With the fall season upon us, kids return to school and vacationers return to work, making the pace speed up at the office.

One great thing about summer is the longer days – providing more time outside to relax and unwind. So when summer comes to a close, many people find themselves feeling in a rut at the office, not wanting to return to that busy schedule.

The good news is that you can help reduce the drudgery this season by slightly changing your normally drab routine. Here are a few easy ways to do just that –

1~ Give Yourself a Regular Bedtime. It is a known fact that getting a good night sleep helps you be more productive during the day. Summer months are filled with late night activities, but it’s now time to give yourself a routine bedtime. This will help you wake up easier in the morning and be better prepared to take on the day.

2~ Change Chairs.  During the  workday, when you catch yourself getting bored or uncomfortable, try changing chairs. Sitting on an exercise ball for a few minutes is a great way to stimulate muscles while you work and change things up for a while.

3~ Stand Up. Sometimes beating afternoon boredom can be accomplished by simply standing up for a few minutes. Try taking a phone call on your feet or even standing when someone walks into your office. Standing helps keep the blood flowing in your legs and can revive you.

4~ Change Shoes. Try bringing some walking shoes to work for breaks and lunch time. Even if you don’t have time to exercise, put the shoes on to go to the break room. The difference in footwear stimulates your feet, which can help you feel more awake and alive.

5~ Read on Your Phone. If you day is spent with countless hours in front of a computer screen, try switching gears by reading a few of your emails on your mobile device. Any slight change up and make the day flow better.

6~ Reply Live. Instead of replying to a colleagues email by sending them back a reply, try walking to their office and talking to them. This one-on-one interaction will give you time away from your desk – breaking up your day, and will also help build relationships.

If you are feeling gloomy this time of you, don’t worry, you are not alone. The good news is that you can put a spark into your mundane routine with some small and simple changes easily obtained daily.