After our iceberg dodging and a few too many chocolate chip cookies, it was time!

We had a few minutes to get ready so we raced off to our rooms giddy with the idea of jumping into 42F degree sea water with ice floating all around.

My life vest was damp and scratchy and the deck was cold and wet.

As we climbed into the zodiac one by one, the sun shone down on us warming our much too exposed skin.

• How long would this take?
• How long would I be in the water?
• For how long would I be cold??

The zodiac pulled away from the ship and took off towards our jump spot. Goosebumps popped up all over my arms and legs as the chilly wind came rushing at us.

Once aligned with the "receiving" boat (the one with the dry, fluffy towels) it was GO time!

2 teenagers scrambled to go first and then a couple from another family took the plunge.

My brain was not thrilled with the idea of voluntary cold.

Our guide offered some advice: "Take a big deep breath right before you jump! You don't want to suck in a bunch of water once you get in there!"

Great advice, for sure! Although most humans have a diving reflex that kicks in to keep them from breathing under water, the gasp that comes from the shock of sudden cold can sometimes override that. No drowning on this trip!

"You're up!"

...

Sometimes it feels hard to get out of your comfort zone.

I recently read something (which might be a famous quote?) that says

I like that! I mean jumping into water requires both feet literally but I'd only committed to a few seconds submerged, not an actual "swim" or something scarier.

It can feel that way when discussing things that feel outside of your scope too.

But with someone cheering you on and waiting with support on the other side, those conversations can become easier. Especially if you start small!

There are tons of resources to help you feel more comfortable with medication and neuroscience discussions with clients and I share a few with you every month!

I'm sharing 2 special links that have nothing to do with medicine, but everything to do with your brain's ability to expand your comfort zone, even just a little bit, for more excitement and fulfillment. Really.

Here is Terri Trespicio's fabulous article on half truths that don't work and a podcast where she discusses her own ideas about how we should approach our comfort zones.​

And back to the story...

"You're up!"

I hopped up on the deck and stepped onto the warm zodiac float. I smiled and waved at the photo boat and then took a GIANT breath of air before cannon-balling gracefully (ha!) into the frigid blue water.

I looked up towards the bright surface and tool a few big strokes before dragging myself up the ladder where I was handed a nice dry towel and a warm kiss of sunshine.

Was it a life changing experience?

Nope. It was just really cold water. With ice in it.

Which isn't quite inside my comfort zone now, but it's not so scary or far away either.

What about you, Reader?

Is there something in your work that could use a little expansion of your comfort zone?

Or maybe you just want to shake something up in your life by stepping one foot outside of your comfort zone.

Reply and tell me what it is! It helps to have a cheerleader (and a warm, dry, virtual towel) and I'm great at that!

Cheers to healthy brains,

Dr. B

Jessica Beachkofsky, MD

Your friendly online psychiatrist!

P.S. The water was very cold. I shivered for a little while but I think I was only cold for about 30 minutes. And I didn't drown! 😊

P.P.S. Since school is starting for some of us/patients/clients, next week's video will talk about ADHD!

P.P.P.S. I'm working on a Google Sheet to share of all the topics in my emails. That way if you don't have time to read and email (or the brain space to remember it) you can just check the list to see if I've discussed what you're looking for!