Do you think there is any truth to the idea that getting out of your comfort zone is good for you? I'm always pushing myself outside of my comfort zone and to be honest, it's getting exhausting.
Last weekend I went to a mountain biking camp. I spent most of the time sure I was going to kill or injure myself! I pushed myself to go faster down the steep mountain, and learned lots of new skills that I need to keep practicing. In the end, it was exhilarating!
I also push myself out of my comfort zone on a regular basis through Taekwondo. I am constantly learning new kicks, blocks, and more. It's difficult to be constantly learning. Some days I want to go back to white belt just so I can feel like I'm at the head of the class!
I am also fortunate to have a job that is enjoyable and challenging.
Do you push yourself out of your comfort zone? When you do, does it benefit your mental health or just exhaust you? What are some positive ways we can all challenge ourselves in a way that allows us to grow?
"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone" (N.D. Walsch"
ReplyDeleteSo genuine ...
Great question. For those of us challenged my mental illness just being alive some days is outside of our comfort zone. I have been doing a lot of thinking about comfort zone too since I am taking the course 'Bipolar InOrder', maybe you are too....and it talks a lot about comfort zone. I am not getting totally comfortable with that idea yet, the whole course so far is outside of my comfort zone but I am determined to persevere and get out of it what I can.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, for me with bipolar, going outside of my comfort zone can usually trigger symptoms but I am trying to learn.
Going outside of my comfort zone would be spending time with people I don't like, and I only do that if I can't avoid it....
ur right.. but its so hard.. my mind is like a labyrinth.. got to fight myself constantly to get away from negative toughts, and do things i got to do, even if they cost me.. but nice post.
ReplyDeleteI think you might be talking about a different comfort zone to what I'm thinking. But when I push myself out of my comfort zone, it is usually when I visit the school nurse to talk or just entering the support and guidance area really makes me feel sick inside.
ReplyDeleteI think it is good to try new things, but I have to be careful about being too hard on myself. Once I get negative, it kind of spirals for me....you sound like you are staying positive, though! You are braver than me!
ReplyDeleteIt can spiral on me to. It's a fine line we walk.
DeleteAbsolutely. When you're out of your comfort zone, you're constantly pushing your fears, and its emotionally and mentally draining. That's why most DON'T do that kinda stuff, right? Cause it's just easier to NOT do it. And when you do it over and over or constantly, it definitely takes its toll. I take breaks from it every once in awhile, but you always gotta go back, cause you learn and grow most by doing the uncomfortable.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mandy. I appreciate you reminding me that good things do exist. However, it's hard sometimes to remember that.
DeleteYou have to leave your comfort zone in order to find out what you love and don't love. If I didn't leave my comfort zone I wouldn't discover the good things in life.(yes, good things exist despite what our depression tells us.)
ReplyDeleteGood point!
DeleteI am terrified to step out of my comfort zone most of the time. I am in my 50's and even though on meds for my depression I still get down. I find myself extremely sensitive to other people's moods and feelings. At times I tend to take things personally, but I have never been diagnosed as paranoid schizophrenic or anything like that.
ReplyDeleteYou echoed my sentiments exactly, except that last year something happened and I decided to take a risk and shake things up a bit. So, at the age of 53, I decided to back to school. I was scared to death but I didn't take on too much and I ended up really enjoying it and doing very well with grades. I took two classes that first semester and then took one in the spring and currently I'm enrolled in one for the fall. I think I've hit on my comfort zone. I laughingly now say that what doesn't scare me half to death isn't worth it!!! Maybe take a small step with a weekend workshop or something that you don't have to make a big commitment to. Good luck!
Deletehttp://pamelafosterspeakerwriter.wordpress.com/bigfoot-blues/#comments
ReplyDeleteSomedays just leaving the house is outside my comfort zone. But, to answer you question: Yes, I often push beyond my comfort zone. One of the secret blessings of depression is that it often leads to exhilarating experiences which then lead up and out of whatever dark valley I've descended into.
Sometimes leaving the house is also outside of my comfort zone too. That and answering the phone. I just never know when that is going to happen.
DeleteOnce you get to a certain point, like accepting defeat, yes, leaving the house or even getting out of the recliner chair is outside my comfort zone. I am so tired of looking for hope and not finding it. For about 40 years now, I have heard people on PSA's and doctors saying that "depression is so treatable" and "we can cure depression, so get some help right away." Well, for some of us there is no help. Depression has destroyed my life, and I am on the last third of it now, and I have come to the conclusion that nothihng will change, and there is no help for me, not even in my discarded faith in God.
ReplyDeleteDrogovska
Hi Drogosvka, that is so sad to hear. Have you never found something that motivates you? Maybe, there is no cure but that doesn't mean it cannot get better, right?
DeleteThank you for sharing Jamie. I am trying to figure out just where this comfort zone ends : ) I love to play n try new things that are physically challenging. I am currently training for a sprint triathlon. My first ever.
DeleteDrogovska, I honestly feel that there is no cure for depression. Some people act like they are cured, but I have never felt cured. It is always there. Some days I get out mountain biking or practicing Taekwondo, other days I can't even answer the phone. I don't know why I'm good some days and down other days. I do know that without medication I'm down all the time and can't get out of it.
