Sometimes we might think of discomfort as something to fix, such as stress, uncertainty, or emotional unease, as signals to “do something” or “make it go away.” Yet, a key skill in therapy, and in life, is learning to sit with discomfort without immediately trying to change it. Recent research has emphasized the importance of holding space and sitting with our emotions, creating a safe environment where feelings can be acknowledged without judgment (Kealy &; Hebron, 2024).
Why does this matter? When we constantly react to discomfort, we may miss important insights about our emotions, needs, or limits. Research on adaptability and stress management shows that being able to tolerate uncertainty and challenge is closely tied to emotional resilience and long-term well-being (Van der Merwe et al., 2023). In other words, discomfort isn’t just a problem to solve, it can be an opportunity to grow.
Practicing this skill can start small. Notice a moment of tension or unease and pause. Take a breath. Label what you are feeling: “I feel anxious” or “I feel uncertain.” Resist the urge to immediately fix it. Over time, you may notice that simply observing the feeling reduces its intensity, rather than reacting automatically. Therapy can support this process by providing a safe space to explore uncomfortable feelings, experiment with noticing them without judgment, and gradually build tolerance. This can be helpful for people who might experience anxiety, burnout, or high-functioning distress, those moments when life feels fine on the surface but overwhelming underneath. Sitting with discomfort doesn’t mean enduring pain indefinitely. It is about practicing curiosity, patience, and flexibility. Each time you allow yourself to experience a feeling without rushing to “solve” it, you strengthen
your capacity to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.
In a world that constantly urges us to fix, achieve, and control, learning to be with discomfort can be a radical act of self-care and a skill that lasts a lifetime. If you would like to learn more about psychotherapy in Etobicoke at Balanced Mind and Wellness, please visit our FAQ section or contact us directly. You can book online, fill out our contact page, email us at
info@balancedmindandwellness.com, or call us at 416-232-2780. Our admin team is happy to speak to you. We are here to help and answer any questions you may have!
References
Kealy, E., &; Hebron, C. (2024). Holding space and sitting with emotions: The lived experiences of physiotherapists using psychological strategies in pain care. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 40(12), 2889–2902. https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2023.2300400
Van der Merwe, A., Barnes, R., &; Nel, M. (2023). Becoming comfortable with the uncomfortable: The tale of adaptability. The South African Journal of Physiotherapy, 79(1), 1889. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajp.v79i1.1889
