I recently found myself running across Zion National Park, completing the epic Zion Traverse in one day: a 38-mile, point-to-point route that transects the entirety of the western part of the park.
Around mile 36, I had pulverized feet, a body struggling with dehydration and loss of appetite, and grappled with the question as to why I chose to do this to myself – and why I consider this type of “Type II fun” experience to be, well, enjoyable.
While ultrarunning may not be everyone’s cup of tea, humans have an ongoing flirtation with fear and anxiety. This might take the form of rollercoasters, horror movies, BASE jumping, Toastmasters, or going on a first date.
What can be gained by willingly seeking out discomfort, and why do we do it?
The Comfort Zone Isn’t Static
When we repeatedly seek out experiences that push the limits of what feels comfortable and familiar, we may experience anxiety at first – but then a process called habituation unfolds.
Habituation occurs when we become familiar with a situation, scenario, or activity, and naturally feel less anxious over time. One reason this happens is because we have built up confidence in our ability to navigate distress.
There is something empowering about tackling new challenges. Through repeated experience, situations that once felt overwhelming and anxiety-provoking can feel familiar or even easy.
There was a point in my running career in which running 38 miles through the desert would have felt as unlikely as journeying to the moon. Over the years, I’ve moved the needle on my running abilities bit by bit, starting with dozens of road races (ranging from 5k to marathons) and eventually branching out to ultramarathons and self-supported adventures.
Stepping outside of the comfort zone raises the question, “what’s next?”
Struggle Makes for Good Stories (And Gives the Run Meaning)
My run through Zion was full of challenges: hot daytime temperatures, long stretches without water sources, miles upon miles of talcum-powder fine sand, and 7000 feet of climbing.
More than that, I struggled through self-doubts, anxiety, and existential questions.
Had these challenges not been present, I also would not have had the opportunity to learn, transform, and grow. It simply would have felt like a just another run.
I exited the desert that night a stronger, more confident version of myself, and continued to reflect on lessons learned for days and weeks after.
Discomfort Drops You Fully into the Here and Now
Everyday life is full of distractions and multitasking. We spend so much of our lives on autopilot as we juggle competing priorities, and barely stay afloat in the process.
Discomfort fast tracks us to presence. At mile 36, I had no mental bandwidth to think about work on Monday, what time I needed to check in for my flight home, or the week’s grocery list. I was wholly aware of how badly my feet hurt, yes, but I was also fully present with my thoughts, emotions, and the breathtaking scenery around me.
Being in the here and now is something we can access at any moment, if we try. Experiencing any degree of discomfort is a reminder of how vivid and clarifying it can feel to just be here, right now.
Who Are You When It Gets Hard?
Fear and anxiety tend to shine a spotlight on our deepest insecurities, worries, and inner struggles. Distress also illuminates the core values that may lie underneath these insecurities.
Under pressure, we learn things about ourselves that we may not have learned otherwise – such as how strong, resilient, and capable we actually are. These lessons may not be immediately apparent, but come in the aftermath of the experience.
Confidence Is Transferable
I recently fell down a rabbit hole of watching tandem BASE jumping videos. It only took a few videos before I was completely mesmerized.
In every single video, the person (typically a novice) goes from extreme anxiety and panic to incredible elation, within the span of just a few seconds. Once they are safely on the ground, they seem like they can take on the world.
Whether it is jumping off a cliff or running across an entire National Park in a day, traveling far beyond what we ever expected from ourselves feels intoxicating. Suddenly, tasks that once felt arduous no longer seem so difficult, and it is natural to wonder, “what else have I been making harder than it needs to be?”
Moving Forward
I finished the Zion Traverse as the sun set over the desert, hobbling the final miles on feet worn down raw from the elements. The day was not quite as planned, and yet it felt entirely worth it. When we choose discomfort thoughtfully, we also choose opportunities for growth, meaning, presence, and feelings of vitality.
To be clear, we do not need to seek out suffering unnecessarily, and anxiety in the most severe forms can be hindering and not helpful. If anxiety, fear, or panic is getting in the way of daily functioning or causes you severe distress, consider reaching out to a therapist or mental health professional for support.
What’s something that scares you a little… and what might be waiting for you on the other side of it?
This post also appears on summerlandpsych.com.
To find a therapist, visit the Psychology Today Therapy Directory.
