Nervous Before a Date? That’s Actually a Good Thing!

Did you know it’s good to be a little stressed? Why? The answer lies in the Yerkes-Dodson Law, which tells us that when our stress levels increase, so do our performance levels.

Think of it this way: The nerves you feel before a date? That’s your brain optimizing performance—helping you stay alert, engaged, and in the moment. Without that little push of stress, you might not take action at all!

We all construct cozy psychological, emotional, and behavioral comfort zones that protect us from anxiety and stress. However, staying too long in these zones means we're missing out on valuable experiences, and when changes do arrive, we’ll have difficulty transitioning or making changes.

Bad Idea Dating is an experience-driven social event designed to help people break free from predictable dating norms and take fun, low-pressure risks in a supportive environment.

At Bad Idea Dating, you’ll receive support and encouragement—not judgment or ridicule. This is a space where you can grow while forming meaningful connections through unforgettable experiences.

Here are some of the benefits of stepping out of your comfort zone and attending a Bad Idea Dating experience:

Taking risks results in growth: There is no such thing as ‘failure’ if you gain something from the experience.

You’ll boost your self-confidence: Your confidence naturally grows when you challenge yourself and follow through. Plus, every goal you achieve inspires you to set new ones!

You’ll expand your world: You’ll learn new things, meet new people, and increase your awareness of the world – meaning you might find new areas of interest and understand how you fit in the world.

You’re giving yourself self-agency: You’ll gain control over how you want your life to look.

Check out Psychology Today and Harvard University’s Continuing Education Blog for more benefits of stepping out of your comfort zone.

Lastly, it’s important to remember that too much stress leads to unproductivity and can cause you to freeze up. That’s why we promote a safe, non-judgmental place to step out of your comfort zone and grow your world. So, are you ready to step out of your comfort zone and take a fun risk? Come to Games, Camera, Action, and see what’s waiting for you on the other side of ‘safe’!