Comfort Zones - Like Crackheads on Crack!

Ey Up,
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This weeks discussion is about our comfort zones, what are they and how do we still live within our limits! Or what we believe our limits to be.

So what is your Comfort Zone?

A comfort zone is a psychological state in which things feel familiar to a person and they are at ease and in control of their environment, experiencing low levels of anxiety and stress. In this zone, a steady level of performance is possible.

So before we all start pushing our anxiety to its limits and sweating our tits off here are 5 simple steps to start peeking, tip toeing into that crazy but awesome wonderful place.

1. Face your fears. But do it in small steps.

So your biggest hope and dream is sat there right in front of you. Its so big and scary that you think fuck this I can't even try! Cause it's so bloody scary. So, identify your fear. Then make a plan with some smaller steps you can take to gradually lessen your discomfort. Like 1.  Do this everyday etc......., Make the phone call......, If you want to fulfill your dreams just start somewhere.

2. Make a new friend or acquaintance.

This will expose your to new experiences, opinions and interests. And it's not just about meeting new people the usual way. Try just picking up a biography about someone you would like to know more about let these new found people help you in ways that you didn't think about.

3. Take a friend with you.

In general, it's often easier to not go it alone. And this applies to many situations. Including when you are going for the emotional bungee jump that getting out of your comfort zone can be.

I'd say this probably the most popular way to get yourself out of comfort zones. If you are going to a party where you know few people then it may be easier to bring a friend. If you have decided to start going to the gym it might be easier to actually get going and keeping going there every week if you have a gym-partner.

4. Educate yourself.

Your comfort zone might be protecting your from imaginary dangers. Maybe things aren't as difficult or scary as you imagine? Do a bit of research. Getting some good information can dissipate quite a bit of your fear and nervousness.

Do a bit of Googling. Read books and blogs. Ask someone who has been there before. By reading/hearing about what others that have done the same thing you are about to do saw, heard, felt and did you can not only lessen negative feelings but also get some very valuable and practical tips.

5. Use other methods to pump yourself up.

• Use Music. Listen to uplifting and motivational music.
• Use Your Body. How you use your body affects how you feel. Move in a confident way.
• Use Your Imagination. Close your eyes. Visualise how great everything will unfold. How wonderful and excited you will feel. This is a whole lot more useful than seeing in your mind how everything will turn out badly.
• Use Guided Meditation.
  
• Use Your Breathing. Not exactly a way to pump yourself up but rather to calm yourself down quickly.