Be Brave...Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone? Whether it's a new challenge, a difficult conversation, or simply admitting that something doesn’t feel right, human nature will often tell us to play it safe and familiar - don't rock the boat. This instinct can sometimes be to our longer-term detriment.
Taking care of your health often involves stepping outside of your comfort zone. Admitting to yourself that you need help takes guts. And then there's the consultation, where you might need to talk about things that feel deeply personal, a bit 'icky'; you might have to broach symptoms or behaviours that you have never aired before. But it's really important to push through your reservations, because those moments of discomfort are where the path to wellness begins. At Winchester GP, we want you to be absolutely certain - our service is about support, not judgement. And, by the way, that thing that you can scarcely bring yourself to say out loud—our doctors have more than likely heard it dozens, if not hundreds, of times.
Still hesitating? Maybe thinking that putting yourself first is selfish or overindulgent? It's at this point that we invoke the flight safety briefing protocol: put your own mask on first before helping others. Prioritising your health is the opposite of selfish—it's what enables you to be there for the people in your life who really matter.
And whilst we are on the subject of personal growth and getting out of your comfort zone, our own Dr Catherine is currently doing exactly that. On 1st May, she will be taking part in the Cardiff HYROX competition—a seriously demanding (aka frankly bonkers) fitness challenge involving 8 × 1 km runs, punctuated by a different strength/endurance workout. The list includes sled pushes, lunges, and something called a ski erg... and I think I've developed a psychosomatic stitch just typing those out! No doubt Catherine will have a few “what on earth am I doing?” moments both in training and in the race itself. Luckily, she has a very excellent “why” to carry her through—she has a fundraising goal for Macmillan Cancer Support, a cause close to many of our hearts.
Catherine, we are full of admiration and wish you the very best of luck! And, just in case any of our patients feel moved to top up the total, and help her through those last agonising reps, the link to her fundraising page can be found here.
Wishing you an excellent week, with the ideal mix of comfort and constructive discomfort.
Gemma, Tom and all at Winchester GP
