This graphic by @dinosaurcouch is funny, but all too real for many of us who love to be comfortable (including myself). Going through the pandemic, when many of us were home a lot and sometimes anxious, I know that I spent much more time on the sofa than ever in my life.

Recently I watched a Foundation Training (FT) video with actor Jeff Bridges, where he said he wasn’t a big exercise person, because he was “addicted to comfort” (read more in this article). FT has become his go-to to regain strength and stability after a hard-fought battle with cancer and COVID.

What Jeff Bridges said helps him when moving through the exercises is to focus on the details of what he’s doing: feeling the feet on the ground, adjusting posture, noticing breathing, etc.

Last week I wrote about the difference between pain and discomfort, plus I always say “don’t do anything that hurts.” However, avoiding all effort is not healthy either.

Rest is important when you’re sick or recovering from an injury, but in order for us to maintain and improve mobility, flexibility, strength, balance, and resilience, we need to move and get uncomfortable sometimes. We can find our “edge,” mindfully explore what it feels like to move just beyond that comfort zone, then benefit from the results.

Be Well,

Eva