Aug 19

Aug 19 10 great ways to break out of your comfort zone.

The past year and a half has forced us all to restrict and limit our activities and there’s no doubt that the comfort of our comfort zones - the routines, behaviours and environments in which we feel safest and most relaxed - has been all the more appealing and reassuring.

The thing is, whilst there’s plenty to be said for keeping ourselves safe and protected (and certainly we’ve needed that more than ever during the pandemic) with predictable, familiar, reassuringly risk-free situations and people, by not breaking out of those routines, and exposing ourselves to new experiences and individuals, we’re also cutting ourselves off from opportunities to grow and develop.

And to discover for ourselves, as well as show others, all the wonderful and sometimes surprising things we’re capable of when we give ourselves that little push to do something different.

These are just are some of the ways you can break out of your comfort zone. A few are quite small and simple, but really effective in nudging you out of your comfort zone territory. Others might feel more challenging, but those are likely to be the ones that will give you the biggest comfort-zone-breakout buzz.

1. Change your routine

Do you always do the same things in exactly the same order when you get up or at the end of the day? Do you always take the same route to the shops or to work? Try mixing it up a bit. I mean, I’m obviously not suggesting you get dressed before having a shower - or visa versa if you shower at the end of the day - but you get my drift. Even the smallest adjustment to something that’s become habitual will make you engage with your surroundings, however familiar they are, in a different and refreshing way.

2. Wear something different

Clearly I’m not saying go to work in a swimsuit. Or switch from flat shoes to heels (I wouldn’t be that mean to your feet.) Or try a bright sweater when you only ever wear dark colours. Well, actually, I am suggesting that last one (which I explain how to do in this blog). Because this comfort zone breaker is all about trying something new and different in the wardrobe department.

Especially if you’re someone who tends to dress the way you think you should because of your own, or other people’s, expectations. Shake those preconceptions off the hanger and slip on something you thought you couldn’t or shouldn’t.

3. Ask for a new hairstyle

Next time you’re at the hairdresser, rather than settle for your comfortable usual style, ask how s/he could change it up a bit. It needn’t be anything radical (although if you fancy that, go for it!) Even a small change can make a big difference.

4. Try a new food

Whilst we’re on the subject of trying new things, pick up something in the supermarket you’ve never eaten before. Or make a recipe you haven’t tried before. Or order a dish in a restaurant that’s something completely new (or, if that feels a bit too daunting, try a veg accompaniment you haven’t tasted). Any new taste-bud experience will spice up your eating experiences.

5. Turn your shower to cold

I realise this doesn’t sound like much fun, and I can confirm from personal experience it isn’t. To start with. But you’ll be surprised how quickly you come to enjoy the invigorating buzz that initial blast of cold water gives you, and how brilliantly the pulse-raising rush sets you up for the day. Of course, that could mean it becomes a new routine, but nothing wrong with such a good one.

PS - no need to have the water on cold for the whole shower - unless, of course, you want to - I do just 20-30 seconds, then have the rest hot.

6. Learn a new skill

One of the more challenging ways to break yourself out of your comfort zone is learning a new skill. It could be anything from language to technology, craft to cookery. As someone who’s three months in to learning to play bridge, I can promise you that however long it takes (and I’m a long, loooong way from being even remotely competent) and however hard it might be (good grief bridge is complicated) it’ll be worth it.

7. Go out alone

And by out, I mean, to dinner, or maybe to the cinema or theatre. Or how about to an exhibition or an event. Think of it as taking yourself out. It’s unexpectedly liberating to do something entirely on your own terms and at your own pace. And very comfort-zone freeing. (I’d recommend taking a book with you if you decide to try the dinner option).

8. Read/watch something else

Talking of which, if you tend towards book choices that are very similar, try trying a different genre. Always been a comfortable fiction fan - how about reading an autobiography? Are you a devoted historical novel reader - how about trying science fiction? You get the gist. Opening up a new sort of book can open up a whole new insight to, and way of looking at, the world. And that’s a great approach to seeing beyond your comfort zone.

All of which goes for your TV watching as well. If you tend towards dramas, try a documentary. If you mostly find yourself watching edge-of-your-seat thrillers, try a comedy. 9.

9. Mix up your exercise

Adding a new exercise, or type of exercise, to your usual regime, or maybe starting to exercise at all, is a terrific comfort zone breaker. It combines the buzz of doing something new with the health benefits of challenging your body in a different way. What’s not to love about that?

10. Talk to someone new

The comfort of familiar friends and family can never be underestimated. But meeting and chatting to new people opens the door to new perspectives, ideas and knowledge.

Maybe you’re part of a facebook group (like the wonderful Heydays one), or a local support group. Could you arrange to meet one of the other people, either face to face, or for a zoom chat? Maybe there’s someone in the class you’ve joined to learn your new comfort-zone breaking skill, you could get to know better.

I’m a great believer that in 95% of cases, a stranger is a friend you haven’t yet met (there has to be a little leeway for the potential axe murderers). So go on, meet one! Not an axe murderer, obviously.

Opening yourself up to new experiences, routines and people - in other words, all of the above - is all about being a bit (or sometimes a lot) brave and approaching those potentially comfort-breaking joys with a positive frame of mind. The simple act of saying yes to something you’ve never done before definitely isn’t always easy. But it is always worth it.

Whichever of these you decide to try, congrats for testing your comfort zone limits. Here’s to the joys of feeling uncomfortable!