OHMYGOSH HI.
How long has it been? Only a few days?!
It seems like longer. I think it’s Friday…
But anyway, I’m back in action and settling into my new place! 🙂
We’ve all been there: maybe you’ve gone on vacation, moved out of your old house to a new one, or life’s hardships got in the way of your “routine” day-to-day activities. And since that summer’s almost gone (sorry), it might take you some time to get back into the swing of things. Schedules will be different, sleep cycles changing, and more.
No worries, though, because sometimes being out of your routine can open up your mind to new possibilities. Let me be the first to say that routines can sometimes get really monotonous, and FAST. Don’t get me wrong, I like my routine and doing what I normally do but I’ve learned the hard way how mentally exhausting it can be.
Gym, coffee, classes, homework, rehearsals, food, this, that, the other thing…..
You’ve heard of how important it is to “get out of your comfort zone” right? There’s actually a lot of knowledge that explains why it’s so hard to break out of your comfort zone, and why it’s good for you when you do it. With a little understanding and a few adjustments, you can break away from your routine and do great things. But what is your “comfort zone” exactly? Why is it that we tend to get comfortable with the familiar and our routines, but when we’re introduced to new and interesting things, the excitement fades so quickly?
Personally, I’ve always struggled with breaking my routine when I’m not at school or working etc. I like to be on-the-go and busy, but not too busy. I don’t like to be anxious when I don’t have to be. Too much anxiety causes us to be too stressed for productivity, and our performance drops sharply. Leaving your comfort zone means increased risk and anxiety, which can have positive and negative results, but don’t label your comfort zone as something that’s holding you back from what you really want.
What You Get When You Try New Things
- More productivity
– Pushing your personal boundaries can help you hit your stride sooner, get more done, and find smarter ways to work. - Ease when dealing with new changes
– By taking risks and challenging yourself to things you normally wouldn’t do, you can experience some of that uncertainty in a controlled environment. Learning to live outside your comfort zone when you choose to can prep you for life changes that force you out of it. - Finding it easier to push your boundaries in the future
– Once you start stepping out of your comfort zone, it gets easier over time. Check out this amazing infograph that details this idea more clearly. - It’s also easier to harness creativity
– Trying new things can make us reflect on our old ideas and where they clash with our new knowledge, inspiring us to learn more.
Maybe it’s the new food you’re trying, the new country you’re visiting, or the new job you’re interviewing for. There’s also the mental benefits you get from “broadening your horizons”.
How to Break Out of Your Comfort Zone
Outside your comfort zone can be a good place to be, as long as you don’t go too far. It’s important to remember there’s a difference between the kind of controlled anxiety we’re talking about and the real anxiety that many people struggle with every day. Everyone’s comfort zone is different.
- Do everyday things differently.
– Take a different route to work. Try a new restaurant without reading the menu first. Go vegetarian for a week, or a month. - Take your time making decisions.
– Sometimes slowing down is all it takes to make you uncomfortable, especially if speed and quick thinking are set in your work or personal life. - Trust yourself and make “snap” decisions.
– Sometimes being spontaneous is in order, just to get things moving. Doing this can help you kickstart your personal projects and teach you to trust your judgement. - Do it in small steps.
– It takes a lot of courage to break out of your comfort zone. You get the same benefits whether you go in with both feet or if you start slow, so don’t be afraid to start slow.
Why It’s Important to Return To Your Comfort Zone Sometimes
You can’t live outside of your comfort zone all the time. You need to come back from time to time to process what’s going on. The last thing you want is for the new and interesting things to quickly become boring. That’s why humans get so bored because we have access to the internet right in the palm of our hand, yet we want everything else NOW. It keeps us from appreciate the little things in life.
You can combat this by trying new, smaller things. Ordering something new at a restaurant where you get the same thing every time can be eye-opening the same way visiting a new country can be, and both push you out of your comfortable spaces. If you’ve taken up running, instead of just trying to run longer and farther, try challenging yourself to run on different terrain. Or maybe take a yoga class.
Most importantly, TAKE IT SLOW. Try something new every week, or every month. Make it a habit. Maybe meditation pushes you out of your comfort zone just as much as bungee jumping. The goal isn’t to become an adrenaline junkie, you just want to learn what you’re really capable of!
Get comfortable with being uncomfortable, you might surprise yourself.
BE WELL.❤