What is exactly "Comfort Zone"?
Let's see what the definition is since I'm no scientist:
A comfort zone is a psychological state in which things feel familiar to a person and they are at ease and in control of their environment, experiencing low levels of anxiety and stress. In this zone, a steady level of performance is possible.
Sounds like something we should all strive to accomplish, right?
Not quite.
There is one small thing about comfort zone that is not all that good, and that is staying where you are. That means lower stress and anxiety, but it also means that you are not moving forward, you are not progressing. However, there is one more state that is said to be optimal, and it's called "Optimal Anxiety". Really, there is such a thing?! Yes, look it up!
I hear all the time that stress is the killer, ways to decrease stress, and how to avoid it. But I don't often read about how a little bit of stress can be good for you, or should I say:
"Don't be afraid to get scared!"
That sounds weird, but it is true (for me at least).
Whenever something big is about to happen or change in your life, you get scared. It's a "normal" reaction to unknown circumstances, and fear can be a good thing stopping you from making mistakes, but it can also stop you from moving forward to something good.
Breaking out of your comfort zone from time to time can teach you to better estimate the risks and new situations. By no means do I mean that you should push yourself into the gaping void of anxiety daily.
I tend to get uncomfortable when things are the same, and even dough the situation looks peaceful on the surface, I bubble up inside. Once you find out what is on the other side of the "Comfort Zone" wall, you will always try to expand it. It gives you a sense of purpose and invincibility.
Small steps out of your comfort zone first:
- Take a new route home from work, this will make you think about your road and driving more, activating your brain. Most of the time drivers tend to drive on "auto-pilot", not really thinking about the traffic unless something out of the ordinary happens;
- Try a new restaurant or food, the principle is the same, trying something new. Your brain will immediately have a small alert for unknown things, but you are still safe;
- Change your way of making decisions, if you usually take your time make a small one right away, and vice versa take your time if you are usually impulsive;
- Learn a new language or a skill, will broaden your horizons and your self-esteem;
And so on. Until you are brave enough for bigger steps and changes.
My answer would be to find your peace and comfortable space but challenge yourself from time to time, just to keep your productivity and mind open for new possibilities, and opportunities.
What do you think? Are you stuck in a comfort zone? Be sure to leave me a comment!
With love,
Tamara
Hello hello Tamara!
Personally, I get super weirded out when I don't feel like I'm progressing in some way. I don't know where this comes from and I don't know why it's always there, but I always need to feel like I'm pushing myself a little bit or else I get mad at myself for wasting my time.
It's weird... for sure, but it does mean I'm never truly in my comfort zone... or maybe my comfort zone is pushing myself.... who knows.
I think there is a difference between stress of a problem, and exploration stress; trying new things doesn't really put you in danger, but it does give you new stories...and isn't that what life is truly about?
(P.S - I'm super super sorry about the lack of upvote, I'm trying to get back to 100%... my love for your work will resume in 2days 14 hours).
You are absolutely forgiven, your comment means so much as a feedback!
I just got my inspiration (as usual) from other people, and their behavior, and then I try to project it to my life.
Living without any stress is impossible, so I don't like the added fear that it will kill me. I decided to make the most of it, and welcome it as a sign of growth :)
I understand you completely, since I feel guilty if I don't push myself even just a little! We are weird :)
Talk soon, loved your blogs!
Have you ever heard of the comedy sketch show "Portlandia"? It's set in Portland, Oregon where I've moved... Portland's motto is 'Keep Portland Weird' - so I fit right in here.
There's good stress and bad stress, and I'm sure to a large degree our reaction to events is based mostly on our chemical makeup, but I think it is important to try and not stress about things you can't change, or that aren't that important in the scheme of things.
I love your blog too.... so thought-provoking and intelligent!
Hello Tamara, a very nice post for encouraging people to be a bit braver, and make their life more interesting. :) For me the greatest challenge of exiting the comfort zone was when I started performing circus street shows. Just coming in front of an unknown audience made my knees and arms tremble. I mean, it still does (:D), but not as much as it did before. So, I have constant comfort zone exits, and I'm very grateful that's happening in my life. :)
Yes! Exactly my point, moving just a little out of the comfort can lead you to greatness. In any case you will learn a lesson, and become braver and more open minded!
