For years, we’ve been bombarded with the mantra that growth only happens outside our comfort zones.

While stepping into the unknown can undoubtedly foster resilience and new experiences, it’s time to challenge the prevailing myth that staying in your comfort zone is inherently bad.

In reality, there are moments when remaining within the familiar can be not just acceptable but beneficial.

Psychology reveals that comfort zones can provide essential emotional safety, allowing us to recharge, reflect, and strengthen our foundations before tackling the next challenge.

Here are seven specific circumstances where psychology gives a big thumbs up to staying within your familiar territory.

1) When you’re experiencing high levels of stress

Let’s start with a scenario we’re all too familiar with – stress.

I’m talking when deadlines are piling up at work, your personal life is in a whirlwind, and you’re feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders.

At such times, pushing yourself to try out new things or step into unfamiliar territory might not be the best idea.

Research shows that high-stress levels can impair our cognitive abilities, making it harder for us to adapt to new situations or learn new skills.

In these moments, staying within your comfort zone can be a form of self-care. It can allow you to:

• Regain control
• Reduce anxiety
• Focus on your mental wellbeing

So know that it’s okay to hit the pause button when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Self-preservation is just as important as personal growth.

2) When you’re going through major life changes

Ever heard of the saying, “When it rains, it pours?”

Well, I had one of those years where it seemed like everything that could change, did.

I moved to a new city, started a new job and even ended a long-term relationship. It felt like my entire world was shifting beneath my feet.

In the midst of all this, I decided to challenge myself further by signing up for Mandarin classes. But instead of feeling invigorated or excited, I felt drained and overwhelmed.

I later learned that this is why…

Major life changes are stressful enough on their own. They require a lot of mental and emotional energy as we adapt to new surroundings or circumstances.

In these situations, pushing ourselves to step outside our comfort zone can lead to burnout.

Had I known this sooner, I would have given myself the time to adjust to the changes in my life before taking on an additional challenge. 

3) When self-doubt starts creeping in

Here’s something I’ve learned about self-doubt.

It’s a sneaky little devil. It creeps in quietly, whispering thoughts of “You can’t do this” or “You’re not good enough,” and before you know it, you’re second-guessing every decision you make.

I remember preparing for a public speaking event once. I was stepping so far out of my comfort zone that I could barely see it anymore.

The closer the event got, the louder my self-doubt became. And no matter how many positive affirmations I recited, I was still paralyzed with fear.

While it’s true that facing our fears can sometimes help us conquer them, forcing ourselves to face them when we’re already filled with self-doubt can do more harm than good.

How?

Well, it can reinforce our fears and make them seem bigger than they actually are.

So sometimes, when self-doubt is at its peak, it’s okay to retreat back into your comfort zone.

Give yourself some time to regain your confidence and remind yourself of your capabilities.

When you’re ready, you can step out again, knowing that your comfort zone will always be there for you to come back to if you need it.

4) When you need to recharge

I’m sure you’ve had those days, or perhaps even weeks, when everything feels too much.

You’re mentally and emotionally drained, and all you want to do is curl up on the couch with a good book or your favorite show.

Sound familiar?

These are the moments when your comfort zone can serve as a sanctuary. A place where you can unwind, rejuvenate, and most importantly, recharge.

The truth is, both our bodies and minds need downtime to function optimally. Continually pushing ourselves without taking the time to rest can lead to burnout, which can severely impact our health and happiness.

Sometimes, we simply need time to recharge our batteries and get ready for the next challenge life throws at us. 

5) When you’re mastering a skill

Have you ever tried to learn something new and found yourself struggling, despite putting in considerable effort and time?

Don’t worry, it’s not just you.

Psychologists refer to this as the “learning plateau,” a stage where your progress seems to stagnate even though you continue to practice. It’s a common phenomenon that occurs when we’re trying to master a new skill.

Here’s the interesting part.

Staying in your comfort zone can actually help you overcome this frustrating plateau.

When we practice skills we’re already comfortable with, we reinforce neural pathways in our brain, making us more proficient at those skills.

So if feel like you’re stuck in a rut while learning something new, take a step back and revisit an aspect of the skill that’s well within your comfort zone. You might be surprised to find how much it helps you progress.

6) When you’re healing from a loss or trauma

Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes, it throws major curveballs our way.

Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or recovering from a traumatic experience, these moments can leave us feeling vulnerable and uncertain.

During such times, your comfort zone can serve as a safe haven.

Familiar routines and environments provide a sense of security and help in the healing process. They offer a space for reflection, self-care, and gentle rebuilding without the additional stress of new challenges.

If you’re going through a tough time, know that there’s no rush to bounce back or move forward until you’re ready. Healing takes time and everyone’s journey is different.

7) When your gut tells you to

The most important circumstance when it’s okay to stay in your comfort zone?

When your intuition, your gut, tells you it’s the right thing to do.

These gut feelings are our body’s primal way of protecting us. They have been with us since the dawn of time, helping our ancestors avoid danger and make quick decisions.

Our intuition is a powerful tool that synthesizes all our experiences and knowledge in an instant to guide our actions.

If you ever feel a strong inner pull to retreat into your comfort zone, don’t dismiss it.

You know yourself better than anyone else does. Trust in your instincts and allow them to guide you. Your comfort zone is not just a safety net, but a barometer of your readiness to face new challenges and experiences.

Embracing the balance

If this article resonates with you, you might be pushing yourself too hard to step outside your comfort zone. And that’s okay. The first step towards change is recognizing the need for it.

Don’t view your comfort zone as a prison, but rather a home base. A place where you can rest, recharge, and regroup before facing the world again.

It’s about finding the balance between stepping out for growth and stepping back for self-care. It’s about listening to your intuition and honoring your mental and emotional needs.

Life is not a race, but a journey to be savored. So take your time, trust in your instincts, and embrace the balance between comfort and challenge.