I awoke this morning delighted that it was Sunday.  I love Sundays.  Even though it was after 7am, it was still quiet.  I was so comfortable.  My bed, my organic cotton sheets and “comforter,” the crisp morning air coming through my open window, gentle light flowing in from behind my curtains…all of my senses were heightened.  I smiled.  I felt safe, secure and at peace.

What in your life brings you comfort?  Are you aware of those things that relax your nervous system and soothe your soul?  If not, perhaps you can observe the experiences in your life - even those that seem simple.  Sometimes, in the simplicity, we find the greatest satisfaction.

Then, of course, there’s the opposite feeling - that of discomfort.  One basic definition of discomfort is “mental or bodily distress.”  In certain circumstances, we can use this definition to avoid potential suffering (for example, we might stop running if feel discomfort in our knee).  Other definitions of discomfort include: “uneasiness, nervousness, inconvenience.”  Or, merely, “lack of comfort.”

There’s a good portion of the time when I experience being uncomfortable - or out of my comfort zone.  Whether working on a new project, teaching a class to an unfamiliar group, anticipating a coaching session, paying bills…as Gilda Radner said, “It’s always something.”

The contrast between comfort and discomfort can be stark.  And, as Maslow states, there are certain needs, such as food, clothing and shelter that, when left unmet, threaten our survival.   But, is there such a thing as healthy discomfort?

Our sense of comfort or discomfort can be a useful tool in navigating our lives.  When we are too comfortable, we can get stuck - meaning our comfort is actually creating discomfort.  From this perspective, discomfort can be an opportunity to grow, develop and evolve.  And, a time to surrender to something new, experience the unfamiliar and embrace a little uneasiness.

Where in your life are you uncomfortable?  Is this a place where you are stretching beyond the familiar and choosing to expand?   Could it be healthy discomfort?

And the day came when the risk (it took) to remain tight in the bud was more painful than
the risk it took to blossom.
–Anais Nin

In support of you stepping out of your comfort zone.

My grandmother used to say, “If you can’t sleep, rest is the next best thing.”

I hear her voice and wisdom often when I’m “supposed to be sleeping” but am feeling anxious, overwhelmed or wired.  So, instead of worrying about not sleeping, I rest.  Usually, my body relaxes and I fall into slumber.

As a person who teaches others how to stay in balance, I often have to dig deep into my toolbox to make sure I’m practicing what I preach.

While I delight in sleeping eight hours a night, there are times when my schedule somehow gets in the way.  Does that ever happen to you?  It might be because I’ve said “yes” to some great work opportunities and just happen to have evening activities on my calendar too.  Or, perhaps I have to catch up on admin or want to squeeze a workout into the morning before my day begins.  Whatever the reason, my shut-eye sometimes suffers.

The first few days of less-than-ideal sleep, my adrenaline, optimism and general good health carries me along.  Then, little-by-little the fatigue sets in.  Every part of me feels like I need to rest and relax.  So, whenever possible, with my grandmother’s words ringing in my ears, I give myself ten minutes to lie down.  If that’s not an option, I’ll just sit, close my eyes and breathe.  The result?  I feel better.

We all know that managing stress is easier when we sleep well, eat mindfully and exercise, but sometimes it’s challenging to do when things get hectic.

The good news is that we can introduce rest and relaxation into our day.  Whether you are taking a few minutes to do deep breathing, lying down and closing your eyes, sitting and looking a beautiful image, taking a brief walk, listening to a song you love, meditating, saying a prayer/affirmation or playing with a pet, there are dozens of quick and effective ways to calm the mind, relax the body and rejuvenate the spirit.

What tools can you use today to help keep you centered and in balance?

Remember what my grandmother said. “If you can’t sleep, rest is the next best thing.”  She was right.

In support,

Coach Marie Elena Rigo