Getting Comfortable with Discomfort

Yes, Discomfort is a Part of Life.

Discomfort can show up in small ways, like a rush of nerves before we merge in traffic, or in big ways, like sleepless nights as we prepare to make a big life change. Regardless of how or when it shows up, we all experience discomfort throughout our lives.

What is Discomfort?

Discomfort is our body's reaction to stressors and can include a range of physical sensations such as sweating, nervousness, increased heart rate, restlessness, and irritability. Naturally, discomfort is designed to motivate us to take action to resolve or minimize these unpleasant sensations.

While discomfort can feel like the enemy, it's actually a helpful and important signal from our brain that, once we come to understand it, can guide us in healthy ways.

How To Learn from Discomfort

Acknowledge It
Learning from discomfort starts with acknowledging where our discomfort is coming from. Maybe it's clear: you're feeling tired because you didn't sleep well. Maybe it's more nuanced: you're anxious because you're going through a period of uncertainty. By labeling it and identifying the source, we gain some sense of control over it. And often, we realize that our discomfort doesn't post an existential threat.

Identify What It’s Moving You Towards (or Away From)
Think about the discomfort of a physical workout: while the act of exercise is uncomfortable, the discomfort arises from our body gaining strength and endurance, and the desire to be strong and healthy may be a worthy motivator. Sometimes, our discomfort can indicate something that we need to move away from - a toxic relationship, or pushing ourselves too hard at work.

Embrace Comfort
Our culture often tells us we need to "push through" to be successful. But just as discomfort plays an important role in our lives, so does comfort and rest. Comfort allows for rest and healing, which is just as essential as discomfort in maintaining your well-being. Just as discomfort looks and feels different to each of us, so does comfort.

Balancing Comfort and Discomfort

So, if comfort and discomfort are both important parts of wellbeing, how do we tell what we need? Here are some ways to think about balancing comfort and discomfort.

Discomfort can helpful when…

You're trying something new
Embrace the beginner's mindset. Being a beginner can feel uncomfortable, but it’s the only way to learn.

You’re establishing a healthy habit
Getting into a routine is challenging, but the discomfort can be a signal that you are resetting your default habits.

Comfort can be helpful when…

You’re exhausted
If you have just done something physically or mentally draining, taking a break can help re-energize you.

You’ve lost focus
If you’re having difficulty concentrating or feel worn out after a period of effort, your mind is signaling it has reached its limit, it’s time to rest!

Quick Summary:

Comfort and discomfort are symptoms of our body trying to communicate a need to our brain. Instead of worrying yourself over whether it’s the “right” decision to push through or rest, focus on getting better at interpreting your body’s signals, and giving it what it needs.

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