Everyone has heard the term “comfort zone” before. Most people may associate it with being a place that leaves you in a content state of mind. However, sometimes the comfort zone isn’t a good thing at all.
I understand how easy it is to stay in your comfort zone, even if you’re not actually happy with your current situation. You may be in a comfort zone for a variety of different things: your friend group, your job, your daily schedule, etc. I have experienced all of those. You have a friend who is always causing you to second-guess yourself, yet you stay friends; you have a job you hate, yet you stay because you want money; you’re uncomfortable with your body image, yet you don’t change your eating habits; you’re constantly tired, yet you don’t go to bed any earlier. You may understand you’re not happy, yet you don’t do anything to help it. That is the comfort zone. Where your comfort zone is surrounded by impaired judgement and a reluctance or laziness for change, despite your happiness.
Below are three small tips I do in making a change to your regular routine to feel more refreshed.
1. Reevaluating Your Relationships
Sometimes your friends are hazardous to your mental health. If when you are with somebody and you constantly feel yourself being judged or used, my advice is to stay away, despite how hard it may be. A few years ago, I was best-friends with a girl who constantly made me feel awful about myself and would use me for money, rides, etc.; but we continued being friends for months because I was too nervous to walk away. Because of this, I was constantly unhappy, and dreaded whenever she would reach out. I understand removing somebody from your life is not simple, especially if they are a family member. However, consciously trying to create distance between that person should do some good. Along with that, catch up with old friends you may have forgotten about and make plans to meet up, or even ask someone you are only acquaintances with to do something. Trust me, it’s not as weird as you may feel it is.
2. Introduce New Things Into Your Day
I've always liked having a schedule and sticking to it. I like feeling organized with my life. But just because you like something does not always mean it makes you happy. I found sticking to a strict schedule to do me far more bad than good. Although I like the comfort of a solid and unchanging schedule, it makes me feel bored. There is nothing to look forward to, and instead I was just stressed the entire time with no room for excitement. Sure, I got everything I needed to do done, but I just felt numb. Doing new things, even simple things such as eating at a new place, watching a new movie, or browsing a new shop, made me find myself in a much better mood. As lame as it may sound, it gave me a small dose of excitement. Switch your routine up, go somewhere new, attend a concert, whatever.
3. Declutter Your Living Space
I used to hate cleaning my room. Hate it. But then I realized how living in that space, with papers from two semesters ago sprawled out on my floor and things from friends I was no longer on good terms with piled on top of my dressers, was dragging me a bit down. It's remarkable how impactful physical possessions may have on your mind and just bring you down. I also correlate the feeling of having a messy living space like not showering. It makes me feel unsettled, and cleaning my living space always provided me with a refresh and rejuvenated feeling.
These are not easy quick fixes, nor will any change in mood happen overnight. Change is scary, and much easier said than done. But sometimes you just need to give yourself a small push. Even a minuscule thing such as reorganizing your drawer so clothes don’t fall out from it can be a step in the right direction.