DeleteI'm glad that I don't give up on my down days, because my good days are worth it. :-)
Wonder Red, That's awesome that you're training for a sprint triathlon! I did one and am so proud of it. The training was a lot of work, but so worth it!
DeleteHey Drogovska, I'm in the last quarter of my life & it's starting to work out OK. I've probably tried every anti depressant invented & now I've found a combination of pills & other stuff that works. Last year I was suicidal over a friend having her healthy cat put to sleep but now I am able to get up & do things I like every day. Through a combination of my pills, fixing of deficiencies like vitamin D & thyroid, omega 3/6 fish oils, keeping lights on when weather is dark, prescribed socialising & a friendly flexible therapist, I am completing my postgrad degree. I am even starting to think I may be worth my partner supporting because I am unemployed & disabled, so I may be around for a long time after all! Start one thing- it may snowball into good.
DeleteThanks Jamie! It is hard to be consistent but I am trying : ) These challenged keep me going. Going to check out your blogs. I think it is so brave of you to share about your struggles.
ReplyDeleteBecause I live with OCD, in order to live any type of normal life, it is a necessity to push myself out of my comfort zone every single day. Living with an anxiety disorder means that you are afraid of a LOT of stuff. Sometimes it is exhausting, but that's when it's time for a little break. And then you just start all over again. The whole basis of my Cognitive Behavioral Therapy was teaching me how to live consistently out of my comfort zone. It was difficult, but it was also truly the best thing I have ever done in my life, both for my sake and for the sake of my loved ones.
ReplyDeleteThere are also times that depression can signal the start of something new. Here's my interview about my journey through an extreme bout, my lowest moment.
ReplyDeletehttp://mentalhealthtalk.info/odyssey-of-life
The challenge - for me - is to push past my comfort zone, but not so far past it pushes me further into depression and darkness. It is a high wire balancing act, and these days I feel like I am falling off the wire most of the time.
ReplyDeletePushing yourself outside of your comfort zone can work wonders on your psyche. It's important that even when that little voice in your head tells you shouldn't, push past the discomfort to be your true self. Spending more time alone to wallow in your misery will only continue to spiral you into a deeper darker depression. There is something about trying something new or staying active that BLOCKS negative thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI would like you to read my blog, it is young, only two posts. I find a good way to let go the internal pressure. Regarding the comfort zone. I don't know what to do exactly. My reaction to new situations is usually to try ad avoid, but in the end I always face them, but it is hard. I also have great fears which are son of nasty events in the past. I would like to share with someone who knows what it feels to be depressed without any prejudices. Here is the link: http://thliinre.blogspot.se/ Hope to get some feedback.
ReplyDeleteYou have asked an interesting question. I was recently doing some reading and came across something that resonated with your question. I don't know if you have heard of Robert Fritz; he wrote the bestseller The Path of Least Resistance, Creating and Your Life As Art. I was reading Creating and he talked about the creative process as a two step process: stretching and consolidating. In our high speed, take no prisoners culture we have the stretching but not the consolidating.
ReplyDeleteIf you keep stretching without consolidating you cannot take stock, see what is working or not, and rest and recuperate for the next time you stretch. It can make you ungrounded and cause you to make unnecessary mistakes.
I hope this helps.
This year, I'm trying to face down my anxiety and depression by constantly pushing myself outside of my comfort zone. Every week I do another (small!) thing that scares me. It's been exhausting, but honestly so worth it. I can already see small changes in my mental state.
ReplyDeleteIf I didn't push myself out of my comfort zone I wouldn't be as successful at managing my depression as I have been over the past couple of years. My best example is when I found the courage to go on a vacation...solo. It changed my life. I had a moment of total liberation and freedom that I will never forget. I indeed learned that "life begins at the end of your comfort zone".
ReplyDeleteAbout a year ago, I started on an exercise routine through a class, with cardio respiratory fitness seasoned with a fair amount of stretching and weight training. I have been faithfully adhering to this routine, which is a big deal for me; and I have to say, rather disappointed, that my mood has only improved marginally. Rather surprised given all the hype about exercise and depression. Any thoughts? :(
ReplyDeleteMaybe you need to try a different type of exercise? I find outdoor activities do more for my mood than indoor ones.
DeleteI must admit, I think I pushed myself too far this weekend and my have fractured some ribs. It's not good for my mood right now :-(
I agree Jamie, if it isn't working, try something else. Hard though it is when you are depressed, combining exercise with socialising and being outside hugely increases the benefits.
DeleteI have to say, personally I find it incredibly difficult to do anything that involves inflicting myself on other people, or following fixed routines. I see it make a real difference to others though.
I hope the ribs aren't causing you too much pain; I know that "only when I laugh" feeling!
http://themadandbeautifulblog.blogspot.co.uk/
ReplyDeleteCould you maybe share your opinions? I love your blog and I would really appreciate some insight! (: Thanks!
