Whether you're in a rut or you have writer's block, it's time to shake it up a bit. Do something different to break up the monotony. Here's my list of 25 ways to mix things up...

1. Go somewhere. Plan a day adventure. We tried the new go-cart track in Chester, VA last Saturday. It made for a fun afternoon.

2. Get some culture! Go to the theatre, a museum, art gallery, or concert.

3. Volunteer! You'll experience new things, and a worthy group will benefit from your time and energy.

4. Change the setting on your showerhead to one that you haven't tried yet. It will change up your morning routine.

5. Pick a day (or an afternoon, or even an hour) to unplug. Spend time with you family, friends, or pets with no phones, internet, etc.

6. Start a journal (or work on the one you have). I'm doing better at regular journaling. I've had the one I'm using now since 2005. It's time to move on.

7. Clean up your work space. It'll give you a reason to get busy and more space to work.

8. Have breakfast for dinner. Every once in a while, we have a "big breakfast" in the evening. It changes things up.

9. Get a hair cut that's a little different from your normal style. Try a new look.

10. Get a new perfume or cologne.

11. Go shopping in your closet. MIx and match things you already have for "new" outfits.

12. Have a new recipe night, where everything on the menu is new to you.

13. Read at least three different (new to you) blogs. See what others are doing and writing about.

14. Thank someone at least once a week. Send or leave a written note. Or thank someone publicly. Gratitude shouldn't be taken for granted.

15. Pick a closet or a junk drawer and clean up. Give away unwanted stuff to a charity that can use it. You'll get the extra space, and you may discover some stuff that you had forgotten you had.

16. Pick a book to read from a genre that you don't normally choose. It's good to sample other types of work.

17. Exercise! You'll feel better, and you'll be more creative.

18. Take a class or a seminar. Learn something new.

19. Play hookie for an afternoon. If you can't miss work, then play hookie on your day off from laundry and dishes. Go to the movies. Do something fun!

20. Buy fresh flowers. It'll brighten your room. (And now, thanks to Annie Vanderwarker, I know new ways to arrange them.)

21. Go for a bike ride or a walk. The exercise and the downtime are great for recharging.

22. Find a friend and go on a picnic.

23. Rearrange a room and redecorate with what you already have. Mix things up and enjoy the new look.

24. Go to a farmer's market or fruit stand and buy fresh vegetables or fruit. Enjoy the summer produce!

25. Have a book swap party. Invite guests to bring books they no longer want. Everyone gets credit for the number brought. Use your credits to shop what others brought. I've seen this done with jewelry and clothes too. It's a way to get rid of old books, to get some new ones, and to socialize with friends.

Good luck and let me know what other ideas you have for getting out of the daily grind.