You have been away for some time, I look forward to your posts!
Thank you for stopping by!
Definitely yes. I,m posting much more often now. Always here for interesting topic!
You're right, some stress is good, if we manage it well and it helps us grow. Also, I've found it interesting how my comfort level has changed. When I lived near a big city, I had no problem driving in chaotic traffic. Now that I live in the country, when I drive in big cities it's a bit much. We have to keep expanding our boundaries and finding out what we're capable of doing, and yet it's nice to rest in the comfort zone and relax when not pushing the limits. :)
I'm literally going through the exact same thing Katrina!
I've never liked driving in heavy traffic, I hate being affected by others... but now that I've moved into the country and drive very irregularly, heavy traffic does stress me out. It's so weird. I used to spend nearly 3 hours a day in traffic, you think I'd be immune for life.
I do wonder how age affects things too... when you're younger you're almost looking for stressful situations to test your reflexes and tenacity... now... not so much.
Yep. Now that I'm a mom I'm a lot less wild and adventurous... Though I'm still at least a little wild and adventurous. ;)
That is very interesting observation, and when I think about it you are right!
It's just the other way around, since I moved in to a bigger city, so I got comfortable with all the traffic after a month or two. So comfortable that traffic in smaller towns is just to slow for me now :)
Thank you so much for reading and for leaving thoughtful comment!
Great to see other people writing about personal growth too :)Awesome article @tamacvet
I was stuck in the comfort zone and I was stuck because I was to fearful to act. But that was a long time ago :)
That must have been some big change :)Thank you @alinhimself!
It was, but it came gradually over the last 4 years. I don't have a problem with it anymore, but I continue to push it more and more. I think of it like a lifelong journey
Always leave your comfort zones....nothing exciting happens there...no growth can take place without challenge, new people and new places are out there and you have to seek them out..they will not come and find you..... And in the end you will be a better and stronger person for it
Yes! my thought while I was writing!
Thank you so much for reading and leaving a comment!
I'd love to be stuck in my comfort zone but I have three kids with such different personalities and habits and goals they tend to push me out of ALL of my comfort zones.
I've read one of your blogs on the subject of anxiety, and I recommend to look up to you!
Thank you for stopping by @big.mama, always a pleasure having you around!
This explores a very interesting balance that we all face. We are habitual creatures and are predisposed to repeat easy behaviors. The more that we allow ourselves to indulge in these tendencies, the harder it gets to break the cycle. Its never too late to change your behavior, in fact, NOW is the best time to start!
Great comment, it completes my thinking :)
Hello Tamara,
You have an outstanding post and one that fits well with my classes. I teach college prep and exiting a comfort zone is a challenge as seniors move on to college. New surroundings, nobody telling them what to do for the most part. Some crash due to a lack of self-discipline, but many soar and go onto great and wonderful careers. I look forward to more great posts like this once.
That is what I want to read in my comments, great and different experiences and thoughts on my blog! Yours is quite unique and objective as a teacher. I love it.
Thank you for commenting!
"Uzbudljive stvari se dešavaju izvan zone komfora". Odličan tekst i veoma zanimljiva tema, očekujemo neki nastavak :) @tamacvet
Nadam se da ce biti puno nastavaka, tema je neiscrpna :)Hvala puno! @vladsphotography
Great post, I am sure that this can be life changing for some and a reminder to others...
Thank you very much @oceanview
This was a really nice read that got me thinking (which I always adore in reading/writing). I always strive to do new things, make sure I don't get comfortable and stuck. Writing poetry is always my go to, but your suggestions are good ones as well! Will try and follow, thanks! (:
I'll check your blog out, I'm interested to know what yo write about!Well thank you @moonsoleil for your lovely comment!
Feel free to join us on Discord!This post has been selected for curation by @msp-curation by @clayboyn and has been upvoted and will be featured in the weekly philosophy curation post. It will also be considered for the official @minnowsupport curation post and if selected will be resteemed from the main account.
Great, thanks!
So I guess stress isn't always a bad thing after all. I'm a fan of the comfort zone because of the comfort it gives. But thanks to your article, I'm going to take a walk into the sunshine.
Thanks Tamara
Well think about it, comfort zone is usually pretty close to being stuck..
I try to break it once in a while, just to keep my motivation high.
Small steps :)