Tag Archive for Chi For Yourself

You CAN Reverse Brain Fog

Brain fog leaves you feeling out of it. And you would really love to “snap out of it.”
 
Well, you can do something about it, and GenuLines has some points to jog your brain in that direction. 

man with brain fog

 

You CAN Reverse Brain Fog

We’ve all experienced mental fog. You feel like your brain is made of cloud puffs instead of brain matter. Its symptoms include:
 
• Difficulty concentrating
 
• Diminished memory
 
• Finding it hard to focus
 
• Poor communication skills
 
• Low motivation
 
• You’re easily distracted
 
Brain fog is a result of any type of imbalance in the control center of the brain. This control center is ,known as the hypothalamus.
 
This imbalance can be a result of inflammation. Or free radicals.
 
Or any type of stress brought on by several factors, such as:
 
• Multi-tasking
 
• Exhaustion
 
• Anxiety
 
• PTSD
 
• Imbalanced hormones
 
• Infections
 
• Not getting enough sun exposure
 
• Substance abuse
 
Mental fog is a natural result of our busy, nonstop lifestyles,. But it shouldn’t happen over and over.
 
If it does these simple changes can stop it from happening and repeating..
 

• Eat right

 
It’s amazing how much power our food has over us. Processed foods, foods high in saturated fats and gluten all have a negative effect on your brain.
 
In fact a study linked gluten sensitivity to low concentration and poor focus.
 
Also, not getting enough water into your system can lead to brain freeze.
 

• Take your vitamins

 
If your diet lacks antioxidants you can start looking for vitamins, such as D and B complex. Or minerals, such as calcium, zinc and magnesium.
 
Then look for supplements that work along with your diet. These will provide you with more of the nourishment you’re lacking.
 

• Get better sleep

 
We all sleep, but it’s the quality of our sleep that can either make us or break us. High quality sleep improves brain function on a whole.
 
While it’s ideal to get the full 8 hours each night, some people need only 6 for optimal effectiveness. Find what works best for you.
 
Then regulate your sleep. Set up a relaxing bedtime routine and a comfortable sleeping area.
 

• Work out

 
When you exercise, you send fresh, oxygenated blood to your entire body, mainly your brain. This boosts its cognitive functions and diminishes brain fog.
 
Studies have shown exercise can improve learning and study skills. Plus it can optimize concentration and memory skills.
 

• Find a hobby

 
Even in the busiest of weeks there are ways to work fun, relaxing activities into your schedule. The first step is to carve out some “me” time and stop thinking it’s selfish, as many of us do.
 
The second step is to find something you enjoy doing just to chill out. It could be meditating by yourself in a quiet room.
 
Or a class or club where you to meet new people. The final step is to decompress and enjoy.
 
Brain fog is completely reversible. You need to do the work and find out what works for you.
 
Each one of us is unique, so it may be a bit challenging at first to find that perfect fit. But you’ll be glad you put in the effort once you regain clarity and be able to perform at your best.
 
JohnK 5-10-2021
 
stick figure hears about brain fogOverheard: “Purple haze is in my brain/ Lately things don’t seem the same”
                        ~Jimi Hendrix
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for brain fog
 
 
 

4 Ways To Get Out Of Your Introvert Rut

You’re okay with being an introvert, until you’re not. It can put into a rut that leaves you feeling sort of stale. 

This list of suggestions from GenuLines is designed to ease you out of that rut.

4 Ways To Get Out Of Your Introvert Rut
Have you been feeling like you’re stuck in an introvert rut lately? Do you find yourself spending too much time on your own?
 
Could it be you do the same things over and over, or feel like you’re holding yourself back? There are a few things you can do if you’re stuck in an introvert rut.
 
Let’s get busy and figure them out!
 
introvert boy1) Step out but within your comfort zone
One of the best ways to get out of a rut is by pushing yourself to try new things. Now this can be a bit much for the VERY introverted.
 
