The Comfort Test: 7 Things That Might Actually Make You Feel Better (Part 1)

The Expert Podcast

Episode Overview

With rising stress, anxiety, and conflict in today's world, we're exploring simple daily practices that might help improve your well-being. This episode introduces three easy-to-try exercises that don't take long but could have a meaningful impact on how you feel.

What You'll Learn

• Why try these exercises? - Everyone is dealing with more stress and mental health challenges than ever before
• No requirements - These are experiments to see what works for you personally
• Simple daily practices - Easy things you can do that might create positive change

The Three Comfort Tests
Test #1: The 90-Minute Phone Detox

• Put your mobile device somewhere inaccessible for 90 minutes
• Do whatever you'd normally do - watch TV, walk, clean, yard work
• Don't lock it up or do anything extreme, just put it in a drawer
• Plan for a safe time when you won't need emergency contact
• What to expect:
  • Initial anxiety about not having your phone nearby
  • Discovering how often you reach for your device
  • Finding ways to cope without your "mental pacifier"
  • Realizing the world doesn't end without constant connectivity
• Benefits: Mental exercise in existing without digital dependency

Test #2: The One-Day Sugar and Wheat Experiment

• Try going one full day without sugar and wheat
• Important disclaimer: Not medical advice - consult doctors for health conditions
• What to expect:
  • Possible cravings and anxiety initially
  • Inability to reach for comfort foods like donuts
  • Potential sense of well-being (varies by person)
• The point: Do your own research on yourself
• Worst case: You're cranky for a day and go back to normal eating

Test #3: The Gift of Listening

• Setup: Find a close friend, colleague, or relative you'll spend 20-30 minutes with
• The question to ask: "Is there something you'd love to talk about - a story, experience, or opinion - that you don't have an outlet for?"
• What you're offering:
  • 10-15 minutes of completely selfish conversation time
  • Stories they've told before but friends are tired of hearing
  • Opinions others don't understand or agree with
  • Something they feel bashful or embarrassed about sharing
• Your role:
  • Just listen without agreeing, disagreeing, or offering opinions
  • Acknowledge with head nods but don't give advice or judgment
  • Let them stream of consciousness ramble
• Only question to ask afterward: "How did that feel to talk about that?"
• Potential outcomes:
  • Creates deeper connection between you
  • Gives them relief from bottled-up thoughts
  • They feel appreciated for having that space
• Important notes:
  • Keep it appropriate and non-toxic
  • Don't expect them to return the favor immediately
  • This isn't about tit-for-tat - do it as a gift

Key Takeaways

• These exercises might feel difficult or annoying at first
• Any or all of these could turn out to be disasters - that's okay
• The goal is trying something different and engaging with new experiences
• Even "failed" experiments teach you something about yourself
• You're doing your own personal research on what makes you feel better

Try It Yourself
We'd love to hear about your experiences with these comfort tests. Share your stories in the comments below, and check our website for additional outlets where you can practice the "rambling exercise" if you need someone to listen.

Next Episode: Part 2 will feature 3-4 more simple practices that might help you feel better!