When you find yourself at a stable point in your life, it can be easy to fall into a stagnant routine. Granted, monotony is far from the worst thing in the world, but life tends to get less and less fulfilling when you’re not trying new things, visiting new places, or generally expanding your horizons. Working your way out of your comfort zone can be challenging, but in most cases, you’ll find it to be rewarding in numerous ways.
Exploring the World
For many people that take regular vacations, exploring diverse areas of the world is their biggest motivator. Visiting different cities and countries gives you the chance to learn new things, gain self-confidence, learn about other cultures, and see unforgettable sights. Plus, if you travel alone, it will help you become a more self-sufficient and capable person as you get out of your comfort zone and learn to be independent.
Having Unique Experiences
When you open yourself up to trying new things, you’ll usually end up having truly amazing experiences. Maybe, you’ll try something thrilling that
you’ve never dared to do, like learning to skydive. It may be scary to step off the plane and leap into the sky, but it’s something you’ll remember fondly for the rest of your life. Granted, you’re not going to fall in love with every new activity you sample, but that process of trial and error is how you find the hobbies and interests that will become lifelong passions. However, you have to be willing to take that first step out the door.
Meeting New People
You never know when you’re going to come across a new friend or romantic prospect, and expanding your horizons with travel and new activities is an excellent way to meet all sorts of people. If you’re able to forge a new connection with someone while doing something you both enjoy, you’ll already have something in common that can help create a connection. Staying sheltered within a familiar routine can feel cozy, but you aren’t going to get to know new people or add variety to your life if you don’t step out of that bubble now and then. You may just meet someone or discover a passion that leads to a much happier and more fulfilling life.
Mental Reset
Today, most people do not actually take the vacation they need or should take. Yes, they may take some time off work, but they don’t actually get away far enough or long enough to allow them to recharge their mental batteries and truly let go of the day-to-day stress they carry from all of their responsibilities. Unfortunately, this is more prevalent in the United States than it is in many other countries, including the European countries. There they are offered a minimum of 4 weeks off and quite often they are still paid for at least the majority of their time off. Also, no one has to worry about their job being taken from underneath them or that they will not be able to progress if they leave for that long.
Whereas in the U.S., it has been common for people to only take a maximum of 2 weeks’ vacation. All the while people worry about not having a job when they come back or that they won’t be able to be up for their next promotion because they didn’t dedicate themselves enough to the company. But luckily things are changing with each new generation that enters the workplace. With a little more time this will significantly benefit all employees. Vacation should be something enjoyed and taken advantage of, so do just that. Stop worrying about work while you are relaxing That’s the whole reason for a vacation.
Life is short, and filling it with unique experiences is one way to truly make the most of your time on this planet. Think about this: what do you really have to lose by exploring new places and activities? If you try something and decide it’s not for you, you can always go back to your comfort zone, but the upside in giving things a chance is tremendous
About the Author
Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @RachelleWilber; https://www.facebook.com/people/Rachelle-Wilber/100009221637700/