 
 
 
 
Branch out and try new things in new places. You could hang out with a larger group of people, but do so within the confines of your comfort zone.
 
Go to your favorite coffee shop and order your favorite drink at their busiest time of day. Go to a party you wouldn’t normally attend, but hang in the corner with a close friend.
 
The key to this exercise is finding a balance; you want to push yourself, but not too far.
 
introvert girl2) Meet new people on your terms
Along the same lines, you want to meet new people within your comfort zone too. Spark up a conversation with a friendly person at your favorite store, restaurant, or bar.
 
 
 
 
This will help you meet someone that’s most likely like-minded. And you’ll do it without pushing yourself to the point of discomfort.
 
Push yourself to go somewhere where you might meet a new friend with whom you have common interests. This could make it easier for you to mix things up.
 
And you can get out of your rut without pushing yourself to the point of discomfort.
 
introvert boy3) Push yourself to take part in something new
Doing something entirely new to you can be a good way to break yourself out of your rut. But for a lot of introverts, this is highly uncomfortable.
 
 
 
 
It could even be anxiety-inducing. You have to push yourself to do something new that you’re comfortable with.
 
Are you more comfortable going out to a game night at a brewery or a book club that let you be in a smaller group? Then push yourself to do that.
 
If you’re more comfortable going to a larger party where you can hide in the crowd if you need to. then that needs to be the something new you try.
 
introvert girl4) Drive yourself to bust out of your shell
A great way to break out of an introverted rut is by pushing yourself to get out of your shell. This is another exercise that might prove to be very uncomfortable for introverts.
 
 
 
So it may not be for everyone.
 
Try branching out to new small groups where the attention has to be on you at some point. It could be a book club, creative writing group, local bridge game, or a small jam session among other things.
 
This will help you break out of your shell and push past this introversion and the rut you’re in.
 
Final thoughts
Getting out of an introvert rut can be tough. And the more introverted you are, the harder it becomes.
 
If you find the process too difficult, talk it over with a professional. You’ll get steered to more specific and custom exercises.
 
These will better help you get out of this rut without hurting yourself in any way.
 
JohnK 5-3-2021
 
stick figure man hears about introveertOverheard: “I was never less alone than when by myself”
                          ~Edward Gibbon
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for introverts

What To Do When You Don’t Get What You Really Want

You want it badly. But somehow it doesn’t show up. This happens to most of us, but GenuLines has some action steps for you if you’re struggling with this. 

What To Do When You Don’t Get What You Really Want

man who wantsIt sucks to know that life isn’t fair. But knowing this fact alone still doesn’t make us feel better when something that we really want seems to elude us.
 
Here are a couple of key things to consider when you don’t get what your heart desires.
 

Appreciate The Needs You DO Have

Being able to separate the things you need from those you want is extremely important in life. People worldwide go without even the most basic things many of us take for granted.
 
While it’s in no way wrong to pursue things other than the basic needs, try to avoid getting these things mixed up.
 
Think about each situation where you didn’t get something you wanted. Each of those is likely balanced by getting something you did want.
 
If you always got what you wanted do you think you’d be grateful?
 

Be Honest About Why You Didn’t Get It

When something doesn’t pan out it feels like a tragedy. But sometimes not getting something serves as a fork in the road.
 
It can point the way to something much better.
 
Whatever you’re feeling like you missed out on, give it a second look. You might realize that this failure could very well be for your benefit.
 
Even if it wasn’t a major disappointment the fact that you fell short can provide the motivation. you need to go after something even better!
 
banner to talk want
 
You Covered The Bases And Still Want It? Try Again!
So you slipped up but believe you still should have whatever avoided you. Regroup and try again!
 
Rest assured, most of the things worth having are not going to fall into your lap. If this were the case, they wouldn’t be nearly as fulfilling when we you get them.
 
If whatever you missed out on keeps bugging you it could be a sign that you’re meant to have it.
 
