The science behind productive discomfort
When we push ourselves outside of our comfort zones, the resulting discomfort can actually benefit us — if we handle it in a healthy way. Enter the productive discomfort zone, where challenges become a tool for growth and improvement.
According to Kelly McGonigal, a health psychologist and author of The Upside of Stress, embracing stress can lead to positive outcomes. When we view stress as an opportunity for growth rather than a threat, we tap into our body’s ability to rise to the occasion.
Think about how a challenging workout builds physical strength: your muscles have to push past their normal limits to adapt and grow stronger. Similarly, cognitive or emotional discomfort helps us build resilience, improve problem-solving skills, and develop stronger relationships.
To make the most of the productive discomfort zone, managing the intensity matters. Too much stress, especially if it’s chronic, can lead to burnout. But manageable doses of stress work wonders, helping us develop important skills like adaptability and perseverance.
So, how do we create this productive discomfort for ourselves? Here are a few strategies.
Tackle a stretch goal. Choose a task that feels just outside your comfort zone. It should be challenging but achievable.
Engage in deep focus. Set aside time to immerse yourself in complex tasks.
Challenge your assumptions. Step into a situation where you don’t have all the answers and learn to adapt on the fly.
Take on emotional risks. Engage in difficult conversations or put yourself in new social situations to expand your emotional intelligence.
When we begin to embrace discomfort and view it as an opportunity, we unlock new pathways for growth — ultimately leading to better stress resilience and peak performance.
"Psychological flexibility research trends"
"The upside of stress: Why stress is good for you" Kelly McGonigal