Stretching Out of Our Comfort Zone and Trying Something New
By Tania Dooley
We're all in this together. We find ourselves with "stay at home" orders to keep us safe but it has also caused a universal, unshakable boredom. What if instead of sitting around being bored, we stretched out of our comfort zones and tried new things? An article from the Huffington Post cites the incredible benefits of trying new things including overcoming fear, getting to know yourself better, and stimulating creativity (2017). I agree that there is no better time given the flexibility of most of our schedules. Here are five new things you can try instead of staying bored:
1) Something artistic. Draw, paint, sketch. There is a reason relaxing coloring books are on the rise, for some it really is a stress reliever. For those who have natural artistic skills, this is a time to develop them by practicing and perfecting them.
2) Write. You can journal your journey through this once-in-a-lifetime event we're in. It could serve as the basis for a book someday!
You can begin a blog, or you can write short stories and sell them. Reader's Digest is one magazine that frequently publishes great short stories that are submitted (click on the link to see how).
3) Get fit. No gym needed. Use your phone to look for fitness videos utilizing free weights or whatever you have at home.
In addition, many routines don't even require anything except your body weight. Think push-ups, jumping jacks, planks, and I'll even include my least favorite: pull-ups.
4) Make a bucket list. Daydream and write down everything you want to do and all the places you want to go as soon as life normalizes. Make a separate list for the things you can do some years down the road.
5) Reach out to people (virtually). Haven't talked to your best friend from five years ago? Send a text, write a note, leave a voicemail. The same goes for anyone in your life: grandparents, teachers, friends. This is the perfect time to catch up and say hello.
What new things can you try? In what ways can you come out of your comfort zone to better yourself? Oftentimes, when we try new things we grow. We see new interests, we see new abilities and uncover hidden talents. Let's not waste this time in boredom, but rather seize on the downtime by trying something new.
References
Huffington Post. (2017) A look at the incredible benefits of trying new things. Retrieved from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/a-look-at-the-incredible-benefits-of-trying-new-things_b_59196b49e4b02d6199b2f129
We're all in this together. We find ourselves with "stay at home" orders to keep us safe but it has also caused a universal, unshakable boredom. What if instead of sitting around being bored, we stretched out of our comfort zones and tried new things? An article from the Huffington Post cites the incredible benefits of trying new things including overcoming fear, getting to know yourself better, and stimulating creativity (2017). I agree that there is no better time given the flexibility of most of our schedules. Here are five new things you can try instead of staying bored:
1) Something artistic. Draw, paint, sketch. There is a reason relaxing coloring books are on the rise, for some it really is a stress reliever. For those who have natural artistic skills, this is a time to develop them by practicing and perfecting them.
 |
| Paints by bodobe Via Pixabay |
2) Write. You can journal your journey through this once-in-a-lifetime event we're in. It could serve as the basis for a book someday!
 |
| Writing as a creative endeavor. Photo by Free-photos Via Pixabay |
3) Get fit. No gym needed. Use your phone to look for fitness videos utilizing free weights or whatever you have at home.
 |
| Dumbbells by Steve Buissinne Via Pixabay |
In addition, many routines don't even require anything except your body weight. Think push-ups, jumping jacks, planks, and I'll even include my least favorite: pull-ups.
4) Make a bucket list. Daydream and write down everything you want to do and all the places you want to go as soon as life normalizes. Make a separate list for the things you can do some years down the road.
5) Reach out to people (virtually). Haven't talked to your best friend from five years ago? Send a text, write a note, leave a voicemail. The same goes for anyone in your life: grandparents, teachers, friends. This is the perfect time to catch up and say hello.
 |
| Trying to garden, patiently waiting for edible foods to sprout. |
References
Huffington Post. (2017) A look at the incredible benefits of trying new things. Retrieved from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/a-look-at-the-incredible-benefits-of-trying-new-things_b_59196b49e4b02d6199b2f129