But not right now
If you’ve decided that it is, be ready to go after it! I could insert any number of motivational quotes such as “fall seven times, stand up eight.”
 
Or “fail forward.”
 
But the fact is, the life of a successful individual will include failures. How you deal with failure separates winning from living with self-pity and resentment.
 
Never allow yourself to give up in the pursuit of anything you believe to be yours.
 
JohnK 4-26-2021
 
Stick figure hears about wantOverheard: “Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get.”
                             ~Dale Carnegie
 
 
 
disclaimer for want
 
 
 

For Better Health Spend Time In The Sun

Fun in the sun is something a lot of us live for. It feels great, helps you look good, and more.

But if you’re not so keen on the sun GenuLines shows you ways you can benefit, too, 

Spend Time In The Sun For Better Health

Being out in the sun does great things to your mind and body. If you live in an area where there is plenty of sun, it shouldn’t be hard to get out into the sunshine.
 
If not, you should be able to find at least a few days where you can some sunshine.
 
(Click on this image to listen to the post)
 
flower in sunshine
 
Here are five health benefits of spending time in the sun:
 
1. Getting your Vitamin D intake
The major source of vitamin D is being out in the sun. The UV rays will help build up vitamin D in your body so you won’t have to take a vitamin D supplement.
 
Research has shown that most people don’t get enough vitamin D. It’s essential for many body functions.
 
And always wear the appropriate rating of sunscreen to protect your skin.
 
2. Spending time in nature
If possible spend time outdoors. It can be a neighborhood park or other wooded area.
 
Communing with nature helps reduce stress. Even a lunch break spent in the sun can improve your productivity and can help you have less stress at work.
 
3. Spending time in the sun reduces stress
You’ll likely find that you’re less stressed and happier when the day is sunny. You can sit on a park bench in the sunshine and meditate a bit or take a walk in a sunny area.
 
Try getting out in the sun every day for at least a half an hour. You’ll cut through the stress while enjoying the activity.
 
4. Sunlight can reduce cancer risk
It’s true that you’re at an increased risk of skin cancer if you burn yourself in the sun. But sunshine can actually help reduce your risk of developing other cancers.
 
This is especially true if you choose to exercise in the sunshine.
 
5. Sunshine can help you sleep better
Relaxing or exercising in the sunshine affects your sleep later in the day. A half hour of sunshine per day has been found to help you get to sleep easier and stay asleep longer.
 
It really doesn’t matter what you do in the sunshine as long as you get out there and get some rays.
 
JohnK 4-12-2021
 
Stick figure hears about the sunOverheard: “The sun, with all those planets revolving around it and dependent on it, can still ripen a bunch of grapes as if it had nothing else in the universe to do”
                                    ~ Galileo Galilei
 
 
 
 
 
 
get sun disclaimer

5 Natural Remedies For Headaches

man with headache

 Nothing slows you down quite like a headache.                       And the pain can be intense.

 

 

There are various approaches to headaches, but GenuLines wants you to know about some natural ways to get relief. 

 

To listen to the post click on this image >>>  Headache spokesman

 

5 Natural Remedies For Headaches

Headaches can be quite painful. Often times they can leave you down for the count.
 
You want to head for the medicine cabinet. Instead, why not consider these all-natural remedies the next time you have a headache.
 
Here are some of the best non-drug remedies for the three most common types of headaches.
 
Tension Headaches
Of the three main types of headaches, tension headaches are the most common. The muscles contract and it feels like something is squeezing your head.
 
The pain can run from one ear to the other and back around. Tension headaches are usually caused by a lack of sleep and/or stress.
 
Natural Remedies For Tension Headaches:
 
Ginger Tea
You can find fresh ginger at your grocery store. Crush no more than an inch of ginger and put it in a pot of boiling water.
 
This home remedy will help reduce inflammation and ease your headache. It works much like, if not better than an aspirin and is a completely natural plant-based remedy.
 
