So why would you intentionally do things you know will create at least some discomfort?
We all have a threshold for being uncomfortable.
How high that threshold is varies from person to person.
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The higher your threshold, the more comfortable you are with being uncomfortable.
In other words, you have to learn how to embrace the cringe to a certain extent.
What makes us uncomfortable varies for each person.
The trick is to keep finding ways to build your tolerance to distress.
That doesn’t mean you should jump in and push yourself past your limits.
Instead, it’s about gradually extending yourself a bit beyond what’s easy and comfortable.
For example, if you want to become stronger physically, you must lift weights that are heavy.
However, some people are more comfortable being uncomfortable simply because they have chosen to constantly stretch their limits.
These same individuals have an increased tolerance for discomfort because they have becomedesensitizedover time.
Constantly facing new difficult situations and learning from them has left them stronger than they were before.
Uncomfortable vs. Scared: What’s the Difference?
What is the difference between being scared and being uncomfortable?
In contrast, being scared impliesfearoranxietyabout something dangerous happening to yourself or others.
you might be uncomfortable without being scared.
Being uncomfortable is a normal and healthy part of life that can’t be avoided.
The key is knowledge and practice; gaining familiarity with any new situation.
The first step is recognizing the things that make you uncomfortable and knowing how they make you feel.
This will enable you to identify what types of experiences to seek out.
Do something you’re uncomfortable doing, even if it doesn’t result in immediate positive feedback or reward.
Try New Things
Try new things like a new food or new activity.
This broadens your horizons and exposes you to new experiences that can help you grow as a person.
It’s easy to fall into the same old routines and seek the same ideas and experiences.
It’s comfortable, but it doesn’t challenge you to learn and grow.
Be a student of the world and ask questions.
By doing so, you will learn new things and be exposed to different people and backgrounds.
This will make your life more fulfilling, even if it makes it uncomfortable at times.
Build Your Social Distress Tolerance
Get comfortable with discomfort in social controls.
Try being more social and accepting the discomfort that comes with it.
Take the risk of being rejected and feel the discomfort that comes with it.
Taking chances helps you grow as a person.
Most people will admire you because they know how much courage it took to take such action.
Get Comfortable Being Different
Embrace standing out instead of trying to be like everyone else.
Be curious and ask questions.
Make a promise to yourself to slowly go through your list and complete the tasks.
The trick is to tackle your list slowly and progressively.
You might feel exposed, unprepared, and unsure of how to respond.
How can you feel less vulnerable?
Everyone’s at a different level, and everyone grows in their own way.
How can you focus your energy on yourself instead of comparing yourself to others?
How does this help?
It works because it gradually exposes you to a new experience.
How can you take baby steps instead of skipping straight ahead?
Everyone’s in a different situation, so remember not everyone has it easy.
How does this help?
Find Strategies to Ground Yourself
Practice mindfulness andmeditationto staygrounded.
Research has found that people who experience anxiety or depression can become better at tolerating distress throughmindfulnesstraining.
Practice With a Friend
Do activities with a friend or get some practice.
How can you make your list of five activities more comfortable?
For some, it is as simple as doing them with a friend.
Others may need practice beforehand or at least know how they work to feel more comfortable.
In other words, getsupportor do some research.
For some people, anxiety can be debilitating.
See your healthcare provider if you are concerned that your fear or anxiety is more than you might handle.
Sof E.9 Navy SEAL quotes to improve your live.Spec Ops Magazine.
2023;23(4):100392. doi:10.1016/j.ijchp.2023.100392
