Ways to Expand our Comfort Zone

Expanding our comfort zone is important, even necessary. How can we grow, learn, or become the best version of ourselves if we don’t step out of the comfort of our bubble? Our insecurities can stop us from taking chances and trying new things. This self doubt can get very loud; telling us that we won’t be able to do something, we won’t be good at it, or that we are “just not the kind of person that”….insert action here. 

Think of the countless times that you have ever tried something new. There was once a time when you didn’t know how to walk, talk, or know how to add 1+1=2. You had to learn in order to move forward. There is something to be said about the mind of a child. They don’t know what failure is yet, so they just keep going. Tap into that curiosity and confidence that you had as a child and use it to help push you out of your comfort zone.

So, what are some ways that you can push yourself beyond your comfort zone?

• List your fears. What are your concerns about pushing yourself out of your comfort zone? The best way to overcome these anxieties is to become an abject observer to them by making a list. The first step to overcome fears is to acknowledge them. By writing your fears and breaking them down into chunks, you begin to separate yourself from your anxiety. You can then tackle each aspect of that fear and enact healthy lifestyle changes. 
• Test things out. In other words, dip your toe in the pool before you jump in. You don’t have to make big changes or take a giant leap. Take some small steps first and see how you feel. 
• Journal about your comfort zone. What are your boundaries? Think about what situations, activities, and conversations that make you feel safe, content, or confident. Now think about some that make you feel uncomfortable or intimidated? Make note so that you can better identify where your comfort zone begins and ends.
• Alter small details in your daily life to get used to making changes. Cook some different meals at home, rearrange your furniture, or take a different route to work. 
• Don’t Think…Do! We create a comfort zone to avoid uncertainty. Overthinking can keep you in your comfort zone. Stop living in your head and start living in your life.
• Say YES. A friend asks you to attend a party where you won’t know anyone but them? Yes! Your partner wants to travel somewhere you never thought you would go. Yes! This doesn’t mean that you have to agree to everything that is asked of you, especially if it doesn’t align with your values. You can have new experiences while still holding true to your boundaries. I’m asking you to keep an open mind.
• Look to others for inspiration. Do you have a friend who is always trying something new? Let them inspire you, or even better, tag along with them! 
• Listen to the child inside of you. What did you love as a kid? Did you love to color? Take an art class. Were you always making up stories? Take a writing course. Did you love animals? Volunteer at an animal shelter.

Don’t know where to start? Here are some ideas…

1. Join a group of like-minded people; like a hiking group, a local mom group, or a book club. 
2. Take a new route for your walk or car ride.
3. Volunteer your time. 
4. Try a new workout class like yoga, pilates, or kickboxing. 
5. Take a course; like art, music, cooking.
6. Travel.
7. Learn a new language.
8. Introduce yourself to someone new.
9. Take yourself out on a date; go to a movie alone, or people watch at a coffee shop. 
10. Ask for feedback (at work, at home, etc.)

Chances are, you will rarely regret stepping out of your comfort zone. You will give yourself the chance to grow your confidence, learn more about yourself, and get to know who you really are. 

Make a goal for yourself – what is one way that you expand your comfort zone this week?Want more support? Sign up for the Breaking Up with Sugar Course! A 6-module online course that will help you break up with Sugar and heal your relationship with food. Also, check out Molly’s youtube channel and subscribe to the Sunday Love Letter to get support, information, and motivation on your journey to create a loving relationship with food.

Photo by David Clarke on Unsplash