Peppermint Oil
Many health stores sell peppermint oil. Apply it to your hairline.
 
The cooling sensation created by the oil will help relax the muscles in your head and neck.
 
Cluster Headaches
Those who suffer from cluster headaches often describe it as an ice pick in the head. This is because the pain is very concentrated and it feels like someone is stabbing them in the head.
 
Cluster headaches usually occur over a cluster of days. That’s where they get their name.
 
They’re most common in the winter.
 
Natural Remedies For Cluster Headaches:
 
Capsaicin Cream
Cayenne pepper is the main ingredient in Capsaicin cream. Put a dab on your finger and apply it to the inside of your nostril.
 
Be sure to place it on the side where you are experiencing the pain. Once applied the cream goes to work by blocking pain signals.
 
Chlorophyll Supplements
Plants use chlorophyll for photosynthesis. This turns carbon dioxide and water into carbohydrates and oxygen.
 
Chlorophyll supplements promote the flow of oxygen to cells. And they protect the cells from oxidation damage.
 
They can also help with cluster headaches. And they give you a natural energy boost.
 
Migraine Headaches
Last but not least, we’ll cover migraine headaches. Migraine headaches can send you to bed, unable to move for extended periods of time.
 
Migraines cause a throbbing pain to occur on one side of your head. In some cases, they can even cause nausea.
 
As a result of the pain, individuals are usually sensitive to light and sound.

All In The Family? 

Migraines can be genetic and run in certain families. And women are three times more likely to have them than their male counterparts.
 
Some studies say a mix-up in nerve signals is to blame. Instead of interpreting them for what they are, the brain picks them up as pain.
 
Natural Remedies For Migraine Headaches:
 
Acupressure Massage
Acupressure massage has been around for hundreds of years. It is an ancient Chinese healing method that applies pressure at certain points on the body.
 
The pressure helps relieve pain.
 
Feverfew
Feverfew is an herbal supplement that comes from the sunflower family. Tests in clinical trials showed great results.
 
And it’s been effective for migraines.
 
Feverfew works by decreasing inflammation and lessening pressure on the nerves.
 As a result, the migraine starts to subside.
 
Changing Your Diet
Changing your diet is one remedy that helps all headaches no matter what type.
 
Start paying close attention to the foods you consume on a daily basis. Keeping a journal and jotting down everything you eat for at least 7 days is helpful.
 
You can track any specific foods that cause you to have an adverse reaction. Once you identify a pattern, you’ll know which foods to take out of your diet.
 

Some foods known to trigger headaches include:

 
• Wine
• Caffeine
• Cheese
• Cold Cuts
 
Skipping meals also causes headaches because your blood sugar levels drop.
The best way to prevent this is to make it a point to always eat your meals on time and never let hunger lead to a headache.
 
JohnK 3-29-2021
 
Stick figure hears about headacheOverheard: “Some people spend the day in complaining of a headache, and the night in drinking the wine that gives it”
                         ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
 
 
 
 
headache disclaimer

How To Get Into The Habit Of Walking More

Was a walking regimen one of your New Year resolutions? Has that resolution gone down the memory hole? 

Check out these GenuLines suggestions for taking the “steps” to get up and going. 

Listen to this post by clicking the link below:

How To Get Into The Habit Of Walking More

 

How To Get Into The Habit Of Walking More

The human body is capable of miles and miles of walking. Yet, in modern society, we spend most of our time sitting down.

 That’s not good for our bodies. It leads to a range of health issues.
 
A daily walk might head off these problems. Of course, that’s easier said than done.
 
walking path sign
 
 
Give up your seat
Most of us sit for our work. We eat sitting down.
 
And to be honest all we want to do when we come home from work is plop down on the couch for a Netflix marathon until bedtime.
 
This presents a challenge. But a walking habit is a good one.
 
Kind of like the habit of brushing our teeth twice a day or taking out the trash on Tuesdays. Once it’s a well-ingrained habit, it won’t be as much of a challenge to make sure we go for a walk each day.
 
