Fun Outside the Comfort Zone

In my blog post last week, I wrote about pushing yourself to step out of your comfort zone, specifically in regard to social situations. Going out for ‘compulsory cocktails’ with my Miscarriages of Justice co-workers last week was one example I had of initially convincing yourself not to try something but which ended up being incredibly worth it once I pushed myself to go.

Similarly, on Monday this week I was feeling a little tired and a little down about the usual third year stresses so initially turned down the offer to go to a gig held by the Oxfam Society that night, but after deciding that there was more chance of me enjoying myself out than if I stayed home alone, I decided to join my friends there a little later. I’m so glad I did this because it pushed me to let go of self-doubt and to soak up the good vibes of the evening. I also got to see some students perform, speak to people I don’t otherwise see very much, and gain the general good feeling of giving something to a charitable cause. The fact that the event was a student run concert in a local bar also gave it a unique and communal feeling which made the experience more valuable than weekly club nights.

Little student run events like this are really worth looking out for! It makes a really refreshing change to standard social events and is a really great way to embrace your university. Something is always going on so looking out for them is also a nice way to have something to look forward to outside of academic and work stresses. From turning some of my stressful moments into positive experiences in this way I’ve also found that there’s very much a place for chilled nights in watching Netflix but still a very welcome place for pushing past your comfort zone to enjoy social events.