Blog #5: Spring Clean Your Life, Ways to Change Up Your Everyday Routine

It’s easy to feel complacent, following along the same repetitive cycle of your schedule—waking up to the daily alarm, looking at the same drab four walls, traveling the all too familiar route to your office, hopping on your computer, scrolling through your feed and liking all your friend’s photos of their latest adventures.

Don’t worry, it is perfectly normal to feel like that one friend when asked by their friends what’s new with them, your reply is as a short as a quick text bubble, “Same old, hbu?” 

I’m the one who casually walks off to the side with a drink to avoid as many, “How’s the job search going?” questions by family and friends. 

I’ve been on the job hunt for about four months now and I’m frequently brainstorming ways in which to give life an extra boost. Here’s a few things I’ve found to help sweep thoughts of negativity and embrace positive changes:

1. Hair makeover

I usually rock really long hair but the one thing that really puts me in a fresh new mindset is changing up my hairstyle. If you’re used to having long hair go out of your comfort zone and try a shorter do or a totally new shade? If that kind of scares you there's a trim or highlights. Guys with or without facial hair, attempt to do the opposite. Grow it out or give yourself a fresh cut.

One time back in college, my best friend Robert and I bought red hair dye from Walgreens. This was when the ombré trend was in peak popularity. I put my hair in a ponytail and we spent a couple of hours trying to dye the bottom half of my hair red. Uhm…my hair is black. It definitely didn’t turn out as much of a statement change as I initially desired but the motion of being daring and doing it ourselves really gave me a surge of much needed excitement. Even though it was a total fail, the memories of him taking the rest of the dye and doing his hair, which BTW turned out a lot cooler, instantly brightens my mood whenever I think back to that day. 

Pinterest, Instagram some hairstyles and start Yelping some highly rated, affordable hair salons/barbershops. For those in San Francisco I highly suggest Public Barber Salon, they specialize in all types of hair, color treatments for the spectrum of people in need of a spruce.

2. Furniture re-arrangement

This one requires some muscle power but the end product will make you feel all sorts of accomplishment. Give your apartment or bedroom a mini makeover. No need to buy new things, instead switch things up and open the room by moving the couch in the living room or ask a buddy to help you push your dresser, maybe slide your bed frame away from the window. Making subtle changes could help brighten your mood and give you a new perspective. 

No idea where to start? Do a quick Google search and Feng shui your room to help positive energy flow through your surroundings.

3. Dabble in something new

Life will always be the same old status if you never try anything new. Seriously, diving into a hobby you've never attempted could be a really good conversation connection. Lately I find myself subscribed and watching Youtube makeup artists' tutorials from Sylvia Gani, James Charles, Nikkietutorials, Bretman Rock (yeah his videos are moreso hilarious), and have gained a sincere interest and admiration for their artistic prowess. Not that I try to copy their Morphe brush stroke for stroke, or have the funds to do so but I enjoy practicing with what I have and learning new techniques. 

Do a quick video search, for those wanting to give DIY crafts a whirl search LaurDIY and try your hand at one of her crafting how-to's. You might create a new piece of decor for your new bedroom setup.

4. Read

As much as I am an online, social media junkie it's always peaceful and necessary to disconnect. One of my favorite ways to completely separate from technology is to pick-up a book. For those who prefer to watch movies or television and haven't picked up a book in awhile may I suggest books that inspired some of your favorite movies or shows? Give your eyes a rest and tap into your imaginative power. Do you love comedians? Give one of Mindy Kaling's books a try or my favorite in recent times, Trevor Noah's, "Born a Crime" made me feel all sorts of feels. 

Look through Amazon and do a bit of research to find your next book, I guarantee there's one out there that will become your favorite read. 

5. Check out a place you've never been

I'm not saying to drop everything you're doing and travel out of the country (although as your virtual friend I do think it's important to do some international sightseeing when you are able to) but in this suggestion I am saying do something as simple as checking out a new hang out spot, whether you're a brunch kind of person, or a drinks after work kind of friend try a new restaurant, bar, cafe, or whatever you and your friends like to do! It's always refreshing to change up your scenery and have a new place to suggest to folks when they come and visit you.