Your path
You can start by finding a walking route you enjoy. Your favorite walk may offer beautiful vistas.
 
But if it’s a 30-minute drive there and back, you’ll be less likely to do it every single day. Instead, save that particular walk for the weekends.
 
Then come up with something convenient and pleasant for your everyday walking routine. If you can, find a route in your own neighborhood so you can leave right from your front door.
 
Taking the same route every day helps form that habit. It’s also encouraging to notice that you can walk the same loop faster or with less effort over time.
 
You’re steadily getting stronger and fitter.
 
Incentives
Listening to your favorite music, podcast, or audiobooks is also helpful. It’ll make the time go by faster and give you something else to look forward to.
 
You can even use your favorite media as a way to bribe yourself to go for your daily walk. Let’s say you have a couple of podcasts you enjoy.
 
Save them for your walks and only let yourself listen to them while you’re walking. It’s a great incentive to get out there even on days when you’re not feeling it.
 
Group Walks
Finally, consider walking with other people. Find a walking group in your area, or talk a friend or neighbor into becoming your walking buddy.
 
Not only is it more fun to walk when you have someone to talk to, it also has some built-in accountability. You won’t want to skip a walking workout when you know that other people are waiting for you to join them.
 
Give these tips a try. They’ll help you make your daily walk an integral part of your health, your fitness, and your life.
 
JohnK 3-15-2021
 
stick figure man hears about walkingOverheard: “All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking”
                             ~Friedrich Nietzsche
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
walking disclaimer

Can a Pessimist Become An Optimist?

If you’re an optimist you may live by the old “glass is half-full” theory. But if you’re a pessimist and your glass is “half-empty” you may not be okay with this. 

You can work on switching mindsets, and GenuLines has some suggestions on making your mental “U-turn.”

(Listen to this post by clicking here)

Can a Pessimist Become An Optimist?

Optimist Smiley Face BallSome of us are born with sunny dispositions. Others are prone to negativity.

 
 
 
 
Many factors come into play:
 
*Childhood experiences
*Temperament
*Environment
*Economic status
*Genetic predisposition
 
These can play into a pessimistic attitude. But there is one factor that may have the power to transform those reasons – the power of choice.
 
Optimism as a Choice
Someone with a negative mindset might view negative circumstances as all or nothing. A catastrophic event,
 
But those in the positive camp look at the negatives and assess their choices. They then go on to make the best decision in their control.
 
Plus, their positive mindset can bring them a more constructive and useful attitude.
 
How a Pessimist can become More Optimistic
 
Brain Training
While changing any part of our personality is never easy, it is doable. An individual must want it though.
 
Try telling a pessimist their attitude can change their outlook and thus change their life. Now expect a cynical response.
 
But if their decision is their own there’s more chance of success. Especially if the person is trying to find purpose or more joy in life.
 
Focus
What you focus on expands. Always focusing on what is wrong and what does not work is a surefire way to get more of the same.
 
Most everything can and does go wrong. There are plenty of positive circumstances in life to focus on:
 
What does go right in your life?
Counting your blessings
What do you have to be grateful for?
What does work?
 
Perception
Can adversity can contain some semblance of a silver lining? Will a pessimist view an ending as a beginning or as a lesson learned?
 
Can a pessimist find the deeper meaning instead of looking through a negative lens?
 
Internalizing
It’s best not to make the circumstances personal. In other words, what if something happened only because it happened and not because of “bad luck?”
 
Moving away from the woe-is-me way of thinking opens the door to a broader view.
 
Storytelling
Another way to subdue negative thinking is through stories. A pessimist will say they have no luck.
 
Everything always happens to them. Everybody else gets to get what they want.
 
Something happened because something happened – no story attached.
 
Changing your focus and perception. Don’t internalize.
 
Tell yourself a new story. See the glass as half-full and bring more optimism into your life.
 
