"Get Out of your Comfort Zone"

Anas Papazachariou, Research Manager

“Sometimes it’s easy to feel that the normal state of your life is the right one, because that is simply what you are used to. For that reason, I try to regularly ‘take 10 minutes’ to do something that will encourage me to get out of my comfort zone. 

I do something that I normally wouldn’t do, or plan for something that I’ve always wanted to do, but my current work-life balance won’t allow me to pursue – it’s a combination of dreaming, planning and revising at the same time. Though sometimes it might make you feel uncomfortable, it gives you the opportunity to take things into your own hands, drive your life in the direction you want it to go in and take some positive steps to improve your mental wellbeing.

Sometimes it is hard to distinguish whether the situation you are currently in is toxic and affecting your wellbeing, Unfortunately, by the time you realise this, it might be more difficult to find the strength required to change it. This is why it’s so important to stop and challenge yourself every so often. 

So I’d encourage anyone who’s ‘taking ten minutes’ this week to think of each ten-minute break in a similar way as they would consider the advice the HSE gives when you are working long hours on your computer – only this time, you’re improving your wellbeing rather than your eyes or your posture.”