Written by John Dugan

It is a Friday night. After a long week of work, the weekend has finally arrived. You get a text from your friend saying they are meeting some people at a bar and ask if you want to join. You think about it. It was a long week. Your social battery is drained. You want to rest and recover.

Instead of going out with friends, you spend the night watching a movie on the couch, snuggled beneath your favorite blanket, and taking a break from the outside world. We have all been there. People want us to do things, but we would rather be comfortable in our own environment. 

Prioritizing comfort when you need it is not laziness. In an age of self-care and mental health advocacy, it is important to realize that you do not always need to be leaving your comfort zone. Sometimes, you want to be in a familiar place where you can reset.

Yes, you should try new things and challenge yourself. Sometimes, you have no choice but to partake in social events, whether they be work-related, familial, or purely for experience.

That being said, everyone should have places and times of comfort. Putting your mind and body first is crucial to your well-being. You are not lazy for staying in on a Friday night. You are resetting so that the next time you do something, you are clear-headed and ready to go. Finding a healthy balance between trying new things and being comfortable is key. Don’t want to go out Friday night? That is okay! Maybe Saturday night. Don’t want to go out at all this weekend? Totally cool! Maybe next weekend.

Put yourself first. Have fun and experience life head-on, but never feel guilty in wanting to resort to places and times of comfort. After all, that is what they are there for.