JohnK 2-23-2021
 
stick man hears about optimistsOverheard: “Optimism is the madness of insisting that all is well when we are miserable”
                          ~Voltaire
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for talking to an optimist

Is Your Money Mindset Setting You Up for Failure?

You feel you can trust your mindset when you begin a new endeavor. But is there a devil in the details?
 
We’re looking down the road in this GenuLines report on how your money attitude might set you up for a crash. 
 

Is Your Money Mindset Setting You Up for Failure?

dollars for money mindsetYou want to make more money. You see the lavish lifestyles of celebrities and other famous people.
 
You’d like to have some of that for yourself. But, is your drive for money blinding you to the important things in your life?
 
 
 
It’s often said that if you do something you love, the money will follow. That can happen if you approach whatever you love with passion.
 
Then again, if making money is your driving force, how will you do that? You’re likely to chase the dollar from one job to the next or from one opportunity to the next.
 
You’ll get seduced by false offers of riches. Over time, you’ll look back and see how little you accomplished.
 
You may be successful in the short term. You’ll get that extra dollar from a new job or you’ll squeeze a quick buck from your business.
 
But, you’ll keep searching for more money.
 
 
image about money mindset

 

Experience

It’s possible that if you lack the experience at your new job you won’t be able to handle it. In other words, you didn’t give your previous level enough time to develop a foundation.
 
You jumped ahead, and now you’re unclear what to do. It’s a concept known as the Peter Principle, named after the person who came up with the idea, Peter Drucker.
 
Money isn’t as important as a lot of folks believe. For instance, what good is having a high-paying job when you have to work 80-90 hours a week?
 
What kind of life is that?
 
Many people who do this, look back at their lives and wonder why they did it. While they may have a lot of money when they get older, they might end up quite unhappy.
 
Or the workload needed to reach your goal gets you to an early grave. In that case the money they earned is useless.
 
If you are happy with what you are doing, money becomes a secondary priority. People do need money to live, and you shouldn’t settle for working for less than you’re worth.
 
Get to the point where you can balance a decent amount of money with doing something that you enjoy. Then expect to live a more satisfying life.
 
JohnK 2-15-2021
 
Stick figure hears about motneyOverheard: There is a gigantic difference between earning a great deal of money and being rich.
                                ~Marlene Dietrich
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for talking about money
 

Find the Source of Your Motivation

Lack of motivation can throw cold water on the best of plans. So let GenuLines help keep you on the path toward realizing exactly what you want in life. 

(Listen to this article by clicking here)

Find the Source of Your Motivation

You get your work assignment. You know what you have to do.
 
You’ve got to get started – but somehow, you lack the motivation to get off square one.
 
Success won’t be had without motivation.

Where’s the source of your motivation?

man thinking about motivationWhere can you turn for the inspiration that will propel you forward? We’re all different and we’re all motivated by different things.
 
You may get motivated by visualizing completion of the task and reaching the goal. There may be a job promotion in it for you and a bigger paycheck.
 
 
Or you want to finish another chapter in the book you’re writing, or you look to lose five pounds by the end of the week. Seeing the goal in your mind could motivate you toward success.

Visualize completion

Never lose sight of your ultimate goal. Know you’re going to get what you deserve and push forward with renewed motivation.
 
You know that success is not only an option but is a real fact. Keep this in mind and motivation comes easier.
 
Preparation 
Motivation without the skills to achieve your goals is not enough. If you know you’re lacking something to move forward motivation is hard to summon.
 
Knowledge fuels motivation, and to a lesser extent, so does persistence.
 
Change your environment
New surroundings often give you a renewed outlook on your life. It can be something simple.
 
Put a new plant in your home or office, hang a new picture or open the curtains and let in the light.
 
This also includes surrounding yourself with positive people. When you’re around positive and successful friends their attitude rubs off on you.
 
You absorb their energy. But you’ll also absorb the energy of negative people or depressing surroundings.
 
