How to leave our Comfort Zone

We need healthy challenges in our lives, no matter at which age. Why not leaving our comfort zone from time to time to do something we don´t like or that even scares us?

13.10.2019

That´s ok, but leave your comfort zone from time to time — Like most people, I love my comfort zone

Challenges needed

However, why not stepping out of the comfort zone from time to time to broaden our horizon, overcome anxiety, and feel better? We can talk about the "big things" in life, such as a job change, a move to another place, or ending a long-term relationship. But let's start with the small ones.

Those who know me or read my blog regularly are aware of how much I enjoy chilling, to hang around and do nothing. Relax is part of our well-being. I am not a big fan of multi-tasking. I'd instead focus on one thing and do that well.
However, no doubt that we need challenges from time to time. I never have to push myself to go to the gym four times a week, but sometimes I realize I only do not any exercise I dislike. I have recently begun to include one or two of these exercises (squats with heavyweights, for example) in my workout. My feeling after having finished? I am just proud of myself. And hopefully, I will see results in a few weeks (or months).

Go for it! — Heavyweights are waiting...

Let´s try the Cold Chamber

Nothing is better on a rainy Sunday afternoon than hanging around on your sofa with a coffee and a great piece of chocolate tart. How often did I think to do nothing but reading? I justified this with the fact that I had done so much over the week? And you know what? Every time I decided to leave my comfort zone and do at least 30 minutes of yoga. I can assure you, the feeling after the "asanas" is priceless. I am also thinking of going into a cold chamber one day (assuming that my doctor has no objections). These chambers have temperatures between minus 60 to minus 120 degrees C. Obviously, they relieve pain and ignitions, improve the blood circulation, and stimulate well-being. I think I will be fine since I love the cold. Anyone joining me?

A little bit cold — Not yet a cold chamber but getting there - ©Daniel Antonio Sanchez / KHL

Life means learning

These are just two little examples. If we think about the "bigger ones" – why not learning a new language, a music instrument, sports. What have these activities in the joint? They help you to fight to age. In this context, you may wish to read my article about super-agers. All of these fit and ancient people challenge their body or mind (or both) to stay young. Again, I am not a fan of exaggerating anything, but we need challenges.

THROWN OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE

I also give you a significant example. Many of you may know that I led the German office of Destination Canada (Canadian Tourism Commission in those days) for many years. I loved the job, but at specific points, I was looking for alternatives. However, you hardly give up such a great job that other people wish to have. Then, all over sudden, I was thrown out of my comfort zone when the office was closed, and I lost my job at an "advanced age". I remember that I woke up twice after the disturbing news, thinking that I would not have a job within six months. On the third morning, I woke up and thought, "What a great opportunity to finally do something else!" And I had fun to look into all the opportunities that came across. One door closed, others opened up. I continued to work for Canada in a different constellation. At the same time, I set up my own business, which was the basis for my today's activities. Honestly, it was the best that could ever happen. Hopefully, this is an inspiration for those who have just lost their job.

CHALLENGES AS A MEANS FOR ANTI-AGING

I will continue to look for challenges. It's never too late. Yes, I want to remain fit and flexible as long as possible, and I perfectly know this does not come on its own. Over the next weeks, I will tell you more about this, including the latest anti-aging research results.
Leaving your comfort zone can also mean the courage to stand up for your beliefs. Isn't it a shame to see people not helping others when they are in danger or threatened? Just looking away (and stay in your comfort zone) is not a solution.

Would you hold a Tarantula in your Hand?

Activist and former US First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt once made this statement:
"DO ONE THING EVERY DAY THAT SCARES YOU."
Maybe we don't have to go that far. Perhaps hold a tarantula in our hands like my blogger friend Björn did. That is on my list, but frankly, I am not sure if I will ever do it. Kudos to Björn, who overcame all his disgust. I will think about it. Now tell me how you leave (or intend to leave) your comfort zone?

Want to know more? Here is a fantastic article about the importance of leaving your comfort zone.