my own ideas about busting a rut, and I would love to hear from you in the comments. How do you like to change things up, or are you looking to slow things down?

• Try a new sport, as participant or spectator. We just went to an Arena Football game for the first time and had a blast. I am buying a boogie board this weekend so I can "surf" with Sandy without maiming myself.


• Eat a completely new food for a week. My doctor told me to eat more superfoods, like blueberries and kale. I love blueberries. My "rut-buster" will be kale. Does kale come in chocolate?

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• Rescue some forgotten wardrobe pieces from the back of the closet and give them life. Include necklaces, shoes, even forgotten lipsticks. I am loving my orange and white Banana Republic sundress that used to live on my mannequin!


• Change your radio station. Did you know that (embarrassing confession) AARP has a live radio stream where you can choose your music genre? Try Latin or Gospel instead of classic rock.

Your turn! Have a wonderful Thursday,