It’s easy to get trapped doing the same things every day. Being in your comfort zone can be easy. We fear the uncertainty, loss, and pain so we seek out to cushion ourselves against the rawness of life by spending our lives in an artificial, climate-controlled box safe from any unwanted intrusion.
But by trying something new, is proven to boost your happiness and confidence. It’s important to push the boundaries of your comfort zone, and when you do, it can be a big deal. But what is the “Comfort Zone” you may ask?
Simply, your comfort zone is a behavioral space where your activities and behaviors fit a routine and pattern that minimizes stress and risk. It provides you with a state of mental security. You can benefit in obvious way such as regular happiness, low anxiety and reduced stress.
So you might ask yourself, what do you actually get when you’re willing to step outside of your comfort zone? Well by following these easy tips, you’ll soon learn to keep out of your comfort zone for good:
- Plan Ahead – Everyone has a different comfort zone, so you need to clarify what needs changing in your life. One of the best ways is to know what the big picture looks like and, make it look enticing. Whether you want to drop a dress size, save money or develop better relationships, you need to make a plan to get there. Look at making a list of 10 things you can do over the next 12 months, which may feel scary now, but you know that will give your confidence a boost when you do each one. Always remember to aim to do one thing, which scares you each month. By the end of the year you confidence levels will be through the roof.
- Act Confident – Practice holding your head high and you’ll feel more positive. Try to remember a time in your life when you were feeling successful. Aim for standing that way, sitting that way and moving that way. When you change your body to be confident, your body starts controlling your brain, rather that the brain controlling your body.
- Boost your Body Confidence – Negative body talk can trap you in your comfort zone, so rather than putting yourself down, try looking at repeating positive statements to change your headspace. Look at writing down a simple statement of how you would like your life to be. Always make sure that you write it in the present tense and repeat your affirmations three times, three times a day and watch your self-belief grow.
- Don’t Give Up – Accept you will make mistakes along the way. We all learn more from our failures than our successes. But make sure that you refine it and get it right and you feel proud, which will enhances self-esteem.
Amanda Ogden is from Sydney Australia, and has spent the past 13 years working within the welfare industry in both administration and case management assisting people with mental health issues, mild intellectual disabilities, acquired brain injuries, drug & alcohol, homelessness gain employment. She also loves travelling, creating jewellery, music, friends and family.
Defying Shadows 