Positively Pebbles: It’s Okay to Live In Your Comfort Zone

When I was looking for a quote to post above, I googled “quotes about comfort,” and was surprised by the results. The vast majority of them had to do with comfort being the enemy, to embrace being uncomfortable, distrusting comfort, and way more negative things about comfort than positive. 

I couldn’t find anything that expressed the message I wanted to convey, so I did the next best thing, wrote one myself. There are a million takes on how being too comfortable is a bad thing, so I want to balance that out with some of the good things about comfort.  

I recently came across a post in defense of comfort. This specific post was by Noona’s Noochi, a therapist who talks about K-dramas, K-pop, and mental health. The info she shared had to do with the benefits of “comfort shows,” and watching the same thing over and over. As someone who has a whole list of “comfort shows,” this was fascinating to discover.  

So whether you’re rewatching Grey’s Anatomy, The Office, or like one of my friends, Bridgerton for the 735th time, fear not, it can be a good thing. With the heaviness of winter, many of us are struggling right now, and rewatching our favorite shows just feels good. 

Noona’s Noochi confirms that rewatching is a form of emotional regulation that gives our brains a chance to exhale. And with all of the awful things happening in the world, she says that when life in unpredictable, predictable stories calm your mind and body. It’s a sense of psychological safety. But we also need to remember the balance. She says if it’s making you feel steadier, softer, and more grounded, it’s healthy. But if it’s replacing rest, connection, or self-care, you should pause and check-in with yourself. You just may be doing too much. As someone who has been there, I get it. Balance is key.  

I want to encourage you to find balance in comfort as well. While the rest of the world is telling you to get out of your comfort zone, that comfort is the enemy of progress, etc., know that resting in things that comfort you is beneficial as well.

I do believe in getting out of your comfort zone as well, but don’t neglect those comforting moments as well. Rewatch those shows and movies, re-read your favorite books, eat those comfort foods, and lean on your “comfort people.” I promise you, it’s worth it.  

Positively yours,
Pebbles 💜 

Make sure to check out The Positively Pebbles podcast, available here, or wherever you get your podcasts.