I too have been trying to make more effort to break out of my comfort zone, but I find it difficult mostly because I'm broke all the time and even money for transpotation is too much. My depression suffers when I have nothing to do, but feel like I have no choice sometimes. I don't have many friends anymore (embarrassing) and doing things alone can make me feel worse. Any suggestions would be great :)
ReplyDeleteHave you tried meetup.com? I joined a mountain bike group in my area through Meetup.com - I don't have to worry about not knowing anyone, I meet them through the group. Also, I didn't know anyone when I started Taekwondo, but I am getting to know people in my class. Don't be embarrassed about a lack of friends, a lot of us with depression have a hard time hanging onto friends (it's a special person that works to maintain a friendship with a depressed individual).
Deletethe question is: what are you trying to proof?
ReplyDeleteare you so badly insecure that you have to be the head of the class, of everyone? are you so badly inferior that you constantly challenge yourself to live on the edge? perhaps the answers are all NO, so what is it you're trying to run away from that makes you in such a constant need of physical impulses, relying on them as the feeling of joy.
physical impulses is good, I do sports too and when I do sports I know who I am and I know what to do, but unfortunately seen that you're the slave of it instead of otherwise
out of comfort zone would be....just sit and face the pain
Yes, I have depression and use physical activity to escape that. I find it helpful to re-direct my attention instead of focusing on pain that has no reason and no way to overcome. Feeling pain for the sake of pain doesn't interest me. Escaping that pain through activities I find meaningful is much more appealing!
DeleteJamie
I think it's critical for growth to get outside of our comfort zones. In fact, I believe that we only learn outside of our comfort zone, in any case.
DeleteOn the other, hand, I also like my comfort zone. I think that for those of us who push ourselves out of our comfort zones on a regular basis also need to realize that, sometimes we need to rest in our comfort zone before we push beyond it again. Getting rest from "the grind" gives us the chance to approach it with a fresh attitude and push the boundaries even harder.
When I first started my volunteer program (a weekly discussion group to improve verbal communication skills and develop life coping strategies including coping with depression) for inmates in two medium security prisons in Connecticut, I was initially out of my comfort zone. My wife and daughter were concerned for my safety. I'm a depression survivor. There is a lot of depressed people in prison. I worried if I would be successful. After three years, I continue to enjoy every visit. My program is highly subscribed. My alumnae are overjoyed when they see me in the hall. I get paid in handshakes and smiles. If you want to know more about my two memoirs, my battle and recovery from depression and my prison program, go to my web site and blog (messgages of hope) at www.dicksederquist.com Learn more about life, humor, insight and the wisdom of my inmate friends.
ReplyDeleteThat's great that you get yourself out of your comfort zone so often. My take on getting out of one's comfort zone is to remind ourselves that 'we can'. Aung San Suu Kyi once said that true freedom is to be without fear; I think it applies to a wider scope of life than just politics.
ReplyDeleteRemember to feel good about the very fact of having pushed yourself out of your comfort zone at all, whatever the activity is. The good feeling is the reward that makes the pushes meaningful and keeps you at it. Be well! :-)
Yes i definately think its a good idea to come out of your comfort zone, otherwise youd never know what you can do and how far you can go, as long as its done at a steady pace, some people throw themselves straight in and are fine then others get overwhelmed so take little steps and eventually you can acheive whatever you want, living in your comfort zone all the time is avoiding xx
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Cheryl and I live in the United States. Last year I nearly died due to a brain tumor that was undiagnosed for about ten years. I suffered from clinical depression as the location of the tumor was on my frontal lobe.
As I rise from the ashes of my crumbled life, I am sharing encouraging thoughts, prayers, music, and other posts on my blog. I am a Born Again Christian.
http://weepingintodancing.wordpress.com/
I hope you check it out.
You can read about my personal journey by selecting CATEGORY on the right of the homepage. Then scroll down to ABOUT ME. I have pictures posted of myself right after surgery and present day. My recovery was quick with the Lord's help.
Yours is a really useful post. Diverting the mind completely from depression can heal the depression. Anybody who are affected with depression should try this.
ReplyDeleteFor me, pushing myself out of my comfort zone is both good and bad. Part of my bipolar that leads me into the depression cycle is not feeling good enough, so when I finally get the courage to try something new, or to push myself and I fail then I am sent on a shame spiral that is sometimes hard to pull myself out of. But when I succeed, I am flooded with pride.
ReplyDeleteI had never suffered with depression until about 5 months ago. Up until then I had done all the aforementioned sporting challenges with some amazing feelings of achievement. What transpired was that I was using those highs and the effort I put into my job to divert myself away from a number of issues I hadn't confronted and put off for a long time. The following depression was long and deep and is still ongoing. If your depressed for not doing your activities (rather than seeing it as a well earned rest period) that might suggest there is something missing deep down and your feeling empty. Talk to your friends, family a Councillor if you feel it is affecting you rather than ignore it.
ReplyDeleteI am suffering major depression, without any family or friends around. Dealing with grief and a break-up. Your post, suggesting to get out of your comfort zone has inspired me to go back to Crossfit. I hope i can do so.
ReplyDelete