We’re all guilty of sticking to the routine. It works, its familiar, you’re comfortable with it.
A few weeks ago the Strong & Capable community got together to try something new. Taking into account our community needs & interests, this was the plan we came up with;
- Play pool
- Go for nature walk
- Visit a community market
We had a really fun afternoon, and discovered who was the Pool Shark amongst us, who loves to grab a bargain at the markets and who enjoys being in the fresh air!
So here are a few reasons why getting out of your comfort zone can be good for you:
1. New skills: Stepping out of your comfort zone challenges you to learn new skills, adapt to different situations. It can help you discover hidden talents and interests you might not have realized you had.
2. Build strength: Facing unfamiliar or uncomfortable situations can help build your mental and emotional strength.
3. Increased Confidence: Successfully navigating new territory can boost your self-confidence and self-esteem which will give you confidence in your ability to handle new challenges and situations.
4. Broadened Horizons: Going beyond your comfort zone exposes you to new people, cultures, ideas, and opportunities.
5. Improved Problem-Solving: Adapting to unfamiliar situations can improve your problem-solving skills. You’ll learn to come up with creative solutions when your usual strategies don’t apply.
6. Break from Routine: Leaving your comfort zone provides a break from daily life. It can be refreshing and prevent boredom, but can also build anticipation and excitement.
7. Face your Fears: Facing your fears and anxieties head-on can help reduce their power over you.
8. Increased Adaptability: Adapting to new environments and experiences teaches you to be more flexible and adaptable, which is a valuable skill in a constantly changing world.
9. Achievement and Satisfaction: Successfully tackling challenges outside your comfort zone can bring a great sense of achievement and satisfaction. It can encourage you to take on even greater challenges in the future.
Getting out of your comfort zone doesn’t mean you should constantly put yourself in high-stress situations. It’s about finding a healthy balance between the familiar and the unfamiliar. Small steps outside your comfort zone are often the best way to get the benefits.
Not everyone will achieve all these benefits, but we hope we’ve listed enough for you to find something that appeals to you.
Let us know if we can support you to try something new, we can connect you to people with shared interests as part of our Peer Mentoring Program, where we create social participation opportunities for people with disabilities.
