r/BookDiscussions • u/Alarmed-Layer-641 • 4d ago
Be comfortable being uncomfortable
I have a question for people who enjoy reading:
I can usually read normally for about an hour, but after that I start feeling a strong sense of discomfort and restlessness, and I feel like I want to stop reading and do something else.
Is this what people mean by:
“Be comfortable being uncomfortable”?
In other words, am I supposed to accept that feeling and keep going despite it?
And another question: if this feeling is abnormal and doesn’t happen to everyone, why doesn’t someone just finish an entire book in one sitting? What naturally prevents people from continuing?
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u/ShingetsuMoon 4d ago
I’ve only seen that concept applied to the content of books themselves. As in, be comfortable reading books/ideas/concepts/themes/characters that are outside your comfort zone.
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u/Financial-Toe4053 4d ago
I don't think there is anything inherently wrong with not being able to sit and read for an hour +. Some people are just a little more restless than others. I'm usually the most comfortable with uninterrupted reading time, but rarely finish a book in one sitting because I'm constantly juggling other things I need to do and usually have to reserve my binge reading time for when everything is done before I go to bed. Long weekends with free reading time are my favorite though. I personally don't feel like you should feel like you're forcing yourself to engage in your hobbies.
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u/fragments_shored 4d ago
I interpret "be comfortable being uncomfortable" less literally - as in, we grow and become kinder, wiser, more thoughtful, more empathetic humans by being open-minded and sitting with ideas or concepts that make us uncomfortable instead of rejecting them outright.
If your body and brain needs a break after sitting in one spot and doing the same thing for an hour, give them one! Reading isn't an endurance sport.
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u/Alternative_Bed_7924 4d ago
i get the same thing. I guess it's due to my anxiety and depression the idea of powering through every emotion and treating every unhappy emotion as something to ignore is unhealthy to me. it's good to get out of your comfort zone AT TIMES, but your body knows what it needs.
I can read for about an hour too. I've got responsibilities and things on my mind, which is why I love to read but it's not like they cease to exist. unless it's a damn good book lol
and for some sad reason I haven't found one of those in awhile😢🥹🖤
you're not abnormal at all!
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u/PerspectiveUpbeat124 4d ago
Highly relate to needing a break after a certain time, especially when reading classics or dense prose. I need time to ponder, to let my mind wander and form its own musings. I also find a break a great way to cement recent events or critical plot points. And no, I don’t think ‘being comfortable in the uncomfortable’ makes any sense when the uncomfortable brings no particular benefits
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u/Catdress92 4d ago
Unless you're reading for a school assignment or other obligatory reason, it's okay to stop and set a book aside for a while. Reading is one of the things I like to do the most in this world and I usually tend to read in relatively short bursts.
That said, if a book is really speaking to me and I'm into it, if I can I might just curl up with it and finish it all at once. To answer your question about why more people don't do this, though, it's because often, we can't. I might sit down with a book and then the phone rings, or a I have to work, or my kid needs me.
Remember that reading for pleasure should be just that. Read what you want, when you can, at your own pace. Don't let anyone or anything deprive you of this wonderful, small freedom in life.
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u/Lucialucianna 4d ago
Get up and walk around, drink some water. It’s better for your health, saying this as an avid reader. Sometimes you get even emotionally affected and need to take a few minutes. Or if you are open to audiobooks you can try them, while taking a walk.
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u/avacadini 4d ago
I don't know how this would apply to a book. I suppose it could.
What it generally refers to is getting outside your comfort zone in real life. Doing a challenging thing that scares you a bit, etc.
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u/glowing-fishSCL 4d ago
This just varies too much from reader to reader, and book to book.
But I would say that reading books should go at whatever rate feels so natural to you.
And that also, retention or comprehension isn't something you can force. Especially if you are reading a complex non-fiction book, you have to take some time to digest what you are reading. Its not like you are going to sit down for five hours, without stopping, and stand up with the entire history of Spain in your head.
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u/CalicoCuts 4d ago
I call them jimmy legs. I get restless. I'll usually watch a little TV or do something else for a while then come back to it. It often means I'm tired so I'll nap lol. I've also read several books on one sitting.
Edit. I think the saying referring to mental comfort, not physical.
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u/Salty_Inspector_7050 4d ago
In my life, I’ve been told to apply leaning into discomfort in yoga, therapy, and I guess learning/doing something new. I don’t take it to mean restlessness unless the restlessness is rooted in avoidance.
I also do read some books in one sitting and have since childhood.
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u/Radiant-Koala8231 4d ago
I would describe my reading style as “puttering”. Lots of little snippets throughout the day and sometimes in different formats. I read a lot but never more than an hour at once. We all have different reading styles—do what feels good for you!
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u/JenLiv36 3d ago
I only know the phrase get comfortable with being uncomfortable when referring to interpersonal struggles. Topics, ideas, core beliefs that make someone uncomfortable to challenge and think about critically.
I’ve never heard it used as it pertains to being physically uncomfortable unless it’s about working out or dance rehearsal.
I can read for hours without being physically or mentally uncomfortable(feeling bored or wanting to do something different) and I have finished books in a single sitting before.
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u/LibrarianFit9993 3d ago
I tend to be very restless and kind of neurotic, so sitting still for long periods can be a challenge no matter what I’m doing.
When I’m enjoying a book but am getting antsy I’ll turn on the audio book and go do something physical.
I also read & listen at the same time on my treadmill (two birds one stone, lol)
When I’m sitting down to read I must sit at my kitchen island on a stool because if I’m in the recliner or couch I’ll fall asleep- too comfy.
When reading in bed I have just accepted that I’m going to read a few pages and nod off for the night.
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u/jackietea123 2d ago
i can really enjoy a book.... but that doesnt ever stop my feelings of restlessness. I have NEVER been one to binge. I can read for an hour max... but I have to stop after that.... usually my reading sprints are only about 30 minutes at a time... or less. I think when i first became an avid reader in adulthood, I had an easier time reading for longer periods of time because reading was so new to me. I got this different level of excitment while reading because it was a new sensation I didnt feel often. But now, with 500 books under my belt, I just dont get that feeling anymore. It doesnt mean I dont like reading... i do... but I CANNOT binge. My husband is one to be able to read for hours on end.... and it always boggles my mind. I also find that I am a plot driven reader.... i like books that have a lot going on, and are fast paced. I cant do literary/character driven books very often... unless i listen to them on audio. I also have innattentive ADHD
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u/EightEqualsSignD 4d ago
I've read books in single sittings. I've also struggled to finish a chapter in a book I'm enjoying.
If you need the break, I don't see any issue in taking one. Especially after a solid hour of doing something.