Comfort as a Compass: Listening to What Your Body and Mind Are Asking For
- Irena Moore
- Apr 17
- 3 min read
Join me in a quick word association. Read the words from the list below and without much thought, what word(s) come to mind:
Summer
Sibling
Candle
Freedom
Peace
Feather
You might have come up with words such as beach, waves, lavender, or bird, just to name a few. But what about the word "COMFORT"? What comes to mind when you see that word? Life tends to have many challenges and with that comes pain and discomfort. Living in that state can truly be brutal. The need for comfort is a universal human experience that spans all stages of life. However, what brings comfort varies from person to person, as it is shaped by individual experiences and influenced by one’s physical, emotional, mental, social, and physiological state at any given time.
Two researchers, Vink and Hallbeck, defined comfort as “a pleasant state or relaxed feeling of a human being in reaction to its environment” and discomfort as “an unpleasant state of the human body in reaction to its physical environment.” So, in moments of discomfort, we have the power to be proactive and do something that will make us feel more comfortable. Now, this isn’t to say we should avoid all things that make us uncomfortable because, honestly, going through discomfort is usually where the healing happens. I’m saying we don’t have to stay in the discomfort forever because, as with working out, a little discomfort when stretching, lifting, or doing a specific exercise is okay but a lot can lead to injury and pain, and THAT we surely don’t want.
Below are six types of comfort, signs you may need it, and examples of what you can do to achieve it:
1. Physical Comfort
Examples: Cozy blankets, warm baths, soft lighting, comfortable clothes.
Signs You Need It:
You feel physically tense, restless, or exhausted.
You crave warmth, rest, or a sense of safety in your body.
You find yourself sighing or saying, “I just want to relax.”
2. Emotional Comfort
Examples: A heartfelt conversation, crying, journaling, being held or hugged.
Signs You Need It:
You feel overwhelmed, sad, lonely, or emotionally drained.
You want to talk to someone who “gets it.”
You’re looking for reassurance, empathy, or just to be heard.
3. Mental & Creative Comfort
Examples: Mindfulness practices, crafting, engaging in hobbies, distraction through a good book or movie.
Signs You Need It:
Your thoughts are racing or looping.
You feel mentally cluttered or anxious.
You want clarity, focus, or mental peace.
4. Spiritual Comfort
Examples: Prayer, meditation, time in nature, reflection, spiritual readings.
Signs You Need It:
You feel disconnected from yourself, others, or something greater.
You’re asking big questions like “What’s the point?”
You crave meaning, alignment, or inner peace.
Don't forget to meditate! Mind-body wellness!
5. Social Comfort
Examples: Time with friends or a pet, group activities, support groups, charity/volunteer work.
Signs You Need It:
You feel isolated, disconnected, or misunderstood.
You long for belonging, laughter, or shared energy.
You’ve been avoiding people but miss connection.
6. Sensory Comfort
Examples: Calming music, aromatherapy, textures, lighting, engaging in gentle movement.
Signs You Need It:
You feel overstimulated or under-stimulated.
You’re agitated for no obvious reason.
You feel better with soothing sights, sounds, or smells.
Want a downloadable worksheet with check-in questions and a journal prompt to help identify which type you need in the moment?
Click here and download it for FREE!
Anjani, S., Kühne, M., Naddeo, A., Frohriep, S., Mansfield, N., Song, Y., & Vink, P. (2021). PCQ: Preferred Comfort Questionnaires for product design. Work: Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation, 68(Suppl 1), S19–S28. https://doi-org.middlesexcc.idm.oclc.org/10.3233/WOR-208002
Vink P, Hallbeck S. Editorial: Comfort and discomfort studies demonstrate the need for a new model. Appl Ergon [Internet]. 2012;43(2):271-6. Available from: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003687011000743
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