Why Doing Uncomfortable Things is Actually Good for You

 When you think about self-care, you probably imagine cozy things: warm tea, fuzzy blankets, a massage. And yes—those things matter, but there’s another side to self-care that doesn’t get enough credit: choosing discomfort on purpose.

Whether it’s stepping into a cold plunge, having a hard conversation in therapy, or trying something new that scares you a little—doing the thing you don’t want to do can actually be one of the most healing things for your brain.

What Happens in the Brain When We Get Uncomfortable...

When we voluntarily expose ourselves to discomfort, our brain gets a chance to practice resilience.
Neuroscience tells us that these moments of controlled stress:

• Activate the prefrontal cortex, improving focus, emotional regulation, and problem-solving.

• Help retrain the amygdala (the part of the brain that triggers fear and anxiety), making it less reactive over time.

• Trigger a dopamine response after the challenge, boosting motivation and mood.

In other words: doing the hard thing now helps your brain handle future stress with more ease and clarity.

Why It’s Good for Your Mental Health

Intentionally choosing discomfort builds more than just brain power—it strengthens our mental health muscles too.

When you do something that feels hard but safe:

• You prove to yourself that you can handle it.

• You create evidence that growth is possible.

• You gain a greater sense of agency and self-trust.

That’s true whether you're…

• Showing up to therapy even when you feel emotionally tired

• Saying “no” when people-pleasing would be easier

• Sitting in an ice bath or sauna to build stress tolerance

• Starting a new job, routine, or relationship that pushes your comfort zone

Growth and healing rarely happen when we’re cozy and unchallenged. But they do happen when we engage with life—even when it's uncomfortable.

Discomfort ≠ Punishment

This isn’t about suffering or forcing yourself into pain.
It’s about stretching with intention—choosing situations that challenge your mind and body in a safe, supported way.

Discomfort becomes healing when it’s:

• Voluntary

• Grounded in purpose

• Paired with support (like therapy, breathwork, or recovery time)

And over time, what felt uncomfortable can become empowering. That’s real self-care.

Ready to stretch your edges, safely?
Whether it’s showing up to your first session or trying something new in your healing journey, IOME is here to walk with you—every step of the way.

Come exactly as you are. We’ll meet you there.