Other methods
Find the source of your motivation and re-evaluate your tasks. Brainstorm and look for new information.
 
You can do this by taking a break. Go for a walk, exercise, work in the yard or relax with an inspirational book.
 
Using your brain in different ways will stimulate it. And stimulation leads to motivation.
 
Do something for others
When we do for others we find motivation within ourselves. Many times the way to achieve your goal is to assist others in reaching theirs.
 
Seek to serve and you’ll become energized and motivated when people rely on you. Disappoint them and you disappoint yourself – and you’re not going to let that happen, are you?
 
Listen
Some find a motivational source by talking or reading aloud to themselves. Keep an inspirational book handy at all times.
 
When you actually hear the positive affirmations they become more effective.
 
Motivation comes from many different sources. Look within and find what works for you.
 
Believe in yourself. Look forward to the good that will come into your life.
 
Do these things and expect motivation to come your way..
 
JohnK 2-1-2021
 
Stick figure hears about motivationOverheard: “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great”
                                    ~Zig Ziglar
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for talking about motivation
 

Is Staying In Your Comfort Zone Holding You Back?

Your comfort zone has a way of betraying you. I mean, it’s supposed to be a comfortable place, right?

Let GenuLines show you how it might be working against you. 

(Listen to this article by clicking here)

Is Staying In Your Comfort Zone Holding You Back?

We’ve heard a lot about getting out of our comfort zone. But have you ever thought about why you should?
 
After all, it’s a place where we feel safe and in control. 
 
It’s where we can predict what will happen and how we will feel. There won’t be any surprises that we can’t deal with.
 
So why would you feel compelled or even want to get out of your comfort zone? You need to do it because that would be key to your personal growth and happiness.
 

 

 

 

 

The benefits

Stepping out of that zone helps you build up your self-confidence and the way you view yourself.
 
Is being there holding you back from living a fulfilled life and growing in your career? The answer is yes.
 
It can also keep you from realizing and achieving your desires. You avoid challenges and you don’t have to rise to any new levels.
 
Here are 3 ways this is holding you back.
 

1. It’s keeping you from personal growth

When you’re afraid of something, staying in your comfort zone keeps you from facing that fear.
 
Then you suffer from it forever or until you do face it. You sidestep situations that would force you to face the fear as a way of overcoming it.
 
For example, say you have a fear of public speaking. It could keep you from taking a job that requires you to speak in front of others.
 
You hesitate even though it’s a step up on your career ladder.
 

2. Your happiness suffers

You might be prone to struggle with self-confidence and self-esteem issues. These problems can grow unless you begin to address them.
 
Stepping outside your comfort zone helps you build self-confidence. You see yourself in a better light.
 
When you’re confident and have good self-esteem, you’re happier. For example, if you’re not confident in your abilities, you may fear trying something new.
 
This drags down your confidence. You feel less competent and it’s making you unhappy.
 

3. Your comfort zone can make you feel trapped and unhealthy

Often our comfort zone keeps us doing bad habits out of fear. You might want to be more active, run a marathon, feel fewer aches and pains and go on adventures.
 
But to do any of these things means doing something that is outside your comfort zone.
 
For example, you want to run a short marathon. It’s always been a dream of yours, but you procrastinate and make excuses why you can’t.
 
You’re too out of shape. You don’t have time. You’re too old.
 
But the real reason is that you’re afraid to get out of your comfort zone and begin working with a trainer. As a result, you continue to eat unhealthily and you gain weight.
 
You lose muscle tone and put your dream on the back burner. At some point, your health takes a hit.
 
Staying in your comfort zone holds you back from living a life you love, from being happy, and from growing. You end up letting your fears rule.
 
And that’s a recipe for mediocrity.
 
JohnK 1-25-2021
 
Stick figure hears about comfort zoneOverheard: “Dare to learn, to be different, to set your goals, to move out of your comfort zone, to be persistent.”
                                          ~ Unknown
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for talking about comfort zone