Sometimes it seems like life becomes a routine. Everyday you do the same thing, see the same people, wear the same uniform and pass the same street signs and stores on your way to school or work. Whether you're a student, full time employee, neither or both, this feeling can be heavy and depressing and difficult to shake. Although hard to kick, it's a feeling that has gotta go!

When it feels like your life is stuck on repeat, here are 5 things you can do to change up your routine and break the cycle.

1. Take a new route to your destination

When you go somewhere so often, driving is second nature. You don't have to think about which turn to take, which exit is correct or even the things you are passing on the way there. Give yourself a little extra time to get to your destination and find a new way to get there. Take note of what's going on around you. Practice mindfulness. Look at the cool trees, weird neighborhoods and of course, pay attention to the road!

2. Mini vacation

If you have a couple days off, go camping, stay at a cheap hotel or drive somewhere and spend the night in your car. If you only have a day, half a day or a couple of hours of free time, find something close to where you live that you've never been before and make time to visit it. Find a coffee shop, a museum, a lake or a shopping mall and squeeze a visit into your busy schedule. If you add in spontaneous adventures into your already busy life, your schedule will become less monotonous.

3. Make different playlists

Instead of listening to the same music everyday in the car, keep fresh playlists ready. Have a couple of different ones on the shelf of your phone for different moods during the week and take time to make new ones. If you're listening to the same songs and doing the same things, everything will seem like it blends together. This is a way to change your day with minimal work. Make sure you have some songs that will pump you up in the morning and get you ready for the day!

4. Watch the sunrise

If you don't have to be somewhere until late morning or later in the day, wake up early and watch the sunset. If it's nice outside, sit out in your yard or on your porch or deck and watch the sun wake up with you. You can also sit inside and watch it from your window. I would recommend watching with a cup of coffee tucked between your hands!

5. Set aside time for yourself

None of the activities above are possible without this step. It's important to remember that your health, happiness and sanity are so important. Without good physical, mental and emotional health you wouldn't be able to live the life that you do, so take care of yourself. If that means taking time off to explore, clean your house, do arts and crafts, get a haircut, etc... do it! You are important and you are worth it.