People

We pay a lot of attention to a flexible body; we do yoga, stretching exercises ...
But do we also pay attention to a flexible mind? Yet a flexible mind would help us become mentally and emotionally stronger, more creative and resilient.

Mental flexibility can do a lot for us! The routines we have built up with aging can also limit us. So make work of a more flexible mind that absorbs new information more easily, adapts more quickly to change and finds creative solutions to everyday challenges.

What is mental flexibility?
Mental flexibility is the ability to adapt your thinking, to look at things from a different angle and to let go of patterns (that no longer work).
When we work on a more flexible brain, we give ourselves the space to look at each situation in a fresh way and find solutions that we previously thought were unattainable.

How do I get started?
There are simple ways to “stretch” your mind a little more each day, to make your brain more flexible.

Step 1: Small changes, big impact
Start by doing one thing different from what you are used to each day. This is how you break routine. For example, take a different route on your daily walk. Or choose a different place at the table. By making small changes, you challenge your brain to think in a different way. Also, it helps to reduce the “rigidity” in your thinking.
Step 2: Challenge yourself not to do something
Take the opposite approach by deliberately not doing what you normally do.
For example, you might choose not to make your bed right when you get up or not to step straight to that coffee machine.
This way, you learn what it feels like to let go a little more and experience that you can function perfectly well without fixed structures.
Step 3: Change your environment
Changes in your environment stimulate your brain to think differently.
For example, drink your coffee in a different place or go for a walk in a different environment. Movement remains a powerful ally here and also provides a mental boost. It opens your eyes to new ideas and helps you see things in perspective.
Step 4: Learn something new
Start thinking “out of the box” by starting a new hobby, for example. Literally open your mind to new possibilities. Learn a new language, play a (different) instrument, take a dance course ... This requires concentration, patience and stimulates new connections in your brain.
Step 5: Dare to review your thoughts
Periodically question your thoughts and give yourself space to explore an alternative perspective. We must dare to question our ideas of what “should” or “ought” to be. Does everything we do have to be done that way? Do we really have to do everything perfectly? Is this the only way to handle this situation? ...

Start today by making your brain flexible!

By “stretching” your mind, you become more creative, resilient, confident and learn to better handle change. You break free from the fear that everything will go exactly as planned. By making small changes (or adjustments) every day, you build a flexible mindset step by step. You give yourself the freedom to look at life with an open mind, embrace new experiences and expand your frames of mind. And that is a great gift to yourself!

(SR for Tagtik/Source: SeniorenNet/Illustration picture: Unsplash)