Getting out of your comfort zone is something a lot of people struggle with. It’s difficult to put yourself in uncomfortable situations, no matter how prepared you feel that you are. This article will help you feel ready to get yourself out of your comfort zone and discuss how to manage the uncomfortable feelings being out of your comfort zone brings. 

Why Do We Have To Get Out Of Our “Comfort Zones?”

   Humans have comfort zones because they have kept us alive in the past. In the times of the cavemen, we developed comfort zones to avoid danger and let our bodies relax from being in a constant state of anxiety. These “comfort zones” once helped us, but are now hindering us, sort of like some of the structures in our bodies, like your appendix. 

   Studies have shown that there is a level of “optimal anxiety” that maximizes human performance. This state of “optimal anxiety” is just outside your comfort zone you just have to be able to reach it. Studies show that the right levels of stress increase human performance, but too much stress and performance deteriorate rapidly, so it’s all about knowing your limits. 

How To Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone

    Knowing your limits is the name of the game. You want to push yourself enough that you are uncomfortable but not so much that you are overwhelmed and panicking. One of the best ways to start getting out of your comfort zone is by making a step-by-step plan. Taking baby steps can help you get out of your comfort zone in a safe manner and build up to it slowly. Throwing yourself in the deep end often does more harm than good in this situation. 

   Deep breathing is a great way to manage your adrenaline and anxiety. You will feel anxious when you are trying to get out of your comfort zone so knowing how to calm your nerves and breath deeply is a huge help. A good deep breathing method is to breathe in for seven seconds, hold it for six, and breath out for five. This helps your brain refocus and slow your heart rate. Knowing how to control your breathing in anxiety-inducing situations is an incredibly good skill to have. 

And If It All Goes Wrong? 

    Sometimes things don’t go to plan. It’s important to know what to do if things start going wrong while you are pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Maybe your deep breathing isn’t helping and your plan has failed, you’ll probably feel like you’re drowning. Having a support net of people is the number one way to help yourself if you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation. If you don’t have people with you, remove yourself from the situation entirely and let your mind settle. If you are too stressed it will only hinder you.

Getting out of your comfort zone is hard, but knowing some of these skills and your limits makes putting yourself into these stressful situations a bit easier.