When you move to a new state, you get a fresh start where you can explore who you are as a person or re-invent yourself. However, to take advantage of the endless possibilities, you must step out of your comfort zone.
If you are anxious, stepping out of your comfort zone may be challenging, and you probably don’t know where to start.
Below are some tips that can help you on your personal growth journey after moving to a new state.
Do Something You Normally Wouldn’t
In the back of our minds, we all have a few things we would not consider doing because fear, worry, or embarrassment is holding us back. For some, it might be rock climbing; for others, it could be singing karaoke at the bar. But, regardless of what that activity is, you can find it somewhere in your state, and you should do it.
You must force yourself into uncomfortable situations to get out of your comfort zone. Once you conquer a significant fear like rock climbing, the smaller tasks like meeting new people become much more manageable.
Talk To Strangers
Growing up, the “never talk to strangers” rule was probably drilled into your head. Although this rule could be detrimental to a child’s safety, it engraves a fear into our minds that doesn’t go away once we are older and no longer need to be as weary.
The truth is, most people are genuinely kind, and when you avoid human interaction out of fear, you close yourself off, and your comfort zone shrinks with it. A comfort zone is essential because it keeps you safe, but if your bubble is too small, you become deprived of life’s experiences.
So, start expanding your comfort zone by talking to strangers. You don’t have to invite random people to your home; you just have to say hello. When you are in a long line at the grocery store, pumping your gas, or walking down the street, say hi, ask how someone’s day is going, or give a compliment. As you make small talk with strangers and see that nothing terrible happened because of it, you become more open to more meaningful interactions.
Join Clubs
If you have some interests or hobbies, consider joining some clubs related to them. Some may find this uncomfortable because it showcases their talents to the outside world, leaving room for judgment. Contrary to how you might feel, allowing yourself to be vulnerable can be good for you.
If you fail, you learn from your mistakes, and your skin thickens. But, on the other hand, if you succeed, you gain self-confidence and motivation to keep going.
Additionally, in your new club or group, you will connect with individuals who share the same interests and add to your knowledge of the hobby.
Take Care of Your Mental Health
Although many people struggle to step out of their comfort zone, the issue is more prominent in individuals with mental health conditions like anxiety. If you have anxiety, you should put energy toward improving your mental health so that your baseline is naturally more comfortable.
Some ways to work on your mental health are:
Going to therapy- A therapist will not only help you manage your conditions but help you develop the confidence needed to step out of your comfort zone. The doctor will help you get to the bottom of your issues and then overcome them.
Using Cannabis- Cannabis is known for its ability to help many mental and physical conditions. One of the most common conditions treated with medical marijuana is anxiety. The plant is also known for its ability to help a person expand their mind and feel more relaxed, which would help with getting out of their comfort zone.
Self-care- Practicing self-care can help boost your self-confidence while helping you relax. Some ways to practice self-care include going to the spa, shopping, or getting a massage.
Conclusion
When you move to a new state, you’re essentially starting over. You can use this fresh start to re-invent yourself, make new friends, and discover new interests. However, you must step out of your comfort zone to make these changes.
So, how do you step out of your comfort zone when moving to a new state? You can try doing new things that you might have previously avoided, join groups or clubs, mingle with strangers, and take care of your mental health.
