Sometimes, the smallest change in scenery or responsibility can offer the biggest shift in clarity and peace. This past week, I found myself doing something I haven’t done since I was a teenager—dog sitting. I wasn’t expecting anything profound. I figured I’d feed the pups, take a few walks, maybe toss a tennis ball around. What I didn’t expect was how much this simple experience would shake me out of my routine—and how deeply I needed that.
As someone who juggles a business, a household, and countless to-do lists, I didn’t realize how stuck I’d gotten in the rhythm of my days. Wake up, get moving, squeeze in wellness, tackle work, manage life. Rinse, repeat. It’s easy to believe we’re doing fine simply because we’re functioning. But functioning isn’t the same as thriving.
The shift came the moment I stepped into someone else’s home. A peaceful, quiet space. No laundry piles with my name on them. No fridge full of groceries I had to deal with. Just me, a couple of goofy, loving dogs, and nothing on the agenda except being present.
It was almost like being granted permission to just be. No performance. No productivity. Just fresh air, playtime, and tail wags.
That break in routine—stepping into a new space with a different rhythm—gave me more than just a breather. It gave me a fresh lens on my own life. I started seeing how tightly I held onto control. How little room I make for play unless it’s scheduled or “productive.” And most importantly, how powerful it can be to physically remove myself from my usual environment.
Why Breaking Routine Matters
Routines are important. They create structure, build consistency, and help us stay grounded. But when followed too rigidly, they can also box us in. We begin to move on autopilot—going through the motions without really being present.
When we step outside of our routine, even briefly, we interrupt that autopilot mode. New environments and responsibilities can reawaken parts of us that have been dormant: curiosity, spontaneity, even joy. It reminds us that life doesn’t have to be so serious all the time—and that play and peace can coexist with productivity.
Research backs this up. Studies on neuroplasticity show that doing new things—especially in new environments—activates different parts of the brain. It creates new neural pathways and boosts creativity, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. That “reset” feeling isn’t in your head. It’s in your brain chemistry.
What I Learned from the Dogs
Watching the dogs was a crash course in presence and joy. They didn’t care about deadlines or dishes. They cared about sniffing the same bush a hundred times and doing zoomies in the backyard. They delighted in small things. And because I was in their world—not mine, I found myself slowing down to their pace. And I discovered new dog toys I didn’t even know existed. My own pup will soon be getting a pupsicle, IYKYK.
One morning I sat outside with my coffee while they sniffed around the yard. No phone. No rushing. Just breeze, birds, and dogs being dogs. And me, being human. I can’t remember the last time I allowed that level of stillness.
How You Can Step Out of Your Own Routine
You don’t need a week-long vacation, or a big life change to gain a fresh perspective. Sometimes, it’s the smallest changes that bring the biggest insights.
Here are a few simple ways to break routine and reconnect with your own joy, peace, and presence:
- Dog sit—or just borrow a dog.
Seriously. There’s something powerful about being responsible for a loving creature that requires presence and play. If you don’t have pets, borrow a friend’s or volunteer at a shelter. Dogs are emotional wellness coaches in fur coats. - Work from a different location.
Whether it’s a coffee shop, a library, or a friend’s empty house, changing your work environment can shift your energy and help you see problems with new eyes. I also worked from a lake side coffee shop and posted about it because it was too gorgeous not to share. - Take a “micro vacation” at home.
Set aside a half-day to do something you don’t normally do—like go for a walk in your neighborhood and flip a coin at every intersection letting the coin decide if you go left or right, explore a nearby town, or spend the morning in total silence. Don’t overthink it, just let the day unfold. - Interrupt your usual morning or evening routine.
Switch your order of operations. Take your walk before coffee. Journal in a new spot. Shake up your music playlist. These small changes break the script and wake up your senses. - Say yes to something you normally say no to.
Whether it’s a social invitation, a spontaneous activity, or just going for a walk without a destination, saying “yes” can help you rediscover your sense of adventure and surprise.
The Bottom Line
Dog sitting reminded me that healing, clarity, and inspiration don’t always come in dramatic packages. Sometimes they come wrapped in fur, routine walks, and unfamiliar living rooms. The greatest gift wasn’t the peace and quiet, though that was lovely, it was the shift in perspective that let me see my life a little more clearly and appreciate what was working and what needed adjusting.
So, this week, I invite you to try something new—even if it feels small or silly. Especially if it feels small or silly. Because on the other side of routine, there’s often joy. And sometimes, all it takes is stepping outside your own space to remember who you are.
Need help creating space for a reset in your own life or leadership?
I help burned-out professionals reconnect to their energy, clarity, and joy—without needing to quit everything. Reach out and let’s chat. 
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Yvonne Lee-Hawkins, IPHM, is a holistic Leadership and Wellness coach, facilitator, writer, and mother who spent 20 years in corporate and leadership functions while also being a wife and mom to three amazing kids. You can find out more on her website, or follow her on Instagram, LinkedIn, or Medium. If you are ready to elevate your life, schedule a call here.
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