The Lasting Benefits of Getting Comfortable With Discomfort

Life can be uncomfortable at the best of times, but moving past the pain can pay unexpected dividends

Facing a major physical challenge forces the body to tap into otherwise rarely used reserves. everst/Shutterstock

I woke in a tent, a bit disoriented, and my attention immediately fixated on my feet. It was the morning of day two of what was to be a four-day, 43-mile hike through Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Three friends and I had carefully planned the journey. We had enough food, clothing, tents, and supplies to get us through. We had the means to filter the Lake Superior water we’d need to stay hydrated.