Getting out of your comfort zone to work out and eat right can seem a daunting task, but it is precisely what will get you the results you desire. 

Though it can signal a stop sign coming from your body or mind to combat a negative feeling, discomfort when taking on new challenges can prove to be a sign of progress, and can mean you are actually moving ahead. You might only learn to love working out or eating right after trying out a new routine for a few times. Channel your negative cues to a positive by focusing on the achievement, no matter how big or small and after some time you will become comfortable with being uncomfortable – it is something that will help you overcome challenges in other areas of your life as well.  So seek out that uncomfortable feeling and embrace it, the next time you want to Netflix and chill instead of going out for a 20-minute walk. 

The benefits of regular exercise are well-documented, including improved physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. Here are ways to get out of your comfort zone and the benefits of doing so.

Behavioral Inhibition

Behavioral inhibition refers to the tendency to avoid new and unfamiliar situations, which can hold you back in life. It's important to understand the difference between feeling uncomfortable, scared, and listening to a gut instinct that tells you something is wrong. Uncomfortable feelings are natural and a sign that you are pushing your boundaries, but fear can hold you back and prevent you from reaching your full potential. On the other hand, following your gut instinct and recognising when something feels wrong can protect you from harm and help you make wise decisions. Overcoming behavioral inhibition and embracing discomfort and uncertainty can lead to new experiences and opportunities for growth. So take a deep breath, trust yourself, and step out of your comfort zone –  amazing things await!

How to embrace discomfort

1. To get out of your comfort zone and workout is to set realistic goals for yourself. Instead of trying to go from zero to 100 overnight, start small and build up gradually. For example, if you're new to exercise, try setting a goal to walk for 15 minutes a day. Once you’re comfortable with this as a habit (note: it can take up to 21 days!), get ready to get uncomfortable and increase it to 30 minutes and so on.  and gradually increase the time and intensity as you become more comfortable. 
2. Another important aspect of getting out of your comfort zone and working out is to find an activity that you actually enjoy. If you hate running, don't force yourself to go for a run every day. Instead, try different types of exercise, such as walking, dancing, or yoga, until you find something that you enjoy and can stick to. 
3. Having a workout buddy can really help as having someone to exercise with can help to hold you accountable and provide motivation when you're feeling unmotivated. Not only that, you can also push each other to try new things and achieve your goals and even compete.
4. Most importantly, remember that it's okay to make mistakes and have setbacks. No one is perfect, and everyone has days when they don't feel like working out. Don't let these setbacks discourage you from reaching your goals. Instead, use them as an opportunity to learn and grow.

When we break out of our comfort zone, we open ourselves up to new experiences and opportunities that can have a positive impact on our lives. 

Benefits of breaking out of your comfort zone include

1. Personal growth: By pushing ourselves to try new things, we challenge ourselves and learn more about our capabilities. This can lead to increased self-confidence, self-awareness, and a sense of accomplishment.
2. New skills and knowledge: When we step out of our comfort zone, we expose ourselves to new environments and experiences that can help us to develop new skills and knowledge. This can be especially beneficial in the workplace, where new skills can open up new career opportunities.
3. Improved relationships: Breaking out of your comfort zone can also help to improve our relationships with others. By trying new activities and meeting new people, we can form new connections and strengthen existing ones.
4. Increased creativity: Stepping outside of your comfort zone can also help to boost creativity and problem-solving skills. When we're faced with new and unfamiliar situations, our brain is forced to think in new and different ways, which can lead to new ideas and solutions.
5. More meaningful experiences: Finally, breaking out of your comfort zone can lead to more meaningful and fulfilling experiences. When we push ourselves to try new things, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and can create memories that will last a lifetime.

It's important to remember that breaking out of your comfort zone can be challenging and uncomfortable at first, but it's important to keep in mind the benefits that come with it. It's okay to start small and gradually build up to more challenging tasks. When it comes to fitness, by setting realistic goals, finding an activity you enjoy, having accountability, and learning from setbacks, you can achieve your fitness goals and improve your overall well being.

 

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