I was recently on a long flight in “comfort class” and while I was grateful for the seat (and some reclining features) I can’t really say that it was my “comfort”. We all have our “comforts” and they come in a variety of sorts- some that come to mind: a soft teddy bear that sits on my daughters bed; a heating pad that I love to use whenever I lay down or sit down; a bowl of hot soup, the smell of baking cookies; a family outing; holding hands; laughing.
What are some of your comforts?
Comfort renews the body and mind, reduces anxiety and fear, and releases tension. When you can increase your ability to relax, your breathing can slow down and this will start to stimulate your body’s natural ability to heal. Ultimately you will reduce your stress, decrease your pain, lower your blood pressure and your energy will be enhanced.
What about living life in your “comfort zone”? The comfort zone is a psychological state in which we feel safe. I know for sure that it fulfills my need for certainty. When I am in my comfort zone, I know what to expect and pretty much how I will react. I feel that I have some control over the situation. So why on earth do we suggest “leave our comfort zone”? Because to be truthful, the paradox of uncertainty and growth are human needs. The ability to move out of our comfort zone in regular, positive ways allows us to strike the right balance between certainty and uncertainty. When we push our boundaries we can build our bodies and mind to become more productive, more adaptable and more creative. Thus, we can train our brain to adapt to new situations and create new neural pathways that make us better problem-solvers, decision-makers and leaders.
Over the years, months, weeks, and days I have been learning to leave my comfort zone in order to grow. Start small. Don’t go big immediately. Take a walk rather than your usual exercise class. Try a food that you had thought was “forbidden” as you fell into the diet culture trap that dairy wasn’t healthy or carbs were bad. Begin to create new habits that turn your ability to leave your comfort zone into something that feels natural and becomes a part of your daily routine.This “leaving your comfort zone” takes time. I would love to help you feel comfortable with your ambivalence and would love to help you to learn to trust yourself in order to become your best and balanced you!
learning to leave our comfort zones